Factors of Cognitive Complaints in Adults With HIV: A Structural Equation Model Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to use structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships between factors of cognitive complaints in 427 adults with HIV receiving care from an AIDS service organization (ASO) in Alabama. A face-to-face interview assessed cognitive complaints, mood, self-perceived health status, and substance use. Direct and indirect paths were specified between years with HIV (chronicity) age, education, stress, self-perceived health status, substance use, and cognitive complaints. The final model fit the data well (GFI = .95; AGFI = .92), revealing that age, education, substance use, self-perceived health status, and stress contributed directly or indirectly to cognitive complaints. Chronicity was only related to age, suggesting that duration of HIV may be of limited value in predicting cognitive complaints. These results demonstrate the complexity between the factors that influence cognitive complaints and offer possible solutions that health professionals can use to mitigate cognitive complaints in this population.

KEYWORDS:

• aging
• chronicity
• mood
• stress
• substance use
• years with HIV

This study was supported through Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and through support from AIDS Alabama.

Notes

Notes. P-values derived from SPSS using Pearson's and Spearman's rho when appropriate.

^† p < .05.

^‡ p < .01. c = continuous, o = ordinal.

Note. AGFI = Adjusted Goodness-of-Fit Index; df = degrees of freedom; GFI = Goodness-of-Fit Index; NFI = Normed Fit Index; PGFI = Parsimony Goodness-of-Fit Index; PNFI = Parsimony Normed Fit Index; RFI = Relative Fit Index; RMR = Root Mean Residual; RMSEA = Root Mean Square Error of Approximation; χ² = Chi-Square.