HIV prevention and missed opportunities among people with recently acquired HIV infection: Α protocol for a systematic review

Background: Individuals who have recently acquired HIV represent a unique population because the time frame since HIV acquisition is relatively short and identification of missed HIV prevention opportunities is, therefore, closer to real time and less subject to recall bias. Identifying prevention measures used and missed opportunities for using them, can help stop further HIV transmission. Objectives: This systematic review aims to synthesise current global evidence on uptake of HIV prevention methods among people with recently acquired HIV from 2007, the year that the concept of ART as a prevention method was first introduced. Methods and analysis: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane and Web of Science databases, will be searched for articles published January 2007—December 2023. Eligible studies will be those that reported on HIV prevention methods among people with recently acquired HIV. Quality assessment of the studies selected will be undertaken, and reporting of the systematic review will be informed by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: The systematic review is expected to provide comprehensive insights into the uptake, use and adherence to HIV prevention methods among individuals with recently acquired HIV. Analysis anticipates identifying gaps in prevention coverage, missed opportunities for intervention, and variations in access to and use of prevention strategies. Sociodemographic, personal, and behavioural factors influencing prevention uptake and adherence will also be synthesised. Conclusions: The findings will be of key relevance to researchers, healthcare providers including third sector organisations/ community groups and policymakers, as they will offer insight into better understanding of missed or failed HIV prevention efforts and will help ensure future efforts meet the needs of those in need of them.