Category Archives: Social support
Barriers to uptaking HIV testing among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review of qualitative findings
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is a gateway to HIV treatment, care and preventive services for pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. Despite this, uptake of HIV testing is not...
Exploring the social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV (PLHIV): A scoping review
Understanding the clinical impact of COVID-19 has been central to emerging research in the HIV field, but in focusing on the biomedical, researchers must not overlook the socially embedded nature...
Adolescent condom use in Southern Africa: Narrative systematic review and conceptual model of multilevel barriers and facilitators
BACKGROUND: Adolescent HIV and pregnancy rates in Southern Africa are amongst the highest in the world. Despite decades of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programming targeting adolescents, recent trends suggest...
Prevalence and factors associated with common mental disorders in young people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
INTRODUCTION: Common mental disorders (CMDs) particularly depression and anxiety, are highly comorbid with HIV also in young people living with HIV (YLWH). In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where most YLWH reside,...
Motherhood and decision-making among women living with HIV in developed countries: A systematic review with qualitative research synthesis
BACKGROUND: Women living with HIV (WLH) lack evidence-based information about reproductive options while managing pressures from family, clinicians, and communities to give up the idea of having children. As the...
Barriers and facilitators for early and exclusive breastfeeding in health facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa carries a disproportionate burden of under-five child deaths in the world and appropriate breastfeeding practices can support efforts to reduce child mortality rates. Health facilities are important...
Human immunodeficiency virus-positive women’s perspectives on breastfeeding with antiretrovirals: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive women can breastfeed with minimal risk of mother-to-child transmission if taking antiretrovirals. Guidelines surrounding infant feeding for HIV-positive women have evolved several times over the last...
How women’s experiences and perceptions of care influence uptake of postnatal care across sub-Saharan Africa: A qualitative systematic review
BACKGROUND: The burden of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality is a global health concern with the highest burden documented after childbirth in women and babies living in sub-Saharan Africa....
A scoping review examining social and legal gender affirmation and health among transgender populations
Purpose: Transgender (trans) populations experience health inequities. Gender affirmation refers to psychological, social, legal, and medical validation of one’s gender and is a key social determinant of trans health. The...
Stigma, HIV risk, and access to HIV prevention and treatment services among me who have sex with mem (MSM) in the United States: A scoping review
In light of recent advances in HIV prevention and treatment, we reviewed the literature to understand how different types of stigma impact HIV risk; access to HIV prevention, care, and...
What constitutes a palliative care need in people with serious illnesses across Africa? A mixed-methods systematic review of the concept and evidence
BACKGROUND: Clarity on what constitutes a palliative care need is essential to ensure that health systems and clinical services deliver an appropriate response within Universal Health Coverage. AIM: To synthesise...
