Conectar
by Parya Jangipour Afshar, Vahid Yazdi-Feyzabadi, Zahra Abdolahinia, AliAkbar Haghdoost, Jaason M. Geerts, Reza Goudarzi, Katayoun Tayeri, Babak Eshrati, Hamid Sharifi
BackgroundIntegrating clinical programs and services is a cost-effective approach that can improve health and system outcomes. This review aimed to provide an overview of the benefits and challenges of integrated programs for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and STI services worldwide and provide recommendations for research and practice.
MethodsThis scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. We searched electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until May 2025 to extract relevant studies. Additionally, we reviewed reputable grey literature sources, such as WHO and UNAIDS, and references from included publications for further relevant articles. Studies that had eligible criteria were included. We applied a narrative approach to report the findings through an inductive approach.
ResultsOut of 19,516 initially identified studies, 118 were selected. The benefits and challenges of integration were classified into six categories: integrated service delivery, medical information and technology, human resources, health outcomes, collaboration and partnerships, and financial/physical resources. The significant benefits of these classifications include improved health outcomes, cost-effectiveness, enhanced efficiency, prevention of transmission, use of comprehensive care, reduction of time for receiving necessary services, increased knowledge and awareness, and improved cooperation. However, integration has some challenges, including the need for sufficient infrastructure, budget, human resources, and the potential for increased stress and work pressure on employees.
ConclusionsPrioritizing health is key to national development, requiring policies and resources for cost-effective patient and community benefits. This scoping review highlights the feasibility and advantages of integrating services for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and STIs. Our findings strongly support policymakers in prioritizing the planning and implementation of these integrated programs. An evidence-informed integration framework is needed to guide these actions effectively.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases and affects the quality of life (QoL) of individuals, necessitating interventions beyond physical treatments. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of individual supportive counselling on the QoL in women with high-risk HPV.
This randomised clinical trial will include 80 women with HPV who will be selected from 2025 to 2026 in Babol, Iran. Following selection based on inclusion criteria, samples will be randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. Then, they will complete demographic–social questionnaires, QoL in HPV patients and general health questionnaires. Individuals in the intervention group will receive 4 weekly online supportive counselling sessions in addition to routine care. The control group will receive routine care. Both groups will complete the questionnaires again at 6 weeks and 4 months postbaseline. Data will be analysed using SPSS V.26 software and statistical tests including ², t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance, and regression models if necessary. A significance level of 5% will be used for the tests.
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Babol University of Medical Sciences (IR.MUBABOL.HRI.REC.1404.082). The trial will adhere to the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at scientific conferences.
IRCT20180218038783N11, 14 September 2025.
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