Neurocognitive impairment and associated factors among People living with hypertension and hiv/aids attending Follow-up treatment at government hospitals in Gambella region southwest ethiopia; comparative cross- Sectional study

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