Multicenter European Prevalence Study of Neurocognitive Impairment and Associated Factors in HIV Positive Patients

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 448 HIV positive patients attending five European outpatient clinics to determine prevalence of and factors associated with neurocognitive impairment (NCI) using computerized and pen-and-paper neuropsychological tests. NCI was defined as a normalized Z score ≤−1 in at least 2 out of 5 cognitive domains. Participants’ mean age was 45.8 years; 84% male; 87% white; 56% university educated; median CD4 count 550 cells/mm3; 89% on antiretroviral therapy. 156 (35%) participants had NCI, among whom 26 (17%; 5.8% overall) reported a decline in activities of daily living. Prevalence of NCI was lower in those always able to afford basic needs (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–0.94) or with a university education (aPR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.97) and higher in those with severe depressive symptoms (aPR 1.53, 95% CI 1.09–2.14) or a significant comorbid condition (aPR 1.40, 95% CI 1.03–1.90).