Views on Cognitive Screening V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring patients’ and health care providers’ views on screening for cognitive impairment in people living with HIV: a qualitative study
IRAS ID
314213
Contact name
Jaime Vera
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of HIV-associated dementia for people living with HIV (PLWH) has been reduced, however reports of cognitive impairments are increasing (1, 2). In the UK estimated prevalence of cognitive impairments in effectively treated PLWH (>50 years) is 15-20%. The mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in PLWH are multifactorial and include legacy of HIV infection, drug toxicity, and patient-related factors. Importantly, even milder forms of cognitive impairment have been associated with problems with employment, medication adherence, poor quality of life and progression to greater cognitive impairment, including dementia.
The importance of early detection of dementia for timely intervention is recognised. Monitoring for cognitive impairment is recommended in the latest British HIV Association guidelines, but there is no guidance around when and how to screen, and whether screening should be prompted by symptoms. Furthermore, while studies in the general population suggest people would want to know early if they have cognitive impairment, there are no data on preferences for PLWH. Therefore, this study aims to employ qualitative methods to explore patients’ and health care providers' concerns about cognitive impairment (CI), and views about routine screening for CI as part of HIV care.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0396
Date of REC Opinion
27 May 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion