Subjective memory complaints, mood, and memory deficits among HIV/AIDS patients in Hong Kong

Abstract

Diagnosis of HIV-associated neurobehavioral disorders often heavily relies upon patient complaints of cognitive difficulties. Yet, research in North America suggests that such complaints may be heavily influenced by affective factors. However, no work in this area has been done in China. The present study examined the relationships among depressed mood, anxiety, memory performance and subjective memory complaints among HIV/AIDS patients in Hong Kong. A total of 90 individuals with HIV were administered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, Patient's Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory (PAOF), and Hong Kong List Learning Test. Forward regression analysis indicated that the BDI Cognitive-Affective score was the most significant predictor of subjective memory complaints on the PAOF. Furthermore, present results also supported previous findings that some individuals with HIV infection are more “accurate” than others in the self-appraisal of their memory ability. Given inaccuracies that exist in subjective memory complaints, these findings highlight the importance of comprehensive cognitive assessment when evaluating the neuropsychological status of individuals of HIV.

The study is partially supported by AIDS Trust Fund MSS116. The authors would also like to express gratitude to the AIDS Clinical Service in facilitating data collection and Dr Chan Wai for his advice on statistics.