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Heidari S, Bachelet VC. Sex and gender analysis for better science and health equity. Lancet 2018; 392:1500-1502. [PMID: 30496046 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)32619-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Heidari
- Global Health Center, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Gendro, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Vivienne C Bachelet
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
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Giles ML, Zapata MC, Wright ST, Petoumenos K, Grotowski M, Broom J, Law MG, O'Connor CC. How do outcomes compare between women and men living with HIV in Australia? An observational study. Sex Health 2018; 13:155-61. [PMID: 26827052 DOI: 10.1071/sh15124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Background Gender differences vary across geographical settings and are poorly reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate demographics and clinical characteristics of participants from the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD), and to explore any differences between females and males in the rate of new clinical outcomes, as well as initial immunological and virological response to antiretroviral therapy. METHODS Time to a new clinical end-point, all-cause mortality and/or AIDS illness was analysed using standard survival methods. Univariate and covariate adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the time to plasma viral load suppression in all patients that initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) and time to switching from a first-line ART to a second-line ART regimen. RESULTS There was no significant difference between females and males for the hazard of all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio: 0.98 (0.51, 1.55), P=0.67], new AIDS illness [adjusted hazard ratio: 0.75 (0.38, 1.48), P=0.41] or a composite end-point [adjusted hazard ratio: 0.74 (0.45, 1.21), P=0.23]. Incident rates of all-cause mortality were similar between females and males; 1.14 (0.61, 1.95) vs 1.28 (1.12, 1.45) per 100 person years. Virological response to ART was similar for females and males when measured as time to viral suppression and/or time to virological failure. CONCLUSION This study supports current Australian HIV clinical care as providing equivalent standards of care for male and female HIV-positive patients. Future studies should compare ART-associated toxicity differences between ART-associated toxicity differences between men and women living with HIV in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Giles
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - Marin C Zapata
- RPA Sexual Health, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Stephen T Wright
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kathy Petoumenos
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | | | - Jennifer Broom
- Department of Medicine, Nambour Hospital, Nambour, Qld 4560, Australia
| | - Matthew G Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Leyva-Moral JM, Palmieri PA, Feijoo-Cid M, Cesario SK, Membrillo-Pillpe NJ, Piscoya-Angeles PN, Goff M, Toledo-Chavarri A, Edwards JE. Reproductive decision-making in women living with human immunodeficiency virus: A systematic review. Int J Nurs Stud 2017; 77:207-221. [PMID: 29112908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Analyze and synthesize the research evidence to understand the reproductive decisions made by women living with HIV from the beginning of the epidemic to the present. Evaluate the barriers and the facilitators for reproductive decision-making. Identify areas of strength, improvement, and those requiring further research. DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES Systematic review following the PRISMA guideline. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, SocINDEX, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched from 1985 to 2016 using the following Keywords: HIV, AIDS, pregnancy, reproduction, and decision-making. STUDY SELECTION A total of 42 research papers were included in this review. Initially, 1563 papers were identified for the review by database (n=1544) and hand (n=19) searches. With three review levels, 1521 papers were excluded (title review, n=1272; abstract review, n=136; and full paper review, n=113). Studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals using both quantitative and qualitative methods and addressing reproductive decisions in women living with HIV were included. Thirdly, inclusion eligibility was assessed by title, abstract, and full text. REVIEW METHODS Random allocation conducted by the primary researcher assigned an equal number of papers to each researcher for review, including detailed instructions with an abstraction form. Discrepancies were resolved by two researchers. Research quality was assessed using the NCHBL Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies, the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for the qualitative studies and its version for systematic reviews RESULTS: The review included 42 papers, both quantitative (n=24) and qualitative methods (n=14). Most studies were completed by physicians (n=16) or nurses (n=15). More than two-thirds of the studies were performed in urban settings with predominantly African-American women (n=27). Eight factors were identified as influencing the reproductive decision-making process in women living with HIV: 'Socio-demographic, Health status and Pregnancy', 'Religion and spirituality', 'Beliefs and Attitudes about Antiretroviral Therapy', 'Healthcare providers', 'Significant others', 'Motherhood and fulfillment', 'Fear of perinatal infection and infection of partner(s)', 'Birth control and pregnancy management'. CONCLUSIONS Health care providers are not providing patient-centered care by applying scientific evidence to their practice when advising women with HIV in making reproductive decisions. Despite the strong evidence indicating pregnancy for women with HIV results in a safe birthing trajectory, one not likely to jeopardize the health of the either the mother or fetus, providers continue to recommend the women with HIV avoid pregnancy and neglect to invite partners to participate in the discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Leyva-Moral
- Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Department of Nursing. Faculty of Medicine. Avda. Can Domenech, Building M. Office M3/211, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Patrick A Palmieri
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada Norbert Wiener. Jr. Larrabure y Unanue 110 Urb. Santa Beatriz, Lima, Perú; College of Graduate Health Studies, A.T. Still University (Mesa, Arizona, USA).
| | - María Feijoo-Cid
- Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Department of Nursing. Faculty of Medicine. Avda. Can Domenech, Building M. Office M3/211, 08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sandra K Cesario
- College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, 6700 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | | | | | - Marilyn Goff
- Texas Woman's University (Houston Campus). 6700 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | - Ana Toledo-Chavarri
- Canary Islands Foundation of Health Research and the Center for Biomedical Research of the Canary Islands. Facultad de Medicina - Universidad de La Laguna San Cristobal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife 38071, España.
| | - Joan E Edwards
- College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, 6700 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, United States.
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Jespersen S, Hønge BL, Esbjörnsson J, Medina C, da Silva Té D, Correira FG, Laursen AL, Østergaard L, Andersen A, Aaby P, Erikstrup C, Wejse C. Differential effects of sex in a West African cohort of HIV-1, HIV-2 and HIV-1/2 dually infected patients: men are worse off. Trop Med Int Health 2015; 21:253-62. [PMID: 26616349 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Several studies have reported conflicting effects of sex on HIV-1 infection. We describe differences in baseline characteristics and assess the impact of sex on HIV progression among patients at a clinic with many HIV-2 and HIV-1/2 dually infected patients. METHODS This study utilised a retrospective cohort of treatment-naïve adults at the largest HIV clinic in Guinea-Bissau from 6 June 2005 to 1 December 2013. Baseline characteristics were assessed and the patients followed until death, transfer, loss to follow-up, or 1 June 2014. We estimated the time from the first clinic visit until initiation of ART, death or loss to follow-up using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS A total of 5694 patients were included in the study, 3702 women (65%) and 1992 men (35%). Women were more likely than men to be infected with HIV-2 (19% vs. 15%, P < 0.01) or dually infected with HIV-1/2 (11% vs. 9%, P = 0.02). For all HIV types, women were younger (median 35 vs. 40 years), less likely to have schooling (55% vs. 77%) or to be married (46% vs. 67%), and had higher baseline CD4 cell counts (median 214 vs. 178 cells/μl). Men had a higher age-adjusted mortality rate (hazard rate ratio (HRR) 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.52) and were more often lost to follow-up (HRR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17-1.39). CONCLUSION Significant differences exist between HIV-infected men and women regardless of HIV type. Men seek treatment at a later stage and, despite better socio-economic status, have higher mortality and loss to follow-up than women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Jespersen
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bo Langhoff Hønge
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Joakim Esbjörnsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Section of Molecular Virology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Candida Medina
- National HIV Programme, Ministry of Health, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | | | | | - Alex Lund Laursen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Østergaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Peter Aaby
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Wejse
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,GloHAU, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Doull M, Welch V, Puil L, Runnels V, Coen SE, Shea B, O’Neill J, Borkhoff C, Tudiver S, Boscoe M. Development and evaluation of 'briefing notes' as a novel knowledge translation tool to aid the implementation of sex/gender analysis in systematic reviews: a pilot study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110786. [PMID: 25372876 PMCID: PMC4220945 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is increasing recognition of sex/gender differences in health and the importance of identifying differential effects of interventions for men and women. Yet, to whom the research evidence does or does not apply, with regard to sex/gender, is often insufficiently answered. This is also true for systematic reviews which synthesize results of primary studies. A lack of analysis and reporting of evidence on sex/gender raises concerns about the applicability of systematic reviews. To bridge this gap, this pilot study aimed to translate knowledge about sex/gender analysis (SGA) into a user-friendly ‘briefing note’ format and evaluate its potential in aiding the implementation of SGA in systematic reviews. Methods Our Sex/Gender Methods Group used an interactive process to translate knowledge about sex/gender into briefing notes, a concise communication tool used by policy and decision makers. The briefing notes were developed in collaboration with three Cochrane Collaboration review groups (HIV/AIDS, Hypertension, and Musculoskeletal) who were also the target knowledge users of the briefing notes. Briefing note development was informed by existing systematic review checklists, literature on sex/gender, in-person and virtual meetings, and consultation with topic experts. Finally, we held a workshop for potential users to evaluate the notes. Results Each briefing note provides tailored guidance on considering sex/gender to reviewers who are planning or conducting systematic reviews and includes the rationale for considering sex/gender, with examples specific to each review group’s focus. Review authors found that the briefing notes provided welcome guidance on implementing SGA that was clear and concise, but also identified conceptual and implementation challenges. Conclusions Sex/gender briefing notes are a promising knowledge translation tool. By encouraging sex/gender analysis and equity considerations in systematic reviews, the briefing notes can assist systematic reviewers in ensuring the applicability of research evidence, with the goal of improved health outcomes for diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Doull
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Vivian Welch
- Bruyere Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lorri Puil
- Therapeutics Initiative, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Vivien Runnels
- Globalization and Health Research Unit, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie E. Coen
- Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beverley Shea
- Bruyere Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer O’Neill
- Centre for Global Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cornelia Borkhoff
- Division of Pediatric Medicine, Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sari Tudiver
- Researcher/Consultant on Gender and Health, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madeline Boscoe
- Reach Community Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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6
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Runnels V, Tudiver S, Doull M, Boscoe M. The challenges of including sex/gender analysis in systematic reviews: a qualitative survey. Syst Rev 2014; 3:33. [PMID: 24720875 PMCID: PMC3990268 DOI: 10.1186/2046-4053-3-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic review methodology includes the rigorous collection, selection, and evaluation of data in order to synthesize the best available evidence for health practice, health technology assessments, and health policy. Despite evidence that sex and gender matter to health outcomes, data and analysis related to sex and gender are frequently absent in systematic reviews, raising concerns about the quality and applicability of reviews. Few studies have focused on challenges to implementing sex/gender analysis within systematic reviews. METHODS A multidisciplinary group of systematic reviewers, methodologists, biomedical and social science researchers, health practitioners, and other health sector professionals completed an open-ended survey prior to a two-day workshop focused on sex/gender, equity, and bias in systematic reviews. Respondents were asked to identify challenging or 'thorny' issues associated with integrating sex and gender in systematic reviews and indicate how they address these in their work. Data were analysed using interpretive description. A summary of the findings was presented and discussed with workshop participants. RESULTS Respondents identified conceptual challenges, such as defining sex and gender, methodological challenges in measuring and analysing sex and gender, challenges related to availability of data and data quality, and practical and policy challenges. No respondents discussed how they addressed these challenges, but all proposed ways to address sex/gender analysis in the future. CONCLUSIONS Respondents identified a wide range of interrelated challenges to implementing sex/gender considerations within systematic reviews. To our knowledge, this paper is the first to identify these challenges from the perspectives of those conducting and using systematic reviews. A framework and methods to integrate sex/gender analysis in systematic reviews are in the early stages of development. A number of priority items and collaborative initiatives to guide systematic reviewers in sex/gender analysis are provided, based on the survey results and subsequent workshop discussions. An emerging 'community of practice' is committed to enhancing the quality and applicability of systematic reviews by integrating considerations of sex/gender into the review process, with the goals of improving health outcomes and ensuring health equity for all persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Runnels
- Globalization and Health Equity Research Unit, Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, 1 Stewart Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Sari Tudiver
- Gender and Health Consultant/Researcher, 161 Northwestern Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 0M1, Canada
| | - Marion Doull
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 414-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Madeline Boscoe
- Reach Community Health Centre, 1145 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3, Canada
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7
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Caring for women living with HIV: gaps in the evidence. J Int AIDS Soc 2013; 16:18509. [PMID: 24088395 PMCID: PMC3789211 DOI: 10.7448/ias.16.1.18509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the management of HIV, women and men generally undergo the same treatment pathway, with gender differences being given limited consideration. This is in spite of accumulating evidence that there are a number of potential differences between women and men which may affect response to treatment, pharmacokinetics, toxicities and coping. There are also notable psychological, behavioural, social and structural factors that may have a unique impact on women living with HIV (WLWH). Despite our increasing knowledge of HIV and advances in treatment, there are significant gaps in the data relating specifically to women. One of the factors contributing to this situation is the under-representation of women in all aspects of HIV clinical research. Furthermore, there are clinical issues unique to women, including gynaecologic and breast diseases, menopause-related factors, contraception and other topics related to women's and sexual health. Methods Using scoping review methodology, articles from the literature from 1980 to 2012 were identified using appropriate MeSH headings reflecting the clinical status of WLWH, particularly in the areas of clinical management, sexual health, emotional wellbeing and treatment access. Titles and abstracts were scanned to determine whether they were relevant to non-reproductive health in WLWH, and papers meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Results This review summarizes our current knowledge of the clinical status of WLWH, particularly in the areas of clinical management, sexual health, emotional wellbeing and treatment access. It suggests that there are a number of gender differences in disease and treatment outcomes, and distinct women-specific issues, such as menopause and co-morbidities, that pose significant challenges to the care of WLWH. Conclusions Based on a review of this evidence, outstanding questions and areas where further studies are required to determine gender differences in the efficacy and safety of treatment and other clinical and psychological issues specifically affecting WLWH have been identified. Well-controlled and adequately powered clinical studies are essential to help provide answers to these questions and to contribute to activities aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of WLWH.
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Webel AR, Cuca Y, Okonsky JG, Asher AK, Kaihura A, Salata RA. The impact of social context on self-management in women living with HIV. Soc Sci Med 2013; 87:147-54. [PMID: 23631790 PMCID: PMC3656470 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
HIV self-management is central to the health of people living with HIV and is comprised of the daily tasks individuals employ to manage their illness. Women living with HIV are confronted with social context vulnerabilities that impede their ability to conduct HIV self-management behaviors, including demanding social roles, poverty, homelessness, decreased social capital, and limited access to health care. We examined the relationship between these vulnerabilities and HIV self-management in a cross-sectional secondary analysis of 260 women living with HIV from two U.S. sites. All social context variables were assessed using validated self-report scales. HIV Self-Management was assessed using the HIV Self-Management Scale that measures daily health practices, HIV social support, and the chronic nature of HIV. Data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive statistics and multivariable regression. Mean age was 46 years and 65% of participants were African-American. Results indicated that social context variables, particularly social capital, significantly predicted all domains of HIV self-management including daily health practices (F = 5.40, adjusted R(2) = 0.27, p < 0.01), HIV social support (F = 4.50, adjusted R(2) = 0.22, p < 0.01), and accepting the chronic nature of HIV (F = 5.57, adjusted R(2) = 0.27, p < 0.01). We found evidence to support the influence of the traditional social roles of mother and employee on the daily health practices and the chronic nature of HIV domains of HIV self-management. Our data support the idea that women's social context influences their HIV self-management behavior. While social context has been previously identified as important, our data provide new evidence on which aspects of social context might be important targets of self-management interventions for women living with HIV. Working to improve social capital and to incorporate social roles into the daily health practices of women living with HIV may improve the health of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R. Webel
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106-4904, USA, Fax: 216-368-3542, Phone: 216-368-3939
| | - Yvette Cuca
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco 3333 California St., Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | - Jennifer G. Okonsky
- Department of Community Health Systems University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing 2 Koret Way Suite #N-505 San Francisco, CA 94143-0608, USA
| | - Alice K. Asher
- Department of Community Health Systems University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing 2 Koret Way Suite #N-505 San Francisco, CA 94143-0608, USA
- Institute for Global Health University of California, San Francisco 50 Beale Street, Suite 1200 San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
| | - Alphoncina Kaihura
- Department of Community Health Systems University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing 2 Koret Way Suite #N-505 San Francisco, CA 94143-0608, USA
| | - Robert A. Salata
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Heidari S, Abdool Karim Q, Auerbach JD, Buitendijk SE, Cahn P, Curno MJ, Hankins C, Katabira E, Kippax S, Marlink R, Marsh J, Marusic A, Nass HM, Montaner J, Pollitzer E, Ruiz-Cantero MT, Sherr L, Sow PS, Squires K, Wainberg MA. Gender-sensitive reporting in medical research. J Int AIDS Soc 2012; 15:11. [PMID: 22400977 PMCID: PMC3313880 DOI: 10.1186/1758-2652-15-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex and gender differences influence the health and wellbeing of men and women. Although studies have drawn attention to observed differences between women and men across diseases, remarkably little research has been pursued to systematically investigate these underlying sex differences. Women continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials, and even in studies in which both men and women participate, systematic analysis of data to identify potential sex-based differences is lacking. Standards for reporting of clinical trials have been established to ensure provision of complete, transparent and critical information. An important step in addressing the gender imbalance would be inclusion of a gender perspective in the next Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guideline revision. Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals, as a set of well-recognized and widely used guidelines for authors and biomedical journals, should similarly emphasize the ethical obligation of authors to present data analyzed by gender as a matter of routine. Journal editors are also promoters of ethical research and adequate standards of reporting, and requirements for inclusion of gender analyses should be integrated into editorial policies as a matter of urgency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Pedro Cahn
- Fundación Huesped, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Catherine Hankins
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elly Katabira
- Department of Research, Makerere Medical School, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Kippax
- Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard Marlink
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joan Marsh
- European Association of Science Editors; Wiley-Blackwell, International House, London, UK
| | - Ana Marusic
- Department of Research in Biomedicine and Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Julio Montaner
- Division of AIDS, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Providence Healthcare, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | | | - Lorraine Sherr
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Papa Salif Sow
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Kathleen Squires
- Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Mark A Wainberg
- McGill University AIDS Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
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10
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Lunny C, Shearer BD, Cruikshank J, Thomas K, Smith A. Women in HIV conference research: trends and content analysis of abstracts presented at 17 HIV/AIDS conferences from 2003 to 2010. Womens Health Issues 2011; 21:407-17. [PMID: 21890378 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2011.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2010] [Revised: 06/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE HIV/AIDS conferences provide an opportunity to review current research from around the world. Conferences are a good gauge of the amount of research conducted on HIV/AIDS and women because papers are disseminated widely and publicly, and can represent published or unpublished material. The objective of this study was to conduct content analysis and data coding to quantify trends in women-specific research in HIV/AIDS abstracts at the International AIDS Conferences (AIDS), the Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR) Conferences, and the Conferences on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) over a 7-year time period. METHODS Abstracts titles and text containing female keywords were retrieved from the AIDS, CAHR, and CROI conferences between 2003 and 2009 and coded according to research category using content analysis. RESULTS Over 34,000 abstracts were searched. A total of 5,221 abstracts related to women (13.7%) were found over 7 years. Women-specific abstracts represented 16.2% (n = 4,245/26,175) at AIDS, 13.7% (n = 257/1,876) at CAHR, and 11.1% (n = 719/6,370) at CROI. The AIDS and CAHR conferences demonstrated a slightly increasing trend in women-specific abstracts over 7 years. In categorical coding, the most prevalent research category was reproductive health, and the most infrequent was policy and program evaluation. CONCLUSION The AIDS conferences showed an increase in women-specific abstracts over time, probably owing to a gender policy implemented in 2008 and a women's research award. The CAHR conference instituted a gender policy in 2011, and the CROI conference should follow suit. Conference abstracts should include breakdown and analysis by gender.
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