Category Archives: Prevention
Machine learning for personalized risk assessment of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Machine learning (ML) shows promise for sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk prediction, but systematic evidence of its effectiveness remains fragmented. Methods We systematically searched six electronic databases, three preprint...
Estimating the effect of maternal viral load on perinatal and postnatal HIV transmission: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Although a growing body of evidence supports zero risk of sexual HIV transmission from a person with sustained virological suppression, known as U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable), data have been...
HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis self-testing among adolescents and young adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Background:Â Adolescents and young adults (AYA) make up a significant share of the world’s burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Self-testing can increase testing coverage and strengthen the...
Undetectable = Untransmittable: A cross-population systematic review and meta-analysis on awareness and acceptance
The Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) message is a cornerstone of HIV-related public health communication, yet global levels of awareness and acceptance remain unclear across key populations. This study aimed to...
Adolescents’ sexual health during the COVID-19 outbreak: A systematic review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted adolescents’ access to sexual health services, resulting in a decline in their overall sexual well-being. This systematic review explored adolescent sexual...
Immune responses to vaginal candidiasis in African women: A scoping review of cytokine profiles, T-cell activation, and gene expression
Background Recent immunological studies of vaginal candidiasis in African populations have revealed complex host‒pathogen interactions with implications for therapeutic development and HIV acquisition risk. Objective This scoping review synthesized evidence...
Technology-assisted interventions in the delivery of HIV prevention, care, and treatment services in sub-Saharan Africa: Scoping review
BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounts for up to 67% of the global HIV burden yet grapples with health system challenges like distant health facilities, low doctor-to-patient ratio, and poor or...
Use of behavior change techniques in digital HIV prevention programs for adolescents and young people: Systematic review
BACKGROUND: HIV infections have caused severe public health and economic burdens to the world. Adolescents and young people continue to constitute a large proportion of newly diagnosed HIV cases. Digital...