Metrics details. It typically affects memory, learning, working memory, fine motor skills, speed of information processing, verbal fluency and executive functioning cognitive domains. NCI can affect adherence to antiretroviral therapy ART , employability, driving ability and activities of daily living. NCI is not routinely screened for in Zimbabwe, and the burden is not known in this setting.
The objectives of this study were: 1 To determine NCI prevalence using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery at two primary health care clinics in Harare; 2 To assess the pattern of cognitive impairment across cognitive domains using a gold standard neuropsychological NP battery in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls.
A comprehensive NP battery, functional assessments, demographic and medical history questionnaires were administered. The NP battery consisted of tests assessing memory, learning, working memory, fine motor skills, speed of information processing, verbal fluency and executive functioning. Two-hundred-and-thirty-one participants were recruited. NCI was present in Compared to HIV-negative participants, the HIV-positive group had significantly poorer scores in 5 out of 7 cognitive domains.
A good level of education is negatively correlated with NCI. Routine assessment of NCI in adults attending primary care clinics using this adapted battery is therefore important so that they are identified early and are provided the necessary interventions. Peer Review reports. HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe is While HIV affects many organs [ 2 ], HIV enters the brain [ 3 , 4 ] almost immediately after systemic infection [ 5 ]. PLWH who are virally suppressed because of good medication adherence can have a nearly normal life span [ 10 ].
This high burden of NCI is of public health concern. It negatively affects medication adherence, employment, and activities of daily living [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. It is extremely important to identify people with NCI to help them achieve this. To identify people with NCI assessment of commonly affected cognitive domains are required so that their cognitive deficit can be characterised and the necessary interventions can be implemented. Administering these gold-standard neuropsychological batteries requires highly specialized personnel i.
