IMPACT OF ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT ON SEXUAL FUNCTION OF HIV-INFECTED WOMEN

Objective: To describe the sexual function in a group of women with HIV on antiretroviral treatment. To assess whether there is a difference between those treated with Non-nucleoside Inhibitors of he Reverse Transcriptase (NNRTI) and those receiving protease inhibitors (PIs). Material and methods: Descriptive, transversal study. Study sample: 92 women with HIV on antiretroviral therapy who are assisted in the Central Institute of Integral Assistance and Clinical Research (CAICI). Instrument: They completed a survey consisting of questions about demographic characteristics, HIV, and The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Statistical analysis: ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, logistic regression and Cronbach's alpha. Results: Average age was 42 +/- 10 years; 65% had a steady partner, of which 73% were sero-discordant. Most patients (45.7%) had been on antiretroviral treatment for more than two years, with a mean CD4 greater than 500 cells/ml and 90% with undetectable plasma viral load. Other illnesses were present in 64.1%, and 55.4% were taking concomitant medication. Sexual activity after HIV diagnosis was continued by 27.2%, while 26.1% never resumed it. The total score achieved by the FSFI was 20.4 +/- 10.1 among those treated with IP and 20.0 +/- 10.6 among those treated with NNRTI (p < 0.005). Conclusions: The score in the present sample supports the existence of sexual dysfunction. There was no statistically significant difference in the sexual function of women treated with either PI or NNRTI.