Category Archives: Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
Benefits and risks of rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Objectives: To compare the benefits and risks between Rapid ART and standard/delayed treatment for HIV. Methods: Databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of science were searched from the inception to...
Blood-borne virus testing in emergency departments—A systematic review of seroprevalence, feasibility, acceptability and linkage to care
BACKGROUND: Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emergency departments (EDs) offer a point of contact for groups at increased risk of BBVs who may be less likely...
Dolutegravir monotherapy as maintenance strategy: A meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomized controlled trials
Background Dolutegravir monotherapy (DTG-m) results in virological failure (VF) in some people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). We sought to identify the independent factors associated with the risk of VF...
Colliding epidemics: Research gaps and implementation science opportunities for tobacco use and HIV/AIDS in low- and middle-income countries
INTRODUCTION: Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer death among people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide, and smoking prevalence tends to be higher among PLWH. The burden of both...
The effect of universal voluntary HIV counseling and testing on epidemiological, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
BACKGROUND: Despite progress in reducing global HIV-related mortality, the decrease in the rate of HIV incidence remains slow. As such, HIV testing remains crucial to the prevention of HIV and...
Health related quality of life and its association with social support among people living with HIV/AIDS receiving antiretroviraltherapyin Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are frequently confronted with severe social issues such as rejection, abandonment, criticism, and stigma. This would negatively affect their quality of life. Several studies...
Perceived stigma and its association with gender and disclosure status among people living with HIV/AIDS and attending antiretroviral therapy clinics in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: The psychological experience of being rejected, blamed, and ashamed in relation to a recognized medical disease is known as perceived stigma. It has a close connection to psychological health...
Prevalence, socio-demographics and service use determinants associated with disclosure of HIV/AIDS status to infected children: A systematic review and meta-analysis by 1985–2021
Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a public health issue of global importance. To our knowledge, no previous meta-analysis documenting the prevalence, socio-demographic, and service use...
Association between online health information-seeking and medication adherence: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background The evidence of the impact of online health information-seeking (OHIS) on health outcomes has been conflicting. OHIS is increasingly recognised as a factor influencing health behaviour but the impact...
Significant association between HIV infection and increased risk of COVID-19 mortality: A meta-analysis based on adjusted effect estimates
To investigate the relationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the risk of mortality among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients based on adjusted effect estimate by a quantitative meta-analysis....
The role of online support groups in helping individuals affected by HIV and AIDS: Scoping review of the literature
BACKGROUND: Online support groups provide opportunities for individuals affected by HIV and AIDS to seek information, advice, and support from peers. However, whether and how engagement with online support groups...
Frameworks and measures for HIV-related internalized stigma, stigma and discrimination in healthcare and in laws and policies: A systematic review
INTRODUCTION: There is strong global commitment to eliminate HIV-related stigma, and work in this area continues to evolve. Wide variation exists in frameworks and measures used. METHODS: Building on the...
