Category Archives: Health Systems
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...
A systematic review of cost-effectiveness studies reporting cost-per-DALY averted
INTRODUCTION: Calculating the cost per disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted associated with interventions is an increasing popular means of assessing the cost-effectiveness of strategies to improve population health. However, there...
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...
Can policy interventions affect HIV-related behaviors? A systematic review of the evidence from low- and middle-income countries
In their response to HIV, many countries have adopted and enacted policies to reduce transmission and increase HIV-related service use. Theoretically, policy-level interventions for HIV prevention have the potential to...
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...
Resourcing resilience: social protection for HIV prevention amongst children and adolescents in Eastern and Southern Africa
Adolescents are the only age group with growing AIDS-related morbidity and mortality in Eastern and Southern Africa, making HIV prevention research among this population an urgent priority. Structural deprivations are...
Community-based participatory research studies on HIV/AIDS prevention, 2005–2014
The recent literature on community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches to preventing HIV infection in diverse communities was systematically reviewed as part of the planning process for a new study. Published...
PET brain imaging in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy
Effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has lead to a significant reduction in the prevalence and incidence of central nervous system (CNS) HIV-associated brain disease, particularly CNS opportunistic infections and HIV...
Diagnostic value and safety of stereotactic biopsy in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with intracranial lesions: Systematic review and meta-analysis
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value and safety of stereotactic biopsy in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with intracranial lesions via meta-analysis. METHODS: Relevant cohort studies were identified through...
Use of peers to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy: A global network meta-analysis
INTRODUCTION: It is unclear whether using peers can improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). To construct the World Health Organization’s global guidance on adherence interventions, we conducted a systematic review...
Interferon-free therapies for patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 infection: A systematic review
Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with genotype 3 remains a challenge. The HCV elimination rate with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is lower than the values reported for other HCV...
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...
