Prevalence and associated factors of neurocognitive disorder among people living with HIV/AIDS in the South Gondar zone primary hospitals, North-West Ethiopia: an institution-based cross-sectional study.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of neurocognitive disorder among people living with HIV/AIDS in South Gondar primary hospitals, North-West Ethiopia, 2023.

Design: Institution-based cross-sectional study design.

Setting: South Gondar primary hospitals, North-West Ethiopia.

Participants: 608 participants were recruited using the systematic random sampling technique.

Measurement: Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and medical chart reviews. The International HIV Dementia Scale was used to screen for neurocognitive disorder. The data were entered through EPI-DATA V.4.6 and exported to SPSS V.21 statistical software for analysis. In the bivariable logistic regression analyses, variables with a value of p<0.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors independently associated with neurocognitive disorder. Statistical significance was declared at a value of p<0.05.

Results: The prevalence of neurocognitive disorder among HIV-positive participants was 39.1%. In multivariable logistic regression, lower level of education (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.94; 95% CI 1.29 to 6.82), unemployment (AOR=2.74; 95% CI 1.29 to 6.84) and comorbid medical illness (AOR=1.80; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.14) were significantly associated with neurocognitive disorder.

Conclusion: HIV-associated neurocognitive problems affected over a third of the participants. According to the current study, comorbid medical conditions, unemployment and low educational attainment are associated with an increased risk of neurocognitive disorder. Therefore, early detection and treatment are essential.