Neurocognitive deficits and psychiatric morbidity among hiv/aids patients attending a ctc clinic at muhimbili national hospital dar es salaam, tanzania
Abstract
Background; Factors associated with Neurocognitive deficits among HIV/AIDS patients are usually
attained from cross sectional study.
Aims; (i) to determine the pattern and prevalence of Neurocognitive deficits and Psychiatric Morbidity
among study participants, and (ii) to ascertain possible risk factors associated with Neurocognitive
deficits and psychiatric morbidities
Methods; This is a cross sectional analytical study, involving adult patients attending comprehensive
treatment and care at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es salaam Tanzania between July and
August 2012. Systematic sampling was done to those who fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data
collected with the help of socio-dernographic clinical questionnaire, Mini International Neuropsychiatry
Interview Plus (M.I.N.I plus), International HIV dementia scale (IHDS) and Mini mental Status
examination (MMSE). Analysis was done using SPSS version 18 at 5% significance level. Chi-square,
frequency distributions, Pearson's correlation, Odd ratios, and Confidence Intervals were calculated to
determine the levels of risk
Results;: Prevalence ofNeurocognitive deficits was 68.4% when assessed by IHDS and 2.9% MMSE
tool was used. 22.9% of patients showed mood symptoms, Anxiety disorders constituted (19.4%). Of all
psychiatric morbidities only generalized anxiety disorder, current episode of Dysthymia, current episode
of Mania, history of pain disorders with psychological features and Previous history of Head Injury
showed significant association with Neurocognitive deficits.
Conclusion; these findings support the hypothesis that Neurocognitive deficits are prevalent among HIV
patients, however its association with other non-organic psychiatric disorders is not clear.
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Citation
Master of MedicinePublisher
University of Nairobi