Neurocognitive Dysfunction Among Patients Living With HIV/AIDS in a National Teaching Hospital in Ghana: Mixed Method Approach

Abstract

Background Studies have reported good therapeutic outcomes among persons living with HIV, however, there is evidence to indicate persisting cognitive deficits. The present study examined the pattern of neurocognitive deficits and psychosocial changes among persons living with HIV at a tertiary hospital in a Sub Saharan country, Ghana. Method This was facility-base cross-sectional study involving one hundred and twenty-three (123) patients recruited from an infectious disease unit in a national referral hospital. Structured questionnaire and standardized research instruments; Revised Quick Cognitive Screening Test (RQCST), Digit Span Test, Spatial Span Test, Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ), California Verbal Learning Test ii short form (CVLT), Santa Clara Strength of Religious (SCSR), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL) were used to obtain quantitative data on socio-demographic characteristics, cognitive function, spirituality, depression and quality of life. Eight individuals each were sampled for in-depth interviews. Responses were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Statistical significance was set at < 0.05. Results The results indicated that 54% of the participants experienced cognitive deficits. There was a significant correlation between duration of the illness in months and Revised Quick Cognitive Screening Test [RQCST] Global score, r (73) = .29, p = .012, and Verbal score, r (73) = .35, p = .002 and Brief Symptoms Inventory [BSI] Depression sub-domain, r (61) = -.33, p = .009. Physical Health, a domain in WHO quality of life was a significant predictor of cognitive deficits in patient living with HIV/AIDS Conclusion Cognitive deficits are associated with poor psychosocial outcomes in patient living with HIV/AIDS, Neurocognitive assessment should be considered a crucial aspect in the management of HIV rehabilitation.