Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) on HIV-1 & 2 (Subtype C) infection and its relationships to cognitive function and quality of life

Abstract

Results Analysis between ART and Non-ART groups differ on design fluency score (p < 0.05) and figural scanning (p < 0.05). Similarly, QOL domain significantly differs only on social relations (p < 0.01). Analysis between neuropsychological measures and quality of life (QOL) scores revealed significant correlation between QOL Total and motor speed (p < 0.01) and verbal fluency (p < 0.01). Social relations significantly correlate on verbal working memory (p < 0.05), auditory verbal learning (p < 0.05), verbal memory (p < 0.05), verbal fluency (p < 0.05) and color trails (p < 0.05). Spiritual beliefs significantly correlate only of color trails (p < 0.05). Discussion Neuropsychological functioning and quality of life and with ART treatment revealed that ART success was significantly related to motor speed and fluency. Better neuropsychological performance may lead to more available social contacts and increase spiritual beliefs. In addition, none of the subjects developed any functional impairment.