Category Archives: Health Systems
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...
Epidemiology and safety challenges of major transfusion-transmitted pathogens in Cameroon: A systematic review and meta-analysis
OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) was designed to determine the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of major transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), to address this gap, and to propose solutions to...
A systematic review of models used to estimate undiagnosed HIV prevalence in high-income low-prevalence countries and territories
INTRODUCTION: Estimating undiagnosed HIV prevalence facilitates planning epidemic responses, and monitoring progress towards UNAIDS and national targets. We undertook a systematic review to identify models used to estimate undiagnosed HIV...
Vulnerability and non-adherence to treatment in cisgender women living with HIV/AIDS: A scoping review (2000-2024)
BACKGROUND: Cisgender women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS due to structural gender inequalities and intersecting social determinants, which generate vulnerability contexts that act as barriers to treatment adherence. METHODS: A...
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...
HIV in Iraq: Key populations, sociodemographics, transmission modes, present realities, and urgent next steps: A systematic review
Background and PurposeWhile empirical studies in Iraq have examined sociodemographic characteristics and modes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, including but not limited to those involving key populations, there remains...
Effect of BMI on Mortality in Patients With Tuberculosis and HIV Coinfection in Asia and Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a major global health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 10.8 million people developed TB in 2023, corresponding to 134 cases...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
