Exploring Racial Disparities in Sleep Health and Neurocognitive Function

Plain-language summary

Despite longer life expectancies due to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persists thus affecting 52% of the HIV population. Poor sleep quality is commonly reported in older adults and has been related to neurocognitive impairments. This is concerning given studies have shown that up to 75% of adults with HIV experience poor sleep, and by 2020, 70% of adults with HIV will be age 50 and older. It is important to examine sleep quality as it relates to neurocognitive function and HAND in older adults with HIV given its negative impact on cART adherence. Compared to Whites with HIV, African Americans (AA) are disproportionately affected by HIV and are more likely to experience poor sleep quality. This primary goal of this 1-year cross-sectional study is to examine racial differences in sleep quality and neurocognitive function among 60 African Americans and Whites with HIV (age 50+).

Who can participate

What they're measuring

Trial details