Prevalence of HIV Associated Neurocognitive Deficit among HIV Positive People in Ethiopia A Cross Sectional Study at Ayder Referral Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND: HIV associated neurocognitive deficit impairsmotor activity, neuropsychiatric functioning, daily activity andwork activity usually due to the immune suppression effect of thevirus. Sub-Saharan region including Ethiopia is the region withthe highest burden of HIV. However, a few studies are found onthis aspect nationally. This study was aimed at determining theprevalence and the factors associated with cognitive impairmentamong HIV positive people in Ethiopia who attended AyderComprehensive Specialized Hospital.METHOD: A hospital based cross sectional study was employed on234 participants selected using systematic random samplingtechnique. Data was collected thrpugh face-to-face interview,observation and document review. International HIV dementiascale, activity of daily living scale and Hospital Anxiety andDepression scale were used to assess neuro cognitive deficit,activity of daily living, anxiety and depression respectively. Thedata was analyzed by using SPSS window 20.RESULT: About 88% of the subjects were receiving highly activeantiretroviral therapy. The magnitude of Neuro cognitive deficitwas 33.3% (95% CI; 27.7% - 40.6%). Impairment in the activity ofdaily living was observed on 9.8% of the participants. Besides,55.6% and 67.1% had anxiety and depressive disordersrespectively. Late clinical stage of the illness (AOR= 4.2 (95% CI;1.19, 14.44)) and impairment in the activity of daily living weresignificantly associated with neurocognitive deficit (AOR= 7.19(95% CI; 1.73, 21.83).CONCLUSION: A higher prevalence of neurocognitive deficit wasobserved that was related to impaired activity of daily living andbeing in late stages of the illness. Hence, this should be a strongalarm for early detection of the problem and consistent review ofthe treatment regimen.