Category Archives: Prevention, Engagement and Care Cascade
Values and preferences on the use of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among multiple populations: A systematic review of the literature
Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of antiretroviral drugs by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection. WHO released new guidelines in 2015 recommending PrEP for all populations at...
Transactional sex and risk for HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
INTRODUCTION: Young women aged 15 to 24 years in sub-Saharan Africa continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. A growing number of studies have suggested that the practice of transactional...
Discontinuation from antiretroviral therapy: A continuing challenge among adults in HIV care in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the immunological benefit of treatment and increases complications related to human immune-deficiency virus (HIV). However, the risk factors for ART discontinuation are poorly...
Patient-reported barriers to adherence to antiretroviral therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Maintaining high levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a challenge across settings and populations. Understanding the relative importance of different barriers to adherence will help inform the...
Systematic review of renal and bone safety of the antiretroviral regimen efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in patients with HIV infection
BACKGROUND: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a component of many combinations of antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens. Although potent and generally well tolerated, TDF may cause renal and bone toxicity. The...
Feasibility of antiretroviral treatment monitoring in the era of decentralized HIV care: A systematic review
BACKGROUND: Regular monitoring of HIV patients who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is required to ensure patient benefits and the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of ART programs. Prompted by WHO...
Clostridium difficile: A healthcare-associated infection of unknown significance in adults in sub-Saharan Africa
BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) causes a high burden of disease in high-resource healthcare systems, with significant morbidity, mortality, and financial implications. CDI is a healthcare-associated infection for which the...
A review of trials investigating efavirenz-induced neuropsychiatric side effects and the implications
Efavirenz is part of the first-line treatment for HIV patients including those in South Africa with approximately 50% experiencing neuropsychiatric side effects. A systematic review of papers reporting neuropsychiatric side...
What is the relationship between increased access to HAART, relationship status and fertility decisions amongst HIV positive women? A literature review and meta-analysis
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between fertility decisions, to have already had a child or to desire to have one in the future, and the prognostic factors of;...
A review of single-tablet regimens for the treatment of HIV-1 infection
OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacokinetics, safety, drug-drug interactions, and advantages and disadvantages of currently available single-tablet regimens (STRs) for HIV-1 infection. DATA SOURCES: A search using PubMed was conducted (up...
A systematic review of training interventions addressing sexual violence against marginalized at-risk groups of women
Women from marginalized groups working in occupations such as domestic work are at increased risk for sexual violence. Scarce evidence exists about training interventions targeting such groups. The article aims...
