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Gender difference in the incidence of shingles
D M Fleming1, K W Cross, W A Cobb
1Birmingham Research Unit of the Royal College of General Practitioners, 54 Lordswood Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9DB, UK.
Epidemiology and Infection
|February 26, 2004
Summary
Women experience higher shingles incidence than men across most age groups, with notable risk increases in those aged 45-64 and 0-14 years. This gender disparity in shingles (herpes zoster) was consistent over an 8-year period.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Shingles (herpes zoster) is a common viral infection with potential for significant morbidity.
- Understanding age- and gender-specific incidence patterns is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify age- and gender-specific incidence rates of shingles.
- To compare shingles incidence with that of chickenpox and herpes simplex across different age and gender groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of incident shingles cases from a large sentinel practice network (1994-2001).
- Calculation of relative risk (female to male) for shingles incidence by age group.
- Examination of incidence rates for chickenpox and herpes simplex for comparison.
Main Results:
- Shingles incidence was higher in females across most age groups, with relative risks (female to male) peaking in the 45-64 and 0-14 years age brackets.
- A consistent female excess in shingles incidence (average 28% annually) was observed over the 8-year study period.
- Chickenpox showed no gender difference except in 15-24 year olds, while herpes simplex had a female excess in all age groups.
Conclusions:
- Females exhibit a higher incidence of shingles compared to males, particularly in specific age demographics.
- The observed gender disparity in shingles incidence warrants further investigation into underlying biological or behavioral factors.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies considering gender-specific risks for shingles.
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