Prevalence of neurocognitive impairment and its associated factors among patients with HIV in Indonesia

Abstract

Background:Patients with HIV are susceptable to developing HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). However, few studies have explored the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment and its associated factors among patients with HIV in Indonesia.Aims:This study aimed to explore the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment in patients with HIV in Indonesia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with HIV in West Java, Indonesia. Patients were eligible for study participation if they were HIV-positive and were aged over 20 years. The International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) was used to measure probable HIV–related dementia. Descriptive categorisations and statistics, using mean scores, standard deviation (SD) calculations or frequency rates, were applied to participant characteristics and major variables.Findings:There were a total 150 participants in this study. The mean age was 38.09 years (SD=3.99); 74% were male; 80.7% were high school graduates. The mean of CD4 counts was 493.3 (SD=139.8), and all participants had been living with HIV for more than 9 years (SD=3.84). The mean of total scores using the IHDS was 10.2 (SD=1.58), and 49.30% of patients with HIV were reported to have cognitive impairment. There was an increased prevalence of cognitive impairment among males with a higher BMI and higher systolic blood pressureConclusions:Nearly half of patients with HIV in Indonesia are at high risk of cognitive impairment, as measured by IHSD. Health professionals caring for patients with HIV may consider routine neurocognitive impairment screenings during clinical visits to address this risk.