Correlates of cognitive intra-individual variability in middle aged and older adults with HIV in Birmingham, Alabama
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study investigates the relationship between cognitive intra-individual variability (IIV) and characteristics in middle-aged and older adults with HIV, focusing on how factors like demographics, medical factors, and psychosocial factors influence cognitive IIV. OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors related to cognitive IIV, a deeper understanding of cognitive IIV can be develop from which we can hypothesize about intervention to reduce cognitive IIV which could benefit overall cognition and improve brain health.
METHOD: This study used data from a prior clinical trial investigating computer-based cognitive training for middle-aged and older individuals with HIV. Participants were recruited from an HIV/AIDS clinic, underwent detailed baseline assessments of cognitive function, psychosocial factors, and health, involving 3-4 hours of face-to-face contact. The study collected data on demographics, HIV-related characteristics, substance use, mental health, medication adherence, quality of life, personality traits, locus of control, sleep quality, and cognitive functioning. A metric of cognitive IIV was created and correlations between it and these study variables were examined. Data analysis used statistical software to explore determinants of cognitive IIV in this population.
RESULTS: The study revealed that most participants were male (63.85%) and African American (82.70%), with an average age of 51.15 years, 12.53 years of education, and a household income of ~$20,400. Participants had been diagnosed with HIV for an average of 16.27 years, with a current CD4+ count of 656.95 cells/mm³ and were taking an average of 6.81 prescribed medications; their average cognitive scores were generally below average, with a global function score of 44.54 (population mean = 50). Correlations showed that cognitive IIV had a positive relationship with locus of control (r= 0.26) and negative with age (r = -0.12), while higher openness (r = 0.27) and agreeableness (r = 0.21) were linked to better cognitive health.
CONCLUSION: This study found that cognitive IIV in middle-aged and older adults with HIV is negatively associated with age and positively associated with locus of control. The study's limitations include its cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported measures.
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2024