Prevalence and characteristics of emotional distress and neurocognitive impairment in people living with HIV assisted at the Elavoco Center in Huambo/Angola

Gizella  Carvalho; Armindo  Paixão António; Aires  Walter M. Carlos; Bruno Peixoto

doi:10.48797/sl.2024.127

Authors

Gizella Carvalho Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
Armindo Paixão António José Eduardo dos Santos University, Huambo, Angola
Aires Walter M. Carlos José Eduardo dos Santos University, Huambo, Angola
Bruno Peixoto Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB – Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences – CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; UCIBIO – Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2427-6330

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48797/sl.2024.127

Keywords:

Psychosocial, depression, anxiety

Abstract

As life expectancy among people living with HIV (PLWH) increases, there is a growing recognition of the importance of a psychological and neurocognitive well-being. This study aims to ascertain the prevalence of emotional distress and neurocognitive impairment in PLWH receiving care at the Elavoco Center. 204 participants were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Results indicate that 62.7% of the participants exhibit significant levels of emotional distress, with 62.7% and 53.2% experiencing significant levels of anxiety and depression, respectively. Furthermore, 58.3% demonstrate impairment in global neurocognitive functioning. Participants reporting emotional distress have lower levels of education and monthly income. Gender, limited daily access to food and potable water are associated with an increased risk of distress. Participants displaying neurocognitive impairments are older, have fewer years of formal education, exhibit depressive symptoms, and have longer periods of infection. Results are indicative of a high prevalence of emotional distress among PLWH and highlight the significance of factors such as education, income, and access to necessities like food and clean water. Consequently, the development and implementation of mental health and social services to address these critical concerns are imperative.

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