Category Archives: Health Systems
Impact of geographic and transportation-related barriers on HIV outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Difficulty obtaining reliable transportation to clinic is frequently cited as a barrier to HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Numerous studies have sought to characterize the impact of geographic and...
Comparative safety and neuropsychiatric adverse events associated with efavirenz use in first-line antiretroviral therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
INTRODUCTION: Efavirenz (EFV) is widely used for the treatment of antiretroviral-naive HIV-positive individuals, but there are concerns about the risk of adverse neuropsychiatric events. We systematically reviewed the safety of...
Net benefits of resistance testing directed therapy compared with standard of care in HIV-infected patients with virological failure: A meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: We incorporated the latest available information to evaluate the net benefit of using resistance testing in HIV-infected patients with virological failure. METHODS: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the...
HIV pre-test information, discussion or counselling? A review of guidance relevant to the WHO European Region
OBJECTIVES: In the context of a shift from exceptionalism to normalisation, this study examines recommendations/evidence in current pan-European/global guidelines regarding pre-test HIV testing and counselling practices in health care settings....
Is there scope for cost savings and efficiency gains in HIV services? A systematic review of the evidence from low- and middle-income countries
OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the data available–on costs, efficiency and economies of scale and scope–for the six basic programmes of the UNAIDS Strategic Investment Framework, to inform those planning the scale-up...
Mental health service delivery in South Africa from 2000 to 2010: One step forward, one step back
Objectives. To identify progress and challenges in mental healthcare in South Africa, as well as future mental health services research priorities. Method. A systematic review of mental health services research....
A systematic review of health system barriers and enablers for antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women
BACKGROUND: Despite global progress in the fight to reduce maternal mortality, HIV-related maternal deaths remain persistently high, particularly in much of Africa. Lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) appears to be the...
Is there a role for primary care clinicians in providing shared care in HIV treatment? A systematic literature review
BACKGROUND: Despite HIV being increasingly considered as a chronic illness, there is as yet no consensus about how primary care should be integrated with specialty care to provide optimal clinical...
How does the mining industry contribute to sexual and reproductive health in developing countries? A narrative synthesis of current evidence to inform practice
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore client and provider experiences and related health outcomes of sexual and reproductive health interventions that have been led by or that have involved mining companies....
Mobile phone text messaging for promoting adherence to antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV infection
BACKGROUND: More than 34 million people are presently living with HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help these people to live longer, healthier lives, but adherence to ART can be...
