A SURVEY OF HIV-ASSOCIATED NEUROCOGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT KNOWLEDGE, CURRENT PRACTICES AND TRAINING NEEDS AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Back to Page Authors: Adele Munsami, Hetta Gouse, Sam Nightingale, John Joska

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Keywords: HIV, HIV-associated Neurocognitive disorder, knowledge assessment training needs, South Africa

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Abstract: Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) is prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH), especially among those who are treatment non-adherent. However, testing for HIV-associated NCI remains uncommon in resource-limited settings. We conducted an online survey among healthcare workers (HCW) to assess HIV-associated NCI knowledge and practices. In total, 400 HCW responded. Results indicate that knowledge of HIV-associated NCI was low and testing for NCI was uncommon. Less than 60% of HCW had heard of NCI and <25% had administered an NCI test. No HCW surveyed had ever referred a patient with NCI for further investigations. HCW reported a desire to improve their knowledge and skills in this area. These data highlight a need for front-line HCW to receive the necessary training to test and identify NCI a to in prove adherence and long term quality of life among PLWH.

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