Category Archives: Prevention, Engagement and Care Cascade
Knowledge of reproductive-age women about mother-to-child transmission of HIV and associated factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
INTRODUCTION: Despite significant efforts to manage and prevent HIV, knowledge gaps persist regarding mother-to-child transmission of HIV among women of reproductive age. Previous studies, limited in scope and producing inconsistent...
Virologic suppression among HIV-positive pregnant and lactating women receiving antiretroviral therapy in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: The elimination of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a key global public health priority. In Africa, virologic failure among people living with HIV continues to pose...
Peer network approaches for improving HIV testing, prevention and care utilisation among men in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
INTRODUCTION: Limited male engagement in HIV prevention and care is a global challenge more pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contributing to ongoing transmission. However, peer network interventions show promise in...
Risk factors and mortality rates for children co-infected with HIV and TB in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors and mortality rates in HIV and TB co-infected children in Ethiopia. An electronic literature search was conducted using multiple databases,...
Barriers and facilitators to the diagnosis of HIV and other STIs in primary care within publicly funded healthcare systems: A systematic review of qualitative studies
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a major public health concern. Primary care (PC) is the ideal setting for their diagnosis. Designing effective strategies...
Efficacy and safety of long-acting lenacapavir for HIV treatment and prevention: A systematic review of randomized trials
BACKGROUND: Lenacapavir is a first-in-class, long-acting HIV-1 capsid inhibitor enabling treatment and prevention with reduced reliance on daily oral adherence. Evidence from randomized trials across indications remains fragmented. We systematically...
Evaluating the effectiveness of digital health interventions for HIV prevention and treatment adherence among transgender populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Transgender individuals face a disproportionate burden of HIV due to systemic barriers including stigma, discrimination, and limited access to gender-affirming healthcare. Digital health interventions (DHIs), such as mobile applications,...
Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of INSTI-Based Antiretroviral Therapy Single- Versus Multiple-Tablet Regimens for the Treatment of HIV
INTRODUCTION: Antiretroviral single-tablet regimens (STRs) have several advantages over multiple-tablet regimens (MTRs), including increased adherence and improved treatment satisfaction for people with HIV (PWH). This analysis has systematically reviewed and...
Understanding Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in Children With HIV: A Review of Barriers and Strategies
INTRODUCTION: Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability, maintaining optimal adherence remains difficult, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This literature review synthesized evidence on barriers and interventions influencing...
A scoping review of the methods, content, and populations of rural LGBTQ health research since the new millennium
INTRODUCTION: This scoping review mapped the population characteristics, methodologies, content, and publishing trends of primary research focused on rural LGBTQ individuals since the year 2000. METHODS: We conducted a search...
Harm reduction progams and interventions for equity-deserving populations who use crack-cocaine. A scoping review
BACKGROUND: Crack-cocaine use is associated with severe physical and mental health consequences, including cardiac, pulmonary and psychiatric conditions. It also heightens the risk of overdose and transmission of infectious diseases...
Role of pharmacists in HIV prophylaxis: A scoping review of pharmacists’ services, interventions and outcomes
INTRODUCTION: HIV remains a major global public health challenge, with nearly 1.3 million new HIV acquisitions annually. Despite the effectiveness of pre-exposure (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), barriers to access,...
