Category Archives: Epidemiology
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and its associated factors in Ethiopia: A recent systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease and is a growing concern in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. Different studies have been...
Better together?: A systematic review of he effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions that build or strengthen social ties
Although social relationships impact health and social dynamics play a key role in shaping HIV vulnerability, results from intentional efforts to build or strengthen social relationships have not been synthesized...
Characterizing the HIV care continuum among children and adolescents with HIV in eastern and southern Africa in the era of “Universal Test and Treat”: A systematic review and meta-analysis
INTRODUCTION: The “Universal Test and Treat” (UTT) era for antiretroviral therapy (ART) increased HIV service delivery to children and adolescents aged 0-19 with HIV. The goal is to reach %95%...
Free antiretrovirals as a key tool against the HIV pandemic: A systematic review
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs remains a critical challenge in achieving the WHO/UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with medication costs representing a substantial barrier. This systematic review evaluates the effect of...
Prevalence of common mental disorders and sleep disorder among adolescents and young adults with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Objective Adolescents and young adults (AYA) with HIV are a population at high risk of experiencing mental issues and sleep disorder. We aim to summarise the global prevalence and risks...
Prevalence of oral human papillomavirus infection in African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta-analysis aimed to provide pooled overall prevalence estimates of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Africa. A literature search for cross-sectional studies was conducted until January 2025. The Newcastle-Ottawa...
Measuring mobility in HIV research in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
INTRODUCTION: Mobility-from overnight travel to permanent migration-can reduce service access and increase HIV risk, driving the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review described mobility measures used in HIV...
Machine learning for personalized risk assessment of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Machine learning (ML) shows promise for sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk prediction, but systematic evidence of its effectiveness remains fragmented. Methods We systematically searched six electronic databases, three preprint...
Prevalence of and risk factors for suicidal ideation among perinatal women with HIV infection: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
Background The prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI) among HIV-positive pregnant women is a complex issue influenced by multiple risk factors. By addressing these risk factors and focusing on vulnerable regions,...
Meta-analysis of TB & HIV co-infection mortality rate in sub-Saharan African children, youth, and adolescents
Background Despite the effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in reducing morbidity and mortality, children and adolescents with co-infections face an elevated risk of death due to their young age and...
Worldwide epidemiology of Cyclospora cayetanensis in HIV/AIDS patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Cyclospora cayetanensis is a coccidian protozoan parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of C. cayetanensis in...
