(1265) Sex Differences in Chronic Sinusitis Rates Among Hispanic/Latino Adults: Insight From the HCHS/SOL

Introduction: Chronic Sinusitis (CS) is a common and costly sinonasal inflammatory disease. Understanding sex differences in CS prevalence among Hispanics/Latinos, the fastest-growing group in the United States, will help optimize interventions. This study examines the association between sex (male/female) with CS prevalence, overall and by age group, using data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

Methods: Baseline (2008-2011) data from 16,116 HCHS/SOL participants aged 18-74 at 4 field centers (Bronx, Chicago, Miami, San Diego) were analyzed. Presence of CS was identified from self-reported responses to the question “Do you have chronic sinusitis?” Cross-sectional data was used for bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses, accounting for complex survey design and adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are reported.

Results: Among 16,116 persons (40.1% males, 59.9% females), self-reported CS prevalence was 9.1%. After controlling for covariates, females were more likely to have CS (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.01-1.50). When stratified further by age, CS prevalence increased with age in both sexes, peaking at 55-64 (14% vs. 9%), with higher prevalence in females. In older adults (65-74), CS prevalence declined to 12.7% in females, but increased to 14.4% in males, a reversal of predominance.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate sex-based differences in CS prevalence among Hispanic/Latino adults, with higher overall prevalence and adjusted odds of disease in females, especially during middle age. This trend was reversed in older age suggesting hormonal changes with aging may influence CS susceptibility.