Abstract:
Background: Neurocognitive impairment is a clinical deficit in cognitive function that
represents a decline from a previously achieved level of functioning. Neurocognitive impairment
is commonly reported in people with HIV and hypertension is likely to become an increasingly
important issue necessity of a local profile. Cognitive decline can affect the quality of a patient's
life, increases the burden of care on health services. Particularly in environments with limited
resources, one requires evidence-based planning and intervention. However, there was few
studies have been conducted in the locality to determine and compare the magnitude and
associated factors of neurocognitive impairment among people living with HIV/AIDS and
hypertension.
Objective: To determine and compare the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment and
associated factors among people living with hypertension and HIV/AIDS attending follow-up
treatment at government hospitals in the Gambella region, southwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study design was employed from
October 10, 2022, to December 9, 2022. The sample size was determined using a double
population proportion and a total of 354 People living with HIV/AIDS and 357 individuals with
hypertension was enrolled. Proportional allocation was made and systematic random sampling
was employed. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a
review of medical records. The Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale was used to
screen for neurocognitive impairment. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was carried out and
interpreted using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval at p-value < 0.05.
Result: In this study, the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment among people living with
HIV/AIDS was 39.8%, which was higher than in patients with hypertension (27.7%). Being
female (AOR=2.242, 95% CI= 1.340-3.753), moderate depression (AOR=2.198, 95% CI= 1.211-
3.990), moderately severe depression (AOR=4.018,95% CI= 1.266-12.750), anxiety
(AOR=2.682, 95% CI=1.225-5.870), obstructive sleep apnea (AOR=4.039, 95% CI= 1.317-
12.390), Gaya use (AOR=3.010, 95% CI=1.416-6.394), cigarette use (AOR= 2.183, 95% CI=
1.023-4.655) were significantly associated with neurocognitive impairment among HIV/AIDS
patients, similarly, it was also identified among patients with hypertension. However, unlike
