Higher Mortality for Men vs. Women After Starting ART in Zambia

In a large study of persons initiating ART in Zambia, men had a higher mortality rate then women, particularly if younger, unmarried, from a rural area, and presenting with more advanced disease.

In sub-Saharan Africa, men generally have lower retention in HIV care than women, resulting in higher mortality rates, but the actual difference has not been carefully delineated.

For this study, HIV+ persons ≥18 years old starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 64 health clinics in four Zambian provinces from August 2013 through July 2015 were evaluated using electronic medical records. The study included 49,129 patients (37.2% men). Of the study cohort, 10,217 were lost to follow-up; a random 10% sample of these were intensively traced, which yielded clinical outcome data for 74%). Baseline characteristics differed between men and women (median age, 37 vs. 33 years; median CD4 count, 220 vs. 289 cells/mm³). Mortality estimates were adjust…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Higher Mortality for Men vs. Women After Starting ART in Zambia

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Reviewing Author