Category Archives: Epidemiology
The effect of universal voluntary HIV counseling and testing on epidemiological, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
BACKGROUND: Despite progress in reducing global HIV-related mortality, the decrease in the rate of HIV incidence remains slow. As such, HIV testing remains crucial to the prevention of HIV and...
Health related quality of life and its association with social support among people living with HIV/AIDS receiving antiretroviraltherapyin Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are frequently confronted with severe social issues such as rejection, abandonment, criticism, and stigma. This would negatively affect their quality of life. Several studies...
Perceived stigma and its association with gender and disclosure status among people living with HIV/AIDS and attending antiretroviral therapy clinics in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: The psychological experience of being rejected, blamed, and ashamed in relation to a recognized medical disease is known as perceived stigma. It has a close connection to psychological health...
Early diagnosis, vertical transmission of HIV and its associated factors among exposed infants after implementation of the Option B+ regime in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction Despite scaling up programmes to prevent vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), over 400 children are infected every day globally. Guidelines recommend that all HIV-exposed infants should be...
Post tuberculosis chronic lung disease in tuberculosis HIV coinfected and non-HIV individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Post tuberculosis (TB) sequelae are faced by many individuals who survive TB. The most common of all is post-TB chronic lung disease (CLD) and pulmonary impairment. We reviewed studies...
Treatment outcomes of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus co-infection in Africa and Asia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Treatment outcomes of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) is a challenge, especially in resource limited settings. The aim of this study was to compare whether Human Immune Virus (HIV) has...
Mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus among pregnant women with single, dual or triplex infections of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Objectives: To systematically review literature and identify mother-to-child transmission rates of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus among pregnant women with single, dual, or triplex infections...
Accuracy of measures for antiretroviral adherence in people living with HIV
Background Good patient adherence to antiretroviral (ART) medication determines effective HIV viral suppression, and thus reduces the risk of progression and transmission of HIV. With accurate methods to monitor treatment...
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...
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...
