Service Utilization and Cognitive Complaints in Adults with HIV: Results from a Statewide Survey

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study were to determine the association between service utilization and subjective cognitive complaints among adults with HIV and to identify the predictors of cognitive complaints as a step forward in improving service utilization in this population. Participants were 385 adults with HIV who were receiving care from AIDS service organizations (ASOs) in Alabama. Trained staff administered a face-to-face questionnaire, which assessed cognitive complaints and diverse aspects of service utilization. Significant correlations were found between cognitive complaints and work status, financial difficulties, difficulty getting medical care, legal problems, medication compliance, emotional problems, housing difficulties, counseling for sexual issues, transportation difficulties, and difficulty getting food. Multiple regression analysis identified the following predictors of cognitive complaints: level of education, physical pain, and stress. Given the association between cognitive complaints and service utilization, interventions aimed at reducing cognitive complaints and improving neuropsychological functioning may enhance service utilization and everyday functioning among adults with HIV.

KEYWORDS:

• Cognitive complaints
• neuropsychological functioning
• service utilization

Notes

Note: †3 cases missing;

‡7 cases.

Note: All correlations significant at p ≤ .001 except ^ap ≤ .01, ^bp ≤ .05, and ^cp > .05; †N of 312 because not all participants were on medication.

Note: R² = 0.21; Adjusted R² = 0.20.

*p ≤ .05, **p ≤ .001.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ozioma Okonkwo

Ozioma Okonkwo, MA, is a Doctoral Candidate, Department of Psychology, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

David Vance

David Vance, PhD,MGS, is Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Lauren Antia

Lauren Antia, BS, is Program Administrator at the School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Barbara Smith

Barbara Smith, PhD, RN, is Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Maryland–Baltimore, School of Nursing.

Sue Blanshan

Sue Blanshan, PhD, is Vice President for Academic Affairs, Trinity College, in Washington, DC.

Kathy Heirs

Kathy Heirs, MSW, is CEO of AIDS Alabama in Birmingham, AL.

Eric Bodner

Eric Bodner, BS, is Information Systems Specialist III at the Center for Aging at University of Alabama at Birmingham.