Women living with HIV: identifying and managing their menopause, age-related, and psychosocial health needs in a metropolitan sexual health service in Sydney, Australia

Abstract

Background

Aging women living with HIV are significantly affected by menopause and comorbidities, yet international and Australian HIV guidance on the management of women is scarce. This study aimed to identify gaps in clinical management of menopause, age-related comorbidities, and psychosocial health of women living with HIV attending our metropolitan sexual health service.

Methods

A clinical audit of all cisgender women who attended Sydney Local Health District Department of Sexual Health Medicine for ongoing routine HIV care between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2023 was undertaken.

Results

Twenty-seven patient files were examined. Half (13/27, 48.1%) of women were age 45 years and older, of whom 6/13 (46.2%) were postmenopausal and 4/13 (30.8%) did not have menopause status recorded. In the prior 12 months, most women had their blood pressure (19/27, 70.4%), total cholesterol (21/27, 77.8%), glycated haemoglobin (21/27, 77.8%), estimated glomerular filtration rate (27/27, 96.3%), and liver function tests (26/27, 96.3%) measured. Smoking and alcohol intake was documented for less than half of women (13/27, 48.1%; and 12/27, 44.4%; respectively). In women aged 45 years and older, absolute cardiovascular disease risk was calculated in 2/13 (15.4%), and none had a Fracture Risk Assessment Tool score or cognitive screen performed in the prior 12 months. One-fifth (5/27, 18.5%) had a documented history of depression or anxiety. Of those screened, half (4/8, 50.0%) disclosed past intimate partner violence.

Conclusions

Our service has now implemented a reference tool to guide routine monitoring of women living with HIV, with sections dedicated to reproductive health and psychological wellbeing. Australian HIV management guidelines would benefit from specific guidance for women.