The summaries are free for public
use. The Chronic Liver Disease
Foundation will continue to add and
archive summaries of articles deemed
relevant to CLDF by the Board of
Trustees and its Advisors.
Abstract Details
Protocol for a systematic review of treatment adherence for HIV, hepatitis C and tuberculosis among homeless populations
Luke Johnson12, Dan Lewer3, Robert W Aldridge4, Andrew C Hayward1, Alistair Story1
Author information
1Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
2Department of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
3Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HT, UK. d.lewer@ucl.ac.uk.
4The Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research, University College London, London, NW1 2DA, UK.
Abstract
Background: Homelessness is a global issue and HIV, hepatitis C and tuberculosis are known to be prevalent in this group. Homeless populations face significant barriers to care. We aim to summarise evidence of treatment initiation and completion for homeless populations with these infections, and their associated factors, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods: We will search MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL for all study types and conference abstracts looking at either (1) treatment initiation in a cohort experiencing homelessness with at least one of HIV, hepatitis C, active tuberculosis and/or latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI); (2) treatment completion for those who initiated treatment. We will perform a meta-analysis of the proportion of those with each infection who initiate and complete treatment, as well as analysis of individual and health system factors that may affect adherence levels. We will evaluate the quality of research papers using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
Discussion: Given the political emphasis on global elimination of these diseases, and the current lack of understanding of effective and equitable treatment adherence strategies in homeless populations, this review will provide insight to policy-makers and service providers aiming to improve homeless healthcare.