HIV infection in women in the United States: status at the Millennium

CONTEXT

During the past decade, knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in women has expanded considerably but may not be easily accessible for use in understanding and prioritizing the clinical needs of HIV-infected women.

OBJECTIVES

To perform a comprehensive review of epidemiologic, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral information about HIV in women, and to recommend an agenda for future activities.

DATA SOURCES

A computerized search, using MEDLINE and AIDSline, of published literature was conducted; journal articles from January 1981 through July 2000 and scientific conference presentations from January 1999 through July 2000 were retrieved and reviewed for content; article reference lists were used to identify additional articles and presentations of interest.

STUDY SELECTION

Data from surveillance and prospective cohort studies with at least 20 HIV-infected women and appropriate comparison groups were preferentially included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Included studies of historical importance and subsequent refined analyses of topics covered therein; these and studies with more current data were given preference. Four studies involving fewer than 20 women were included; 2 studies were of men only.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Women account for an increasing percentage of all acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases, from 6.7% (1819/27 140 cases) in 1986 to 18% (119 810/724 656 cases) in 1999. By the end of 1998, of all newly reported AIDS cases among women, proportionally more were in the South (41%), among black women (61%), and from heterosexual transmission (38%). Of note, increasingly more women have no identified or reported risk, about half or more of whom are estimated to be infected heterosexually. It is estimated that a total of at least 54% of women newly reported with AIDS in 1998 acquired HIV through heterosexual sex, including women in the no identified or reported risk category estimated to have been infected heterosexually, meeting the surveillance heterosexual risk definition. Natural history, progression, survival, and HIV-associated illnesses-except for those of the reproductive tract-thus far appear to be similar in HIV-infected women and men. Although antiretroviral therapy has proven to be highly effective in improving HIV-related morbidity and mortality rates, women may be less likely than men to use these therapies. Drug use, high-risk sex behaviors, depression, and unmet social needs interfere with women's use of available HIV prevention and treatment resources.

CONCLUSIONS

Continued research on HIV pathogenesis and treatment is needed; however, emphasis should also be placed on using existing knowledge to improve the clinical care of women by enhancing use of available services and including greater use of antiretroviral therapy options, treating depression and drug use, facilitating educational efforts, and providing social support for HIV-infected women.