Spies G, Mall S, Wieler H, Masilela L, Castelon Konkiewitz E, Seedat S. The relationship between potentially traumatic or stressful events, HIV infection and neurocognitive impairment (NCI): a systematic review of observational epidemiological studies.
Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020;
11:1781432. [PMID:
33029322 PMCID:
PMC7473036 DOI:
10.1080/20008198.2020.1781432]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
HIV/AIDS and potentially traumatic events (PTEs) or stressful life events (SLEs) and/or PTSD are independently associated with neurocognitive impairment (NCI). Literature suggests that HIV and PTE/SLE exposure independently and consistently affect various domains of cognition including language ability, working memory and psychomotor speed. There are limited data on the interaction between HIV infection and PTEs and their combined effect on NCI.
OBJECTIVE
In this systematic review, we synthesise evidence for the combined effect of HIV infection and PTEs and SLEs and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on NCI of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) from high-, middle- and low- income countries.
METHOD
Our inclusion criteria were observational epidemiological studies (case-control, cohort and cross-sectional designs) that investigated the interaction of HIV infection, PTEs and SLEs and/or PTSD and specifically their combined effect on NCI in adults. We searched a number of electronic databases including Pubmed/Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Global Health using the search terms: cognition, HIV/AIDS, observational studies, trauma and permutations thereof.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies were included in the review, of which the majority were conducted in high-income countries. Ten of the fifteen studies were conducted in the United States of America (USA) and five in South Africa. Seven of these focused on early life stress/childhood trauma. The remaining studies assessed adult-onset PTEs and SLEs only. Eight studies included women only. Overall, the studies suggest that PTE and SLE exposure and/or PTSD are a significant risk factor for NCI in adults living with HIV, with impairments in memory and executive functions being the most likely consequence of PTE and SLE exposure.
CONCLUSION
These findings highlight the need for trauma screening and for the integration of trauma-focused interventions in HIV care to improve outcomes.
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