Prevalence of HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorders among HIV Infected Patients in a Tertiary Care Center

Background: HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) are significant comorbidities among HIV-positive individuals despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART).HAND encompasses a spectrum of neurocognitive impairments ranging from asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) to HIV-associated dementia (HAD).These disorders adversely impact the functional independence and quality of life of affected individuals and pose significant challenges to adherence to treatment regimens.The study aimed to assess the prevalence of HAND among HIV-positive patients and identify sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors associated with neurocognitive impairments in a tertiary care setting.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 HIV-positive patients attending a tertiary care center.Participants were assessed using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and categorized based on neurocognitive performance.Data on sociodemographic variables, ART adherence, CD4 count, viral load, and substance use history were collected and analyzed for associations with HAND.Results: HAND was prevalent in 50% of participants, with common symptoms including forgetfulness (45%) and difficulty concentrating (35%).Factors significantly associated with HAND included poor ART adherence, low CD4 counts, substance use, and advanced disease stage (p<0.05).Gender and educational level were not significantly associated with neurocognitive symptoms.Conclusion: HAND prevalence underscores the need for routine neurocognitive screening in HIV care.Modifiable factors such as ART adherence and mental health should be prioritized in intervention strategies to improve outcomes for HIV-positive patients.