Category Archives: Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
The expanding epidemics of HIV type 1 among men who have sex with men in low- and middle-income countries: Diversity and consistency
Men who have sex with men (MSM) have borne a disproportionate burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and remain a markedly underresourced population globally. To better describe HIV epidemics...
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...
A systematic review to quantitatively evaluate ‘Stepping Stones’: A participatory community-based HIV/AIDS prevention intervention
This first independent systematic review examined evidence for the effectiveness of the stepping stones intervention in HIV prevention. To reduce HIV transmission it addresses gender roles and promotes equitable relationships....
Epidemiology of male same-sex behaviour and associated sexual health indicators in low- and middle-income countries: 2003-2007 Estimates
Objectives: To conduct a systematic review of published and unpublished data from research and public health information systems on the prevalence of male-to-male sex in the total male population; as...
A review of research on residential programs for people with severe mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders
Substance use disorder is the most common and clinically significant co-morbidity among clients with severe mental illnesses, associated with poor treatment response, homelessness and other adverse outcomes. Residential programs for...
Children facing a family member’s acute illness: A review of intervention studies
BACKGROUND: A review of psycho-educational intervention studies to benefit children adapting to a close (parent, sibling, or grandparent) family member’s serious illness was conducted. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature on...
Posttraumatic growth and adjustment among individuals with cancer or HIV/AIDS: A meta-analysis
There is increasing research on posttraumatic growth after life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, although it is unclear whether growth confers any psychological or physical benefits in such samples....
Meta-analytical studies on the epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection
Since the beginning of the epidemic, extensive research has been conducted in the field of HIV infection. Original research and subsequent meta-analyses have contributed to a better understanding of the...
A systematic review and meta-regression of temporal trends in adult CD4(+) cell count at presentation to HIV care, 1992-2011
Background. The clinical status of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive persons at the time of presentation to medical care has important individual- and population-level implications. Methods. We synthesized the literature on...
Mental health outcomes in HIV and childhood maltreatment: A systematic review
BACKGROUND: High rates of childhood maltreatment have been documented in HIV-positive men and women. In addition, mental disorders are highly prevalent in both HIV-infected individuals and victims of childhood maltreatment....
What is the potential for bisexual men in China to act as a bridge of HIV transmission to the female population? Behavioural evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China has rapidly increased in recent years. It is suggested that MSM could be a potential bridge of...
