REVIEW PAPER
A systematic review and meta-analysis of worldwide prevalence of HIV in men who have sex with men
1
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
2
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
3
Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Western New England University, Springfield, USA
4
Students Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5
Health Metrics and Evaluation Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
Submission date: 2023-12-23
Final revision date: 2024-04-16
Acceptance date: 2024-04-16
Publication date: 2026-09-25
Corresponding author
Yousef Moradi
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the worldwide prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in men who have sex with men (MSM).
Material and methods:
Search was conducted in international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane, and PsycINFO) to find cross-sectional studies published up to April 2023. Following pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant studies were selected and evaluated using Newcastle Ottawa scale checklist for quality assessment. Random-effects model was utilized to perform meta-analysis using Stata 17.
Results:
This meta-analysis included 21 cross-sectional investigations, which collectively tested 75,473 MSM for HIV, of whom 9,212 were found to be HIV-infected. The overall HIV prevalence among MSM globally, based on the combined results of these studies, was estimated at 20%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 12-28%. In the subgroup analysis of two studies from Europe, the pooled HIV prevalence was 49% (95% CI: 23-86%).
Conclusions:
The findings indicate a substantial prevalence of HIV among MSM across the included studies. Continued efforts to improve access to HIV prevention, regular testing, and appropriate treatment services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral therapy, may help address the burden of HIV in this population.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the worldwide prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in men who have sex with men (MSM).
Material and methods:
Search was conducted in international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane, and PsycINFO) to find cross-sectional studies published up to April 2023. Following pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant studies were selected and evaluated using Newcastle Ottawa scale checklist for quality assessment. Random-effects model was utilized to perform meta-analysis using Stata 17.
Results:
This meta-analysis included 21 cross-sectional investigations, which collectively tested 75,473 MSM for HIV, of whom 9,212 were found to be HIV-infected. The overall HIV prevalence among MSM globally, based on the combined results of these studies, was estimated at 20%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 12-28%. In the subgroup analysis of two studies from Europe, the pooled HIV prevalence was 49% (95% CI: 23-86%).
Conclusions:
The findings indicate a substantial prevalence of HIV among MSM across the included studies. Continued efforts to improve access to HIV prevention, regular testing, and appropriate treatment services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis and antiretroviral therapy, may help address the burden of HIV in this population.
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