Effects of community-based antiretroviral therapy initiation models on HIV treatment outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in the community and outside of a traditional health facility has the potential to improve linkage to ART, decongest health facilities, and minimize structural barriers to attending HIV services among people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of offering ART initiation in the community on HIV treatment outcomes.

Methods and findings

We searched databases between 1 January 2013 and 22 February 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared offering ART initiation in a community setting to offering ART initiation in a traditional health facility or alternative community setting. We assessed risk of bias, reporting of i

SUBMITTER: Eshun-Wilson I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8213195 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature