HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment Knowledge and Current Practices: A Survey of Frontline Healthcare Workers in South Africa.

Journal: Journal of community health

Volume: 46

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 2021

Affiliated Institutions:  HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. mnsade@myuct.ac.za. HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) associated with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains prevalent amongst people living with HIV. Testing for HIV-associated NCI in routine clinical care is limited in South Africa and reasons for this are unclear. We conducted an online survey amongst healthcare workers (HCW) to assess HIV-associated NCI knowledge and current practices. The final sample included four hundred surveys (n=400). Chi-square analyses were used to explore HCW knowledge of HIV-associated NCI and screening tools. One-way ANOVA was used to compare mean responses between HCW categories. We observed low awareness of HIV-associated NCI terminology and screening tools. HCW seldom suspected NCI among patients and screening practices were uncommon. Referrals for further NCI investigations were never requested. HCW expressed a desire to receive further training to identify HIV associated NCI. The current study highlights the context of HIV-associated NCI knowledge and practices among front-line HIV HCW in resource-limited settings.

Authors & Co-authors:  Munsami Adele A Gouse Hetta H Nightingale Sam S Joska John A JA

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Ghosh AK, Sarkar A, Mitsuya H. HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and the prospect of brain-penetrating protease inhibitors for antiretroviral treatment. (2017). Medical Research Archives, 5(4), 1–22.
Authors :  4
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1007/s10900-020-00895-9
SSN : 1573-3610
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
HIV Infections
Other Terms
HIV;HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND);Knowledge assessment;Screening;South Africa
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
Netherlands