Category Archives: Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
Simulation modeling for the design and evaluation of HIV drug resistance interventions: A systematic review of literature
Background The utility of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is being challenged by growing HIV drug resistance (HIVDR). Although simulation modelling is useful for...
Integration of HIV, Hepatitis B, and C, and sexually transmitted infections services: A scoping review of the benefits and challenges
BACKGROUND: Integrating clinical programs and services is a cost-effective approach that can improve health and system outcomes. This review aimed to provide an overview of the benefits and challenges of...
Interventions to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
OBJECTIVE: Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) face barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, negatively affecting their health and quality of life. These challenges are particularly pronounced in...
Prevalence and risk factors for cytomegalovirus retinitis among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa in the antiretroviral therapy era: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Cytomegalovirus retinitis has remained an alarming and potentially vision-threatening opportunistic disease in the population living with HIV, especially in cases of extreme immunosuppression. Although the introduction of antiretroviral therapy has...
Community-based rapid testing for HIV in Europe and Central Asia: A narrative review of models, effectiveness, and implementation challenges
This narrative review examines the evolution, implementation, and impact of Community-Based HIV Testing (CBT) across Europe and Central Asia (ECA), a region where late diagnosis remains a persistent challenge and...
Body image and its associated factors among people living with HIV: A scoping review and implications for integrated care
People living with HIV (PLWH) face unique biopsychosocial challenges due to both infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART), one of which is body image disruption. This study comprehensively reviewed relevant studies...
Facilitators and barriers to physical activity in middle-aged and older adult(s) HIV infected persons: A systematic review of qualitative studies
PURPOSE: This study aims to objectively evaluate and synthesize qualitative studies on the facilitators and barriers to PA among middle-aged and older adults living with HIV. METHODS: A systematic search...
HIV vulnerability among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review of individual social and structural determinants
BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 years continue to bear a disproportionate burden of HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Although substantial research has examined behavioral...
Integrating smoking cessation into HIV care settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness and the evidence gap in cost-effectiveness
The prevalence of smoking among people living with HIV (PLWH) is higher than in the general population, and PLWH who smoke are at increased risk of both smoking- and HIV-related...
Prevalence, genetic diversity, and risk factors of cryptosporidium spp. in HIV/AIDS patients: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis (2017–2025)
Background Cryptosporidium spp. is a major opportunistic pathogens in HIV/AIDS patients, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite advances in HIV/AIDS management, the global burden, genetic diversity, and risk factors...
Integrated care models for HIV, diabetes and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review of effectiveness, implementation and real-world applicability
Background Sub-Saharan Africa faces a syndemic of HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes and hypertension. Integrated care models have been promoted to improve service efficiency and patient outcomes; however,...
Condom use and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Condom use remains a crucial preventive measure for individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of condom...
