Evaluation of the neuropsychiatric symptom profiles and cognitive functions of HIV positive patients

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the neuropsychiatric symptom profiles and cognitive functions of HIV/AIDS patients. Materals and Methods: Our study is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample of the study consists of 80 patients who were diagnosed with HIV and followed up in the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Hospital between 2010-2021.Demographic findings, drug use, viral load (HIV RNA) and CD4+T lymphocyte cell count of the patients were recorded. The sample of the study consists of 80 patients diagnosed with HIV who were followed up in the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Hospital. Demographic findings, drug use, viral load (HIV RNA) and CD4+T lymphocyte cell count of the patients were recorded. As a data collection tool in the study; "Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT)", "Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)", "SCL-90-R Psychological Symptom Screening Test" and "Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA)" were used. Results: Cognitive impairment was found in 7 (8.8%) patients according to the SMMT scale, and cognitive impairment was found in 22 (27.5%) patients according to the MoCA scale. It was found that being married, being heterosexual, and having a low education level were important factors increasing cognitive impairment. Depression was found in 29 (36.3%) of the patients. It was found that those with CD4+ counts below 200 and those who were HIV-RNA positive had more depressive scores. According to the SCL90-R scale, the general psychological status of 8 (10.1%) patients was found to be impaired. It was found that patients with low education level and CD4+ counts below 200 had higher somatization scores (respectively p=0.007, p=0.013). It was found that those with CD4+ counts below 200 had higher phobic anxiety scores (p=0.043). A moderate negative correlation was found between SMMT and MoCA scores and HRDQ scores (respectively p=0.001, p=0.003), and a moderate negative correlation was found between SMMT scores and SCL-90-R (p=0.025). Conclusion: It is seen that the neuropsychiatric profiles and cognitive functions of individuals with HIV/AIDS are negatively affected, and low education level and being diagnosed in the late period are the most important risk factors. For this reason, we think that awareness of the disease and ways of prevention should be raised, especially in people with low sociocultural level, and patients with HIV/AIDS should be carefully evaluated in terms of neuropsychiatric symptom profiles and cognitive functions during the follow-up and treatment process. Key words: HIV infection, AIDS, neurocognitive disorder, depression, mental health