Category Archives: Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
Exclusive breastfeeding and associated factors among HIV-infected mothers in sub-Saharan African countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, along with maternal antiretroviral treatment, to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to infants and promote their...
Assessing the state of published HIV research concerning sexual minority women: A global English language scoping review
PURPOSE: We conducted a scoping review to map peer-reviewed literature on HIV research concerning sexual minority women (SMW). METHODS: Following guidance from Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and the Preferred Reporting...
Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol among older people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
INTRODUCTION: Metabolic comorbidities are significant health challenges for older people living with HIV (PLHIV). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize existing evidence and provide the pooled prevalence of...
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...
What tools do we have to end the US HIV epidemic? A review of structural, biomedical and implementation interventions and their potential population impact
INTRODUCTION: The United States Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative was always challenged by structural and implementation barriers to HIV care. On top of that, since 2025, there are additional...
Assessing the impact, barriers and facilitators of peer-driven interventions on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Introduction: Peer interventions may improve retention across the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) cascade in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains a major barrier....
Breastfeeding practices and perspectives in the setting of maternal HIV in high-income countries since the shift in the United States national guidelines: A scoping review
Introduction: United States national guidelines around infant feeding in the setting of maternal HIV were updated significantly in 2023. The updated guidelines encourage evidence-based counseling and emphasize shared decision-making around infant...
The role of subtyping methodologies in HIV surveillance and vaccine development: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: HIV genetic diversity has increased over time, with recombinant forms becoming more prevalent and complicating subtype classification and surveillance, particularly in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). Accurate subtyping is critical...
The role of religion and spirituality in HIV prevention: A systematic literature review and network analysis
Religion and spirituality play an important role in shaping attitudes, beliefs, social norms, and preventive behaviors related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention across diverse populations and cultural settings. This...
Mapping psychosocial interventions for mental health and well-being among pregnant women living with HIV: A scoping review
BACKGROUND: Pregnant women living with HIV are at increased risk of depression, anxiety, stigma, gender-based violence, and poor engagement in prevention of mother-to-child transmission services. Psychosocial interventions are increasingly used...
