A systematic review evaluating HIV prevalence among conflict-affected populations, 2005-2020

Historically, there has been concern that conflict may exacerbate the HIV epidemic. We conducted a systematic review to examine HIV prevalence in conflict-affected populations compared to district-level or countrywide HIV prevalence. Following PRISMA guidelines, studies presenting original HIV prevalence data published between 2005 and 2020 were drawn from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Data extracted included HIV prevalence, methods, dates, location, and population type. Studies were assessed for bias. Ten met criteria for data extraction; all focused on populations in sub-Saharan African. Most of the studies reported on mixed population settings while one was in a refugee camp. Six reported HIV prevalence higher than district- or country-level prevalence, while four reported lower HIV prevalence. Seven demonstrated moderate-to-high likelihood of bias in sampling, and five used methods limiting their comparability with local HIV prevalence. The relationship between armed conflict and HIV prevalence remains difficult to evaluate and likely varies by socioeconomic indicators.