Abubakar;Pwani;Adolescent Executive Functioning Association with Scholastic Outcomes, Risk Taking Behavior and Medical Adherence in the Context of HIV

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Children born HIV positive are living longer due to the availability of Antiretroviral (ARVs). However, to realize their full potential these children need to receive interventions that reduce the negative impact of HIV. In Africa, there is limited research evidence to guide the development of these much needed intervention programmes. I propose to study the impact of HIV exposure on the functioning of adolescents aged 10-14 years at the Kenyan Coast. A total of 552 (184 HIV infected, 184 HIV exposed uninfected and 184 unexposed randomly selected from the community) adolescents aged 10-14 years shall be recruited. A longitudinal study design will be used. Each subject will be assessed thrice, within a 24 months period with 12 months between each assessment. We will use direct psychological assessment complemented by parental report and will statistically analyse the data to identify the nature and antecedents of HIV-related impairments. Identifying sources of poor neuropsychological outcomes will provide information on useful points of intervention.