Impulsivity in HIV
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Multi-dimensional impulsivity and cognitive function in people living with HIV on effective cART
IRAS ID
267137
Contact name
Jaime Vera Rojas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 2 days
Research summary
In the UK there are over 6,000 newly reported cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) each year and more than 100,000 people who are living with the infection. Following the development of new medication called combination anti-retroviral therapies (cART), the treatment of HIV has been transformed, resulting in significantly increased life expectancy and a reduction in illnesses related to acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS). However, as the population of PLWH ages, new challenges have arisen as a result of increasing rates of people living with multiple chronic illnesses and cognitive impairment (CI).
Prior to the advent of cART, up to 50% of PLWH experienced CI. Despite potent new treatments, CI remains a significant challenge to the health and quality of life of PLWH, resulting in reduced adherence to medication, increased levels of unemployment and an overall reduction in life expectancy. The underlying disease process responsible for the development of CI in PLWH is complex and may include virus-mediated, lifestyle, co-morbidity and cART factors. This results in disruption in normal brain activity and processing.
Where there is interruption in normal brain processing, typical higher-level functions such as self-control and inhibition, vital for rational decision-makingcan become impaired. This has been shown to lead to impulsive behaviour in both clinical and healthy populations.
The term “impulsivity” refers to a variety of processes and behaviours including quick decision-making, an inability to control movements and a preference for immediate gratification. These behaviours are associated with a number of chronic conditions.
Everyday examples of impulsivity might be crossing the road without checking to see if any traffic is coming, spending money without knowing if you can afford it, or shouting in anger at a loved one when you didn’t mean to.
We do not have a detailed understanding of whether people living with HIV show a tendency towards impulsive behaviours. This is important to find out, because it may impact on whether patients are able to take their medications as they should, and whether they engage in risky behaviours that could be bad for their wellbeing. The aim of this study is to find out whether people living with HIV show different patterns of impulsivity compared to people who do not have HIV.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1913
Date of REC Opinion
17 Dec 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion