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. x