HIV in Iraq: Key populations, sociodemographics, transmission modes, present realities, and urgent next steps: A systematic review

Abstract

Background and Purpose: While empirical studies in Iraq have examined sociodemographic characteristics and modes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, including but not limited to those involving key populations, there remains a critical lack of synthesizing these studies. Therefore, the purpose of this syetematic review is to comprehensively synthesis the available empirical evidence to understand the sociodemographic characteristics and modes of HIV transmission in Iraq, with the goal of informing future strategies for prevention, treatment, and care. Method: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used. Seven electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL with Full text, PsychINFO, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE with FULL Text (EBSCO)) were searched between 1986 and December 2024. Inclusion criteria were original studies that reported sociodemographic factors and modes of HIV transmission among people living with HIV. A total of 854325 records were identified, but 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. We synthesized data using a convergent integrated approach to identify key themes. Findings: HIV prevalence was high in urban areas, single, low educational levels, employed, and low economic status people. The most common modes of HIV transmission were heterosexual, followed by blood transfusion, man who have sex with man, bisexual, and mother to infant, and surgery. Conclusion: The HIV is steady increasing. Therefore, enhancing HIV prevention, early detection, and treatment access are required.