Neurocognitive impairment in HIV: reliability and validity of a practical screening tool

Authors

  • C. Cooper
  • E. Oberjé
  • J. Prins
  • M. de Bruin

Abstract

Background Neurocognitive impairment (NI) prevalence in HIV is estimated >50%, associated with disease severity (CD4-cell count), medication adherence, and quality of life (QoL). Early detection is paramount but assessments are resource-intensive. This study explores the reliability and validity of a 3-item NI screening tool to identify patients eligible for comprehensive NI assessment. Methods A longitudinal study in which 138 patients completed baseline and follow-up (14.5 months later) questionnaires including NI and QoL (sf12_v2). The CD4-cell count prior to baseline was collected from clinic records. We examined internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the NI scale; and for convergent validity we examined the association of NI with CD4-cell count and QoL. Findings Cronbach’s alpha at baseline and follow-up (.86 to .84), and test-retest reliability were good (rho=.75, p<.001). CD4-cell count predicted baseline and follow-up NI (rho=.22-.21, p<.01). NI predicted mental (β.378, p<.001) but not physical QoL, while controlling for age, CD4-cell count and baseline QoL. Discussion This 3-item NI screening tool seems reliable and valid and could be considered for routine screening for NI in HIV-care.

Published

2015-12-31

Issue

Section

Oral presentations