Category Archives: Determinants of Health
Improved access to early infant diagnosis is a critical part of a child-centric prevention of mother-to-child transmission agenda
BACKGROUND: Prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) programs have made it possible to achieve dramatic reductions in the rate of vertical HIV transmission. However, high attrition, particularly after delivery, has limited the impact of...
Mental health of HIV-seropositive women during pregnancy and postpartum period: A comprehensive literature review
With growing numbers of HIV-seropositive (HIV+) women of child-bearing age and increased access to effective clinical protocols for preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV, mental health-related factors have become increasingly...
A systematic review of interventions to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination from 2002 to 2013: How far have we come?
Introduction: HIV-related stigma and discrimination continue to hamper efforts to prevent new infections and engage people in HIV treatment, care and support programmes. The identification of effective interventions to reduce...
Neurodevelopment in children born to HIV-infected mothers by infection and treatment status
BACKGROUND: We reviewed the impact of HIV, HIV exposure, and antiretroviral therapy/prophylaxis on neurodevelopmental outcomes of HIV-infected and HIV-exposed-uninfected infants and children. METHODS: A literature search of Medline, Embase, PsychINFO,...
Meta-analysis: Implications of interleukin-28B polymorphisms in spontaneous and treatment-related clearance for patients with hepatitis C
BACKGROUND: Since 2009, several studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the gene encoding for interleukin (IL)-28 (IL28B) that are strongly associated with spontaneous and treatment-induced hepatitis C virus (HCV)...
Emergence of drug resistance in HIV type 1-infected patients after receipt of first-line highly active antiretroviral therapy: A systematic review of clinical trials
Background. Resistance to antiretroviral combination therapy is associated with increased mortality. Understanding the relative risks of emerging resistance to first-line therapy is of importance for both resource-rich and resource-poor settings....
Contraception for the HIV-positive woman: A review of interactions between hormonal contraception and antiretroviral therapy
Background. Preventing unintended pregnancy in HIV-positive women can significantly reduce maternal-to-child HIV transmission as well as improve the woman’s overall health. Hormonal contraceptives are safe and effective means to avoid...
Secrets and safety in the age of AIDS: Does HIV disclosure lead to safer sex?
To fuel the HIV/AIDS epidemic, HIV-seropositive individuals must interact unsafely with HIV-seronegative individuals. Research indicates that up to one third of individuals diagnosed with HIV continue to have unprotected sex,...
Sibling caregiving among children orphaned by AIDS: Synthesis of recent studies for policy implications
OBJECTIVE: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has increased the number of orphans who have to care for their younger siblings. However, their caregiving practices are poorly reported. This review aimed to explore...
Interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviour for preventing HIV infection in workers in occupational settings
Background: HIV in the workforce has a negative impact on economic growth and development of affected countries. The workplace provides an important avenue to prevent HIV by providing easy access...
A critical literature review to identify possible causes of higher rates of HIV infection among young black and Latino men who have sex with men
Black and Latino young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV infection; however, the reason for this disparity is unclear. To identify possible causes of...
