Screening HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) among HIV positive patients attending antiretroviral therapy in South Wollo, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

The vast majority of people living with HIV/AIDS reside in low and middle income countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Despite the huge number of service users in the local area, cognitive disorder among HIV patients has not been extensively studied and there is a dearth of knowledge on the subject. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder among people living with HIV/AIDS in antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics.

METHODS

Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from April to May, 2015 at Dessie Referral Hospital & Kombolcha Health Center. International HIV Dementia Scale was used to screen HIV associated neurocognitive deficits. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess predictors of neurocognitive disorders.

RESULT

The risk of HIV associated neurocognitive disorder was 36.4%. Those who had CD4 count of 500 cells/dl or less (AOR = 2.368 (1.524, 3.680)), no formal education (AOR = 4.287 (2.619, 7.016)), poor medication adherence (AOR = 1.487 (1.010, 2.180)) and older age (AOR = 3.309 (1.259, 8.701)) were found to be significantly associated with HIV associated neurocognitive disorders.

CONCLUSION

The risk of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder was found to be high among people living with HIV/AIDS. This emphasizes the need of regular cognitive screening for early identification and appropriate intervention.