Gender-Specific Determinants of Frailty in Aging People with HIV: Evidence for a Multidimensional Vulnerability Phenotype in Women.

Background: Gender differences in aging among people with HIV (PWH) remain poorly characterized. Women with HIV (WWH) may experience more complex aging trajectories, due to the interplay of biological, clinical, and psychosocial factors. In this context, we aimed to investigate gender-specific determinants of frailty among older people with HIV, with a particular focus on women, to better inform tailored clinical care. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the Over50 Cohort, including PWH aged ≥50 years from two tertiary hospitals in Spain. Participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment across demographic, clinical, functional, cognitive, psychological, and social domains. Gender-stratified multivariable analyses examined frailty (by Fried criteria) and associated factors. Results: Among 588 participants, 139 (23.6%) were cisgender WWH. Despite younger age and better immune status, WWH showed higher prevalence of frailty (17% vs. 9%), musculoskeletal disease (47% vs. 28%), depressive symptoms (45% vs. 30%), sleep disturbances (10% vs. 5%), and cognitive complaints (23% vs. 11%). Men with HIV (MWH) more frequently had cardiovascular (48% vs. 35%) and renal disease (22% vs. 15%). In multivariable models, frailty in WWH was independently associated with musculoskeletal disease (OR 3.85), cognitive impairment (OR 3.21), depressive symptoms (OR 2.67), and malnutrition (OR 2.14). In MWH, frailty was associated with musculoskeletal disease, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, and older age. Conclusions: Frailty exhibits gender-specific patterns: a multidimensional phenotype in WWH versus age-driven in MWH, supporting tailored, gender-responsive care integrating geriatric, mental, and musculoskeletal health.