Study title: Characterizing neurocognitive function in adolescents living with HIV enrolled in the VITALITY Clinical Trial

Lead Researcher(s)

Nyasha Dzavakwa

Funder(s)

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Partner(s)

Background

Study aim(s)

To characterize and determine the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment in children and adolescents living with HIV.

Study design

VITALITY Mind was a cross-sectional sub-study conducted in Zimbabwe as part of the VITALITY Clinical Trial. Neurocognitive impairment was assessed in two ways; with the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II) and the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. Both assessments consisted of a set of games and tests which measured different aspects of cognition. The KABC-II used physical props, and the NIH Toolbox was run on an iPad.  

The study enrolled 253 adolescents living with HIV from the VITALITY trial and 254 age-matched HIV-negative individuals through snowball sampling. The findings of this study will enhance understanding of neurocognitive challenges in adolescents growing up with HIV and inform interventions to improve their well-being.

Study dates

August 2022 -June 2025