Prevalence and Impact of HIV Among Teenagers and Young Adolescents in Ghana: A Systematic Review

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to investigate the prevalence, effects, and interventions associated with HIV among adolescents and young individuals in Ghana. This study consolidates existing knowledge to enhance comprehension of HIV epidemiology and response initiatives aimed at this at-risk demographic. Design: In accordance with PRISMA principles, an exhaustive search of peer-reviewed literature was performed utilising databases. Seventeen studies were chosen according to established qualifying criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical evaluation techniques were employed for quality assessment. A meta-analysis was conducted utilising STATA version 17, applying a random-effects model with constrained maximum likelihood estimate to determine pooled HIV prevalence. Subgroup and publication bias analyses were also conducted. Findings: The aggregated HIV prevalence among Ghanaian adolescents and young individuals was 7.1% (95% CI: 5.3%–8.9%), markedly above the national adult rate of 1.7%. The I² score of 68.4% signifies moderate to high heterogeneity among the studies. The results identified five primary effect domains: psychological distress, stigma and discrimination, problems in healthcare involvement, behavioural risks, and issues related to disclosure. Interventions documented in the research encompassed adolescent-friendly health care, community education, peer-led outreach, and organised HIV disclosure assistance. Notwithstanding advancements, disparities persist in the uniform execution and assessment of specific treatments. Research limitations/implications: The results are constrained by variability in research designs and demographics and dependence on cross-sectional data. Nevertheless, the study offers essential information that might inform customised HIV prevention, treatment, and policy efforts for adolescents in Ghana. Future research must emphasise longitudinal designs, gender-disaggregated analyses, and inclusive community-based methodologies to enhance the national HIV response