The Role of HIV Antiretroviral Medication on Motor-Cognitive and Neurological Alterations in Hispanic People Living with HIV

Abstract

Motor-Cognitive alterations (MCAs) are associated with HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy. MCAs create a profound negative impact on their independence causing a burden to caregivers and the health care system. At early stages of the HIV disease, mild MCAs affecting the central nervous system can be identified in individuals with HIV, however, these MCAs increase in severity as time and the condition progress. Despite the prominence of these traits among individuals with HIV, the manifestation and severity of these MCAs are not linear. Purpose: The aim of this project to assess the impact of medication with MCA's and comorbidities among Hispanics with HIV. Methods: Data was collected from 575 out of 1,300 participants’ record. Variables related to cd4, blood work, urinalysis, physical activity, and demographics (age, year with diagnosis) we're collected. Data analysis of this study utilizes two types of analysis univariate and bivariate for demographic profile data and to identify correlation of multiple comorbidities and antiretroviral therapy. Then a Pearson chi square was used for the relationship analysis between peripheral neuropathy and antiretroviral therapy. The majority of the subjects were male aged between 81/2- and 451/2-years old living with HIV diagnosis. Mainly, Participants were categorized as having the HIV diagnosis with a cd4 cell count of 598 ± 346.8 cells/uL with a non-detected viral load. Results: showed the mains comorbidities among individuals with HIV are hypertension 28%, depression 25%, peripheral neuropathy 23.6%. A poor relationship between peripheral neuropathy and individuals with HIV was found using between 2-3 antiretroviral therapy. However, it was not statistically significant (X² (2)> = 1.509, p = .470). Conclusion: Hispanic living with HIV, MCA's manifest as depression and in some extent peripheral neuropathy. We suggest cardiovascular and psychological testing to all participants suffering with HIV. Additional studies are encouraged for strength test, cardiovascular assessment and physical activity evaluation among these subjects.