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HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment Knowledge and Current Practices: A Survey of Frontline Healthcare Workers in South Africa

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Abstract

Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) associated with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains prevalent amongst people living with HIV. Testing for HIV-associated NCI in routine clinical care is limited in South Africa and reasons for this are unclear. We conducted an online survey amongst healthcare workers (HCW) to assess HIV-associated NCI knowledge and current practices. The final sample included four hundred surveys (n=400). Chi-square analyses were used to explore HCW knowledge of HIV-associated NCI and screening tools. One-way ANOVA was used to compare mean responses between HCW categories. We observed low awareness of HIV-associated NCI terminology and screening tools. HCW seldom suspected NCI among patients and screening practices were uncommon. Referrals for further NCI investigations were never requested. HCW expressed a desire to receive further training to identify HIV associated NCI. The current study highlights the context of HIV-associated NCI knowledge and practices among front-line HIV HCW in resource-limited settings.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the all healthcare workers who participated in the study. The doctoral candidate places on record her thanks to the South African Neurocognitive Association (SACNA), The National Institute for Human and Social Sciences (NIHSS) and the David and Elaine Potter Fellowship programme for their continued support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Adele Munsami, Hetta Gouse, Sam Nightingale & John A. Joska

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  1. Adele Munsami
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  2. Hetta Gouse
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  3. Sam Nightingale
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  4. John A. Joska
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Correspondence to Adele Munsami.

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Munsami, A., Gouse, H., Nightingale, S. et al. HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment Knowledge and Current Practices: A Survey of Frontline Healthcare Workers in South Africa. J Community Health 46, 538–544 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00895-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00895-9

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