Category Archives: Epidemiology
Benefits and risks of rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Objectives: To compare the benefits and risks between Rapid ART and standard/delayed treatment for HIV. Methods: Databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of science were searched from the inception to...
Blood-borne virus testing in emergency departments—A systematic review of seroprevalence, feasibility, acceptability and linkage to care
BACKGROUND: Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emergency departments (EDs) offer a point of contact for groups at increased risk of BBVs who may be less likely...
Dolutegravir monotherapy as maintenance strategy: A meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomized controlled trials
Background Dolutegravir monotherapy (DTG-m) results in virological failure (VF) in some people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). We sought to identify the independent factors associated with the risk of VF...
Prevalence, socio-demographics and service use determinants associated with disclosure of HIV/AIDS status to infected children: A systematic review and meta-analysis by 1985–2021
Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a public health issue of global importance. To our knowledge, no previous meta-analysis documenting the prevalence, socio-demographic, and service use...
Association between online health information-seeking and medication adherence: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background The evidence of the impact of online health information-seeking (OHIS) on health outcomes has been conflicting. OHIS is increasingly recognised as a factor influencing health behaviour but the impact...
Significant association between HIV infection and increased risk of COVID-19 mortality: A meta-analysis based on adjusted effect estimates
To investigate the relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the risk of mortality among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients based on adjusted effect estimate by a quantitative meta-analysis....
Prevalence and determinants of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in people with human immunodeficiency virus in Africa: A systematic review
BACKGROUND: People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at higher risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. We reviewed the literature for the prevalence and determinants of suicidal ideation and...
Viral blood-borne infections testing and linkage to care cascade among persons who experience homelessness in the United States: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Persons who experience homelessness remain at increased risk for three viral blood-borne infections: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). We assessed the...
Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical effectiveness, safety, adherence and risk compensation in all populations
OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the effectiveness and safety of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV. METHODS: Databases (PubMed, Embase...
HIV antiretroviral medication neuropenetrance and neurocognitive outcomes in HIV+ adults: A review of the literature examining the central nervous system penetration effectiveness score
This literature review summarizes the existing research examining the CNS penetration effectiveness (CPE) score and neurocognitive outcomes (i.e., neuropsychological assessment and neurocognitive screening) in HIV+ individuals. Despite the effectiveness of...
Global prevalence and factors related to intimate partner violence amongst people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
Reviews of intimate partner violence (IPV) have primarily focused on women and same-sex relationships, but little is known about the global epidemiology of IPV among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)....
Impact of exercise training on symptoms of depression, physical activity level and social participation in people living with HIV/AIDS: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Symptoms of depression are prevalent in people living with human immune deficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (PLWHA), and worsened by lack of physical activity/exercises, leading to restriction in social...