Authored by: Tiparo, Joshua K
Introduction
HIV associated dementia is the most devastating central nervous system consequence of HIV infection which invades the brain directly. Progression into HIV associated dementia (HAD) has is associated with a number of bio-psychosocial factors. Despite the high prevalence of HIV infection, there are no adequate data on HIV associated dementia both internationally and locally especially in Africa. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of HAD, the associated socio-demographic factors, and the association between International HIV Dementia Scale Score and viral load among HIV/AIDS adult patients attending the Kapsabet Comprehensive Care Centre, Nandi County.
Methodology
The study design was descriptive cross-sectional study and the study population was 4,100 HIV positive adults who were drawn from various locations within the county. Sample size was 352 patients who came for their routine clinic appointment. Sampling method used was simple random sampling where the potential participants randomly picked numbers in a container at the triage nurse desk. Those who picked odd numbers from 1 to 31 and met inclusion /exclusion criteria participated in the study. International HIV dementia scale and Socio-demographic questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic characteristic and HIV related information.
Data Analysis
The data collected was analyzed using SPSS Version 20 and the results were presented in tables, graphs, Charts and narratives.
Study results
The prevalence of HIV associated dementia was 65.6% among HIV patient attending Kapsabet Comprehensive Care Centre, There was no association between viral load and International HIV dementia score with a chi-square of 3.96 and p-value of 0.267
Conclusion
The results indicated that HIV associated dementia is common among HIV patients attending Kapsabet comprehensive Care Centre and is not associated with viral load.