Category Archives: Epidemiology
What data are available on the extent of illicit drug use and dependence globally? Results of four systematic reviews
BACKGROUND: We systematically reviewed availability and quality of data on the prevalence of use and dependence on meth/amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and opioids. METHODS: Multiple search strategies: (a) peer-reviewed literature searches...
What is the relevance of mental health to HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs in developing countries? A systematic review
The expansion of AIDS treatment initiatives in resource-poor settings provides an opportunity for integrating mental health care into these programs. This systematic review of the literature on HIV and mental...
Evaluating HIV/AIDS disparities for blacks in the United States: A review of antiretroviral and mortality studies
The purpose of this systematic review was to identify studies that evaluated HIV/AIDS disparities by examining differences in the receipt of antiretroviral therapy and differences in mortality between blacks and...
Nutritional interventions for reducing morbidity and mortality in people with HIV
Background: Adequate nutrition is important for optimal immune and metabolic function. Dietary support may, therefore, improve clinical outcomes in HIV-infected individuals by reducing the incidence of HIV-associated complications and attenuating...
Estimating HIV prevalence and risk behaviors of transgender persons in the United States: A systematic review
Transgender populations in the United States have been impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This systematic review estimates the prevalence of HIV infection and risk behaviors of transgender persons. Comprehensive searches...
HIV incidence estimation using the BED capture enzyme immunoassay: Systematic review and sensitivity analysis
BACKGROUND: HIV incidence estimates are essential for understanding the evolution of the HIV epidemic and the impact of interventions. Tests for recent HIV infection allow incidence estimation based on a...
Decline in HIV prevalence among young women in Zambia: National-level estimates of trends mask geographical and socio-demographic differences
A decline in HIV incidence has been reported in Zambia and a number of other sub-Saharan countries. The trend of HIV prevalence among young people is a good marker of...
What is the potential for bisexual men in China to act as a bridge of HIV transmission to the female population? Behavioural evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Background: HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China has rapidly increased in recent years. It is suggested that MSM could be a potential bridge of...
Social science research on HIV in Vietnam: A critical review and future directions
Social science research can enhance the response to Vietnam’s growing HIV epidemic by capturing the country’s rapidly changing social and political context. The present paper reviews the published, peer-reviewed and...
Impact of parent-child communication interventions on sex behaviors and cognitive outcomes for black/African-American and Hispanic/Latino youth: A systematic review, 1988-2012
PURPOSE: We reviewed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI)- behavioral interventions implemented with disproportionately affected black/African-American and Hispanic/Latino youth and designed to improve parent-child communications about sex....
