Utilization of Machine Learning Algorithms for the Strengthening of HIV Testing: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Several machine learning (ML) techniques have demonstrated efficacy in precisely forecasting HIV risk and identifying the most eligible individuals for HIV testing in various countries. Nevertheless, there is a data gap on the utility of ML algorithms in strengthening HIV testing worldwide. This systematic review aimed to evaluate how effectively ML algorithms can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of HIV testing interventions and to identify key outcomes, successes, gaps, opportunities, and limitations in their implementation. This review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted via PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, and Gale OneFile databases. Out of the 845 identified articles, 51 studies were eligible. More than 75% of the articles included in this review were conducted in the Americas and various parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, and a few were from Europe, Asia, and Australia. The most common algorithms applied were logistic regression, deep learning, support vector machine, random forest, extreme gradient booster, decision tree, and the least absolute shrinkage selection operator model. The findings demonstrate that ML techniques exhibit higher accuracy in predicting HIV risk/testing compared to traditional approaches. Machine learning models enhance early prediction of HIV transmission, facilitate viable testing strategies to improve the efficiency of testing services, and optimize resource allocation, ultimately leading to improved HIV testing. This review points to the positive impact of ML in enhancing early prediction of HIV spread, optimizing HIV testing approaches, improving efficiency, and eventually enhancing the accuracy of HIV diagnosis. We strongly recommend the integration of ML into HIV testing programs for efficient and accurate HIV testing.