A qualitative feasability study to evaluate the use of a screening tool to detect neurocognitive deficits among perinatally HIV-infected children by primary health care workers

Abstract

Despite the effectiveness and scale-up of antiretroviral treatment (ART), HIV-Associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) still persist. Currently no gold standard tool exists to detect all forms of HAND, including major and minor cognitive impairments. In light of this, a newly developed screening tool was conceptualised, namely the Quick Paediatric Neurocognitive Screening tool (QPNST). The QPNST has been developed to detect HAND in perinatally HIV-infected children aged 5-10 years.