Category Archives: Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
The influence of HLA/HIV genetics on the occurrence of elite controllers and a need for therapeutics geotargeting view
The interaction of HIV-1, human leukocyte antigen (HLA), and elite controllers (EC) compose a still intricate triad. Elite controllers maintain a very low viral load and a normal CD4 count,...
Genetic factors associated with tuberculosis-related clinical outcomes in HIV-infected Black African patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Aim: To evaluate the genetic factors influencing tuberculosis (TB) clinical outcomes in HIV-infected Black African patients. Materials & methods: We systematically searched and identified eligible publications from >550 databases indexed...
Assessment of HIV testing recommendations in Greek specialty guidelines: A missed opportunity and room for improvement for recommending testing
HIV testing for individuals presenting with indicator conditions (ICs) including AIDS-defining conditions (ADCs) is explicitly recommended by European guidelines. We aimed to review specialty guidelines in Greece and assess if...
Testing for saturation in qualitative evidence syntheses: An update of HIV adherence in Africa
BACKGROUND: A systematic review of randomised trials may be conclusive signalling no further research is needed; or identify gaps requiring further research that may then be included in review updates....
Coordinating systems of care for HIV and opioid use disorder: A systematic review of enablers and barriers to integrated service access, and systems and tools required for implementation
Individuals who have HIV who also use drugs experience increased age-matched morbidity and mortality in comparison with those with HIV who do not use drugs. A systematic review was conducted...
Interventions for addressing trauma among people with HIV: A narrative review
Traumatic experiences are disproportionately prevalent among people with HIV and adversely affect HIV-related health outcomes. As part of a national cooperative agreement funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s...
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...
Coronary artery calcification and plaque characteristics in people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Studies have reported that people living with HIV have higher burden of subclinical cardiovascular disease, but the data are not adequately synthesized. We performed meta‐analyses of studies of coronary...
The syndemic burden of HIV/AIDS in Africa amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
INTRODUCTION: The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has long affected millions of individuals across the globe. Historically, the prevalence of this disease is particularly noted within the African...
Declining HIV incidence in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis of empiric data
Introduction: UNAIDS models suggest HIV incidence is declining in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to assess whether modelled trends are supported by empirical evidence. Methods: We conducted a systematic...
