Category Archives: Prevention, Engagement and Care Cascade
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...
Toxoplasmic encephalitis relapse rates with pyrimethamine-based therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) is caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection and can be a life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients. This study evaluated the rate of relapse associated with pyrimethamine-based maintenance therapy...
Psychosocial correlates of safe sex communication between Latina women and their stable male partners: An integrative review
Latina women in stable relationships have risks for human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections. Improving safe sexual communication (SSC) could enable women to accurately assess and mitigate their...
HIV-alcohol risk reduction interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review of the literature and recommendations for a way forward
Sub-Saharan Africa bears 69 % of the global burden of HIV, and strong evidence indicates an association between alcohol consumption, HIV risk behavior, and HIV incidence. However, characteristics of efficacious...
Barriers and enablers of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS program in China: A systematic review and policy implications
OBJECTIVE: To identify the barriers to and enablers of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV program in China. METHODS: A systematic review of the existing literature regarding barriers...
