Although Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is considered a great health risk worldwide, India is one among its highest suffering countries with reportedly having third highest HIV-infected population in the world. Out of these, nearly 35% of all AIDS cases are reported in young people belonging to the age group of 15-24 years. Despite the significant portion of HIV patients being young adults, there is a dearth of studies specifically focusing on this age group.
This study, therefore, was planned with an objective to understand the neurocognitive, behavioral and socioemotional outcomes in HIV-infected Indian young adults. A total of 30 young adults (in the age range of 17 to 24 years) with HIV participated in the study. A matched control of HIV non-infected participants was also included in the current study. They were administered neuropsychological battery, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Beck Youth Inventory along with a personal data sheet to assess their sociodemographic details.
The results of the study revealed significant differences among HIV infected and HIV non-infected participants on neurocognitive, behavioral and socioemotional domains. It was found that having infected with HIV young adults display greater decline in their cognitive functions (especially attention and concentration, recent memories and recognition) then their HIV non-infected controls. Also, HIV infected participants show higher depression, aggression and social withdrawal and display greater socioemotional impairments then their healthy controls.
These results are important as they warrant for the development and implementation of holistic care for HIV infected young adults in India so that not only their physical health is cared for but also address the neuropsychological, behavioural and socioemotional consequences of HIV. This study therefore warrants for the prioritization of the evolving needs of young adults living with HIV in terms of monitoring, treatment and adherence support.