This study identified prevalence and correlates of HIV-associated dementia (HAD) among people living with HIV (PLWHA) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Four hundred PLWHA completed a self-report questionnaire and were interviewed by a trained researcher to assess HAD using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS). Clinical information concerning HIV treatment was also extracted from medical records. The results indicate the prevalence of probable HAD based on IHDS score <10.5 was 39.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35.0%-44.5%). Probable HAD was significantly higher among female, older PLWHA and among those with low education level (≤ primary school), moderate level of adherence to HIV medication and HIV stage 3. Those PLWHA with depressive symptoms also had higher odds of having probable HAD (odds ratio = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.05-5.11). These findings underscore the importance of early HAD screening and appropriate referral for further assessment and management of PLWHA especially those with higher risk of HAD.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS; IHDS; Vietnam; dementia; outpatient.