Epidemiology & Health Data Insights (ISSN 3080-8111) is an international, open-access, peer-reviewed journal that advances epidemiology by integrating health data science. It fosters multidisciplinary collaboration to address global health challenges through evidence-based research, promoting equity and guiding healthcare policy. The journal covers a wide range of topics including disease surveillance, predictive modeling, public health interventions, and big data applications, with an editorial team of experts in epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health.
Call for Publications
We invite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to submit manuscripts for publication in “Epidemiology & Health Data Insights”. The journal is committed to disseminating innovative and rigorous research that contributes to a deeper understanding of health trends, disease prevention, and healthcare delivery worldwide.
CURRENT ISSUE
Volume 2, Issue 4, 2026
(Ongoing)
Review Article
Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 2(4), 2026, ehdi039, https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/18472
ABSTRACT:
Background: The health outcomes of women living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in sub-Saharan Africa remain poor, despite global efforts to improve access to antiretroviral therapy. Social determinants have been identified as key factors contributing to these disparities, however, evidence remains limited. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence on the association between social factors and health outcomes among women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Peer-reviewed articles published between January 2015 and November 2025 were identified through an extensive literature search in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search yielded 1,589 studies, of which 23 were included in the final analysis. A thematic approach was used to synthesize eligible studies that examined one or more social factors and reported health outcomes.
Results: Twenty-three studies were included in the review, comprising 13 quantitative (11 cross-sectional and 2 cohort) and 10 qualitative studies across sub-Saharan Africa. After quality appraisal, 20 studies were rated as high quality, while 3 were moderate. None was classified as low quality. The main social factors influencing treatment outcomes included HIV-related stigma, socioeconomic status, gender norms, intimate partner violence, healthcare access, cultural and religious beliefs, and social support. These factors were consistently linked to late testing, poor antiretroviral therapy adherence, low retention in care, low viral suppression, and adverse mental health outcomes. Conversely, social support networks, peer-based interventions, and community- and faith-based care were associated with improved ART adherence, empowerment, and quality of life.
Discussion: These findings emphasize that social determinants do not function in isolation but through interconnected structural, community, and interpersonal pathways, creating both risks and protections for health outcomes.
Conclusion: Intersecting social and structural determinants of health impact outcomes among women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Addressing these factors requires integrated, gender-responsive, and community-empowering strategies beyond biomedical treatment alone.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Peer-reviewed articles published between January 2015 and November 2025 were identified through an extensive literature search in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search yielded 1,589 studies, of which 23 were included in the final analysis. A thematic approach was used to synthesize eligible studies that examined one or more social factors and reported health outcomes.
Results: Twenty-three studies were included in the review, comprising 13 quantitative (11 cross-sectional and 2 cohort) and 10 qualitative studies across sub-Saharan Africa. After quality appraisal, 20 studies were rated as high quality, while 3 were moderate. None was classified as low quality. The main social factors influencing treatment outcomes included HIV-related stigma, socioeconomic status, gender norms, intimate partner violence, healthcare access, cultural and religious beliefs, and social support. These factors were consistently linked to late testing, poor antiretroviral therapy adherence, low retention in care, low viral suppression, and adverse mental health outcomes. Conversely, social support networks, peer-based interventions, and community- and faith-based care were associated with improved ART adherence, empowerment, and quality of life.
Discussion: These findings emphasize that social determinants do not function in isolation but through interconnected structural, community, and interpersonal pathways, creating both risks and protections for health outcomes.
Conclusion: Intersecting social and structural determinants of health impact outcomes among women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Addressing these factors requires integrated, gender-responsive, and community-empowering strategies beyond biomedical treatment alone.
Review Article
Epidemiology and Health Data Insights, 2(4), 2026, ehdi040, https://doi.org/10.63946/ehdi/18537
ABSTRACT:
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, leading to adverse effects on human health, particularly in relation to reproductive, developmental, and metabolic processes. Recent research has increasingly identified personal care products (PCPs) as a major source of EDC exposure. These often contain chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and triclosan, which retain endocrine activity even at low concentrations.
This narrative review aimed to consolidate current research on the exposure pathways, health effects, and regulatory frameworks associated with EDCs in PCPs.
A narrative review approach was adopted, focusing on studies published between 2021 and 2026. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and ScienceDirect.
The review found that EDCs are widely present in personal care products and dermal absorption, oral ingestion, and inhalation are the primary pathways through which EDCs enter the body. EDCs pose significant risks to human health, including reproductive dysfunction, developmental delays, metabolic disorders, and cancer risks with cumulative exposure exacerbating these risks. Regulatory frameworks vary globally, with many regions lagging in addressing the long-term impacts of EDC exposure.
Ultimately, the findings emphasize the urgent need to address the public health implications of EDC exposure from PCPs, which contribute to chronic diseases across multiple systems. Effective policy recommendations include stricter regulations on EDCs in consumer products, better monitoring systems, and enhanced consumer awareness. These findings will be of significant value to public health officials, regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and health professionals who can influence and implement strategies for reducing EDC exposure to protect human health.
This narrative review aimed to consolidate current research on the exposure pathways, health effects, and regulatory frameworks associated with EDCs in PCPs.
A narrative review approach was adopted, focusing on studies published between 2021 and 2026. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and ScienceDirect.
The review found that EDCs are widely present in personal care products and dermal absorption, oral ingestion, and inhalation are the primary pathways through which EDCs enter the body. EDCs pose significant risks to human health, including reproductive dysfunction, developmental delays, metabolic disorders, and cancer risks with cumulative exposure exacerbating these risks. Regulatory frameworks vary globally, with many regions lagging in addressing the long-term impacts of EDC exposure.
Ultimately, the findings emphasize the urgent need to address the public health implications of EDC exposure from PCPs, which contribute to chronic diseases across multiple systems. Effective policy recommendations include stricter regulations on EDCs in consumer products, better monitoring systems, and enhanced consumer awareness. These findings will be of significant value to public health officials, regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and health professionals who can influence and implement strategies for reducing EDC exposure to protect human health.