A Protocol for Scoping Review of Social Factors Influencing HIV/TB Coinfections in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sarika Millar^*
*Correspondence: Sarika Millar, Department of Economic Sciences, Ovidius University of Constanta, 900527 Constanta, Romania, Email:

Introduction

Sub-Saharan Africa faces a significant public health challenge due to the high prevalence of HIV and tuberculosis. The region bears the brunt of global HIV/TB coinfections, which exacerbate each other’s effects, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. While the biological interactions between HIV and TB are well-understood, the social determinants that influence the incidence and outcomes of these coinfections are less explored. This article presents a protocol for a scoping review that aims to map the social determinants affecting HIV/TB coinfections in sub-Saharan Africa, providing a comprehensive overview of the existing literature and identifying gaps for future research. The screening process will involve two stages: title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts of identified studies to assess their eligibility. Any disagreements between reviewers will be resolved through discussion or by consulting a third reviewer. Studies that meet the inclusion criteria based on the title and abstract screening will proceed to full-text screening. During the full-text screening, the same reviewers will independently assess the full texts of selected studies to confirm their eligibility. Any discrepancies will be resolved through discussion or by consulting a third reviewer. A PRISMA flow diagram will be used to document the study selection process, including the reasons for exclusion at each stage. A data extraction form will be developed to chart relevant information from the included studies. socio-economic status, education, occupation, housing, stigma, gender, and other relevant social determinants. summary of the main findings related to social determinants and HIV/TB coinfections. Two reviewers will independently extract data from the included studies. Any discrepancies will be resolved through discussion or by consulting a third reviewer. The extracted data will be collated and summarized using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results will be presented in a narrative format, supported by tables and figures where appropriate. Thematic analysis will be used to identify and synthesize key themes related to social determinants influencing HIV/TB coinfections. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the social determinants influencing HIV/TB coinfections in sub-Saharan Africa. Social determinants of health play a critical role in influencing health outcomes, including HIV/TB coinfections. These determinants include socio-economic status, education, occupation, housing conditions, social stigma, and gender norms. Understanding how these factors interact and contribute to the dual burden of HIV and TB is essential for developing effective public health interventions. Socio-economic status is a significant determinant of health outcomes. Low SES is often associated with limited access to healthcare, poor living conditions, and inadequate nutrition, all of which can increase the risk of HIV and TB. Studies have shown that individuals with lower SES are more likely to experience HIV/TB coinfections due to these compounded vulnerabilities [1-3].

Description

Any discrepancies will be resolved through discussion or by consulting a third reviewer. A PRISMA flow diagram will be used to document the study selection process, including the reasons for exclusion at each stage. A data extraction form will be developed to chart relevant information from the included studies. socio-economic status, education, occupation, housing, stigma, gender, and other relevant social determinants. summary of the main findings related to social determinants and HIV/TB coinfections. Two reviewers will independently extract data from the included studies. Any discrepancies will be resolved through discussion or by consulting a third reviewer. The extracted data will be collated and summarized using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results will be presented in a narrative format, supported by tables and figures where appropriate. Thematic analysis will be used to identify and synthesize key themes related to social determinants influencing HIV/TB coinfections. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the social determinants influencing HIV/TB coinfections in sub-Saharan Africa. Social determinants of health play a critical role in influencing health outcomes, including HIV/TB coinfections. These determinants include socio-economic status, education, occupation, housing conditions, social stigma, and gender norms. Understanding how these factors interact and contribute to the dual burden of HIV and TB is essential for developing effective public health interventions. Socio-economic status is a significant determinant of health outcomes. Poor housing conditions, including overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, are risk factors for TB transmission. Individuals living in such conditions are more susceptible to TB infection, especially if they are immunocompromised due to HIV. Any discrepancies will be resolved through discussion or by consulting a third reviewer. The extracted data will be collated and summarized using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results will be presented in a narrative format, supported by tables and figures where appropriate. Thematic analysis will be used to identify and synthesize key themes related to social determinants influencing HIV/TB coinfections. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the social determinants influencing HIV/TB coinfections in sub-Saharan Africa. Social determinants of health play a critical role in influencing health outcomes, including HIV/TB coinfections. Higher levels of education are associated with better health outcomes, as educated individuals are more likely to access health information, utilize healthcare services, and adhere to treatment regimens. In the context of HIV/TB coinfections, education can play a pivotal role in prevention, early detection, and treatment adherence. A study in Kenya highlighted the impact of education on HIV/TB coinfection rates. The researchers found that individuals with higher education levels were more likely to seek early diagnosis and treatment for both HIV and TB [4-6].

Conclusion

HIV/TB coinfections remain a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the social determinants influencing these coinfections is essential for developing effective interventions and improving health outcomes. This scoping review will provide a comprehensive overview of the social determinants affecting HIV/TB coinfections, synthesize the available evidence, and identify gaps in the current literature. The findings will inform policy development, program design, and future research, ultimately contributing to the reduction of HIV/TB coinfections in sub-Saharan Africa. Low SES is often associated with limited access to healthcare, poor living conditions, and inadequate nutrition, all of which can increase the risk of HIV and TB. Studies have shown that individuals with lower SES are more likely to experience HIV/TB coinfections due to these compounded vulnerabilities. A study conducted in South Africa found that poverty and unemployment were significant predictors of HIV/TB coinfections. Individuals living in impoverished conditions often face barriers to accessing healthcare, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment of both HIV and TB. Furthermore, poor living conditions, such as overcrowded housing, can facilitate the spread of TB, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Education and health literacy are crucial for understanding and managing health conditions. Higher levels of education are associated with better health outcomes, as educated individuals are more likely to access health information, utilize healthcare services, and adhere to treatment regimens. In the context of HIV/TB coinfections, education can play a pivotal role in prevention, early detection, and treatment adherence.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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