The present study investigated whether cognitive function was associated with adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 32 asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV-infected men and women.
Participants (53% African American) were recruited from Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center (LSCDVAMC) and were interviewed and tested on site. Cognitive domains assessed were attention, executive function and information processing speed. Other variables included adherence, substance use, depression and medical variables.
A multiple hierarchical regression analysis revealed a significant model fit for the association between cognitive variables and adherence at one month. High levels of previously undetected cognitive impairment were found. High levels of adherence were also reported.
People with HIV/AIDS may benefit from monitoring of adherence at each visit and utilization of appropriate interventions as needed. Further, this population may benefit from regular screening for cognitive impairment and referral for complete neuropsychological evaluation as appropriate. Further studies need to investigate the relationship between cognitive function and medication adherence in people living with HIV.