Category Archives: Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
Peer network approaches for improving HIV testing, prevention and care utilisation among men in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
INTRODUCTION: Limited male engagement in HIV prevention and care is a global challenge more pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contributing to ongoing transmission. However, peer network interventions show promise in...
Risk factors and mortality rates for children co-infected with HIV and TB in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors and mortality rates in HIV and TB co-infected children in Ethiopia. An electronic literature search was conducted using multiple databases,...
Barriers and facilitators to the diagnosis of HIV and other STIs in primary care within publicly funded healthcare systems: A systematic review of qualitative studies
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a major public health concern. Primary care (PC) is the ideal setting for their diagnosis. Designing effective strategies...
Evaluating the effectiveness of digital health interventions for HIV prevention and treatment adherence among transgender populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Transgender individuals face a disproportionate burden of HIV due to systemic barriers including stigma, discrimination, and limited access to gender-affirming healthcare. Digital health interventions (DHIs), such as mobile applications,...
Understanding Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in Children With HIV: A Review of Barriers and Strategies
INTRODUCTION: Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability, maintaining optimal adherence remains difficult, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This literature review synthesized evidence on barriers and interventions influencing...
Perceptions About the Relationship Between HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and Fecundity in Sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from a Systematic Scoping Review
Advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) enable women living with HIV to safely conceive and give birth without vertical transmission. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, 1 in 6 people experience infertility and...
HIV and cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and comparative risk assessment study
BACKGROUND: People living with HIV (PLWH) face a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study aims to quantify temporal trends in HIV-attributable CVD burden at global, regional and...
Oral manifestations in HIV-positive individuals under highly active antiretroviral therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence data
This study aims to analytically explore the prevalence of oral manifestations in HIV-positive patients who are receiving or are not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Electronic search was conducted...
Obstetric Nurses’ Approach to Evidence-Based Practice in Breastfeeding Within the Context of HIV: A Scoping Review
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Human immunodeficiency virus remains a significant public health challenge, with breastfeeding contributing to the risk of mother-to-child transmission. Although antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces this risk, obstetric nurses face complex...
Closing Diagnostic Gaps in Pediatric HIV: Innovations in Point-of-Care and Digital Monitoring with an Asia-Pacific Implementation Lens-A Systematic Review
Background/Objectives: Pediatric HIV case-finding and monitoring remain constrained by delayed early infant diagnosis (EID), loss to follow-up, and limited viral load (VL) testing-challenges particularly consequential in the operationally diverse Asia-Pacific...
HIV self-testing and clinician-administered testing in Southern Africa: A systematic review of programmatic outcomes
OBJECTIVE: In 2024, an estimated 5.3 million of 40.8 million people with HIV (PWH) globally were unaware of their status, with Southern Africa bearing the highest regional burden. This review...
