Gender-related differences in the spectrum of HIV disease in the Bayamón area, Puerto Rico.

We compare prevalence (by actual presence or history of condition) rates of selected AIDS-defining conditions across genders in a sample of 1,498 HIV-infected participants who visited our health service facilities between mid 1992 and early 1996. The comparisons were performed globally (considering all subjects) and on a subsample of participants whose most probable mode of infection with HIV was through (self-reported) use of injecting drugs. Global analysis revealed no significant differences across genders for any of the conditions considered; the most prevalent condition being Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Subsample-specific analysis (injecting drug users), however, revealed that women from this subgroup were likelier to have (present or by history) at least one AIDS-defining condition; they were also significantly likelier to specifically report candidiasis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.