Category Archives: Population(s)
Prevalence and risk factors for oropharyngeal, esophageal, and oral candidiasis in HIV-positive individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Oral, oropharyngeal, and esophageal candidiasis are common forms of mucosal candidiasis (MC) in people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (PLWHA). Despite differences in infection sites, oral, oropharyngeal, and...
The mental health of adults living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: Interventions along the HIV care continuum—A systematic review
Although the relationship between HIV and mental health is well-established, limited research has focused on the available interventions for adults living with HIV (ALWH), particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)...
Can ChatGPT match physicians in the diagnosis, triage, management and prevention of infectious diseases? A scoping review
INTRODUCTION: The global burden of infectious diseases (ID), combined with a shortage of ID specialists, continues to challenge healthcare systems worldwide. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models such as...
Effectiveness of HIV status disclosure interventions among children and adolescents in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review
BACKGROUND: Appropriate pediatric HIV status disclosure remains a public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review aims to describe the existing pediatric HIV disclosure interventions in LMICs...
Facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV: A systematic review of qualitative studies
BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that 58% of new cervical cancer cases worldwide occur among women living with HIV. However, compared with HIV-negative women, this population has significantly poorer access to healthcare...
Barriers and facilitators to STI and HIV testing among African and Caribbean heritage communities in high-income countries mapped to the behaviour change wheel: A scoping review
Background: African and Caribbean communities in high-income countries face disproportionate sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks. In the US, the gonorrhoea rate among non-Hispanic Blacks is 7.7 times greater than that among...
Choosing between dual and three-drug antiretroviral therapy in aging and comorbid people with HIV: A narrative review
The widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV infection into a chronic condition, with life expectancy of people with HIV (PWH) approaching that of the general population when...
Peer-led models for improving HIV treatment and care outcomes among adolescents and young people living with HIV in eastern and southern Africa: A rapid review
Adolescents and Young People Living with HIV have poor levels of adherence to treatment and retention in care. Previous reviews highlighted the need for high-quality evidence on peer-led interventions for...
Optimising post-delivery viral load monitoring and HIV care to eliminate breastfeeding-associated HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa: A review
Sustained maternal HIV viral-load (VL) suppression during breastfeeding is essential for eliminating vertical HIV transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although vertical transmission prevention programmes have improved antiretroviral therapy coverage and peripartum...
Determinants of cardiovascular disease risk among LGBTQ+ populations: A systematic review of empirical evidence
BACKGROUND: Understanding the multifactorial drivers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in LGBTQ+ populations is critical to advancing equitable cardiovascular care. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and synthesize empirical evidence on factors influencing...
The benefit of physical exercise in improving quality of life, VO(2) max and sleep quality among older adults living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background: Older adults living with HIV face multiple health challenges, yet evidence on the impact of exercise on their well-being remains limited. Regular physical activity is known to have multiple benefits...
