Category Archives: Epidemiology
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 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...
Prevalence and risk factors of anemia among people living with HIV/AIDS in Southeast Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background & objectives Anemia represents a critical hematological complication among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), significantly impacting morbidity and mortality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate anemia...
Depression and associated factors among human immunodeficiency virus-positive pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Despite its severe impact on both maternal and fetal health, antenatal depression has not received as much attention in the healthcare community as postnatal depression. Comprehensive evidence is very...
Prevalence of HHV-6 detection among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a ubiquitous virus with significant implications for immunocompromised individuals, particularly people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HHV-6 detection...
Insights into gastrointestinal manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus: A narrative review
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) modifies CD4-positive cells, resulting in immunodeficiency and a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations. The burden of HIV-related GI illnesses has significantly evolved with the widespread...
