Category Archives: Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
Prevalence and variability of HIV/AIDS-associated neurocognitive impairments in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: HIV/AIDS-associated neurocognitive impairments negatively affect treatment adherence, viral load suppression, CD4 count, functionality, and the overall quality of life of people with seropositive status. However, huge variability is observed across...
Lifetime prevalence and adherence rate of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
INTRODUCTION: Women living with HIV (WLWH) are more likely to develop cervical cancer. Screening and available healthcare can effectively reduce its incidence and mortality rates. We aimed to summarize the...
Prevalence and incidence of stroke among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Objective: We aimed to obtain more precise estimates of stroke to address the wide variation of stroke burden among people with HIV (PWH) in different clinical settings. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis....
Serological response following COVID-19 vaccines in patients living with HIV: A dose-response meta-analysis
To quantify the pooled rate and risk ratio of seroconversion following the uncomplete, complete, or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccines in patients living with HIV. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library...
The prevalence of anemia among human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals in East Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients face several hematological abnormalities. Of these abnormalities, anemia is the most common one. Africa has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, especially...
The importance of social engagement in the development of an HIV cure: A systematic review of stakeholder perspectives
As research into the development of an HIV cure gains prominence, assessing the perspectives of stakeholders becomes imperative. It empowers stakeholders to determine priorities and influence research processes. We conducted...
Alcohol use and associated risk factors among female sex workers in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Due to its widespread use in the sex work industry, female sex workers (FSWs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are at high risk of harmful alcohol use and associated...
Antivirals for prevention of hepatitis B virus mother-to-child transmission in human immunodeficiency virus positive pregnant women co-infected with hepatitis B virus
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection promotes an aggressive disease course of HBV infection. In the only available non-Cochrane systematic review on antiviral therapy during pregnancy for...
Gender differences in HIV knowledge among adolescents and young people in low-and middle-income countries: A systematic review
OBJECTIVES: This review seeks to critically analyze studies assessing gender differences in HIV-related knowledge among adolescents and young people in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: Using PRISMA guidelines and searching...
Perspectives of health workers engaging in task shifting to deliver health care in low-and-middle-income countries: A qualitative evidence synthesis
BACKGROUND: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are experiencing growing demand for healthcare services yet face a persistent shortage in access to specialist health workers (SHWs). Task shifting is an approach...
Adherence to option B+ PMTCT program and its predictors among HIV-positive women in Ethiopia. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Previously, few studies investigated level of adherence to option B+ lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ethiopia. However, their findings were inconsistent. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled magnitude...
