Does Grit Moderate the Association Between Health and Subjective Cognitive Decline Among Middle-Age and Older Nigerians Living With HIV?

This study investigated the effects of subjective health status and grit (a personality trait) on subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in adult people living with HIV (PLWH) in Nigeria, as previous research suggested that these factors may predict cognitive functioning. A total of 150 PLWH (<i>M</i>age = 55.19) completed paper-based questionnaires at a teaching hospital in Nigeria. Multiple linear regression showed that better subjective health status was negatively associated with SCD. Grit-components (consistency of interest and perseverance of effort) moderated the association between subjective health and SCD. Higher consistency of interest strengthened the protective effect of positive subjective health on SCD, while low perseverance of effort amplified this protective association. The role of personality traits on health and cognitive decline in adults living with HIV in Nigeria warrants more studies to help inform cognitive health intervention programs for middle-aged and older adults with HIV.