Sex Differences in HIV Outcomes Highlighted in New Research Findings

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in AIDS Research and Treatment has shed light on the sex differences in HIV outcomes, specifically in the context of treatment acceptability, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and symptom burden among people living with HIV (PLWH). The research, conducted by a team of experts from Aix-Marseille University, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), and other institutions, examined the outcomes of PLWH switching from multiple antiretroviral therapy to oral dual therapy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that socioeconomic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors, beyond biological and hormonal factors, drive sex differences in HIV outcomes.
  • Women demonstrated higher treatment discontinuation rates (15%) compared to men (5%), with no virologic failures reported.
  • Over time, all participants showed improvements in symptom burden, treatment-related HRQL, mental/cognitive HRQL, and treatment acceptability.
  • However, women consistently demonstrated worse cognitive and mental HRQL scores compared to men, with a mean difference of -7 points.
  • Enhanced patient-provider communication may help identify HRQL changes, especially among women who face higher treatment discontinuation risk.
  • The study's findings indicate that sex-based differences in HRQL may impact treatment outcomes and decisions.
  • The PROBI study provides valuable insights into the experiences of PLWH and highlights the need for tailored approaches to improve treatment adherence and HRQL.

Statistics:

  • 35% of participants were women, with a mean age of 51 ± 12 years.
  • Compared to men, women were more frequently born in sub-Saharan Africa (46% vs. 12%), had lower educational attainment (20% vs. 41% with university degrees), and higher rates of obesity (29% vs. 9% with BMI 30).
  • All participants showed improvements in symptom burden (-2 points), treatment-related HRQL (+5 points), mental/cognitive HRQL (+4 points), and treatment acceptability (+6 points).
  • Women demonstrated a mean difference of -7 points in cognitive and mental HRQL scores compared to men.

Sources:

  • Marcellin F, et al. "Sex Differences in Patient-Reported Outcomes Among People Living With HIV Switching to an Oral Dual Therapy: Results From the PROBI Study." AIDS Research and Treatment, vol. 2025, 2025, pp. 1-9. doi: 10.1155/2025/1850783.
  • NewsRx. "New HIV/AIDS Study Findings Have Been Reported by Researchers at Aix-Marseille University." AIDS Weekly, 27 Oct. 2025, p. 76.