The impact of HIV-related neuropsychological dysfunction on driving behavior. The HNRC Group

J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 1999 Nov;5(7):579-92. doi: 10.1017/s1355617799577011.

Abstract

HIV infection often results in neuropsychological (NP) impairment. In order to assess the impact that HIV-related NP deficits may have on automobile driving, we evaluated 68 HIV-seropositive drivers using an NP battery and two PC-based driving simulations. Thirty-two participants were classified as NP impaired; most (72%) evidenced only mild impairment, and none met criteria for HIV-associated dementia. After controlling for degree of immunosuppression and disease stage, NP-impaired participants failed a previously validated driving simulation at a much higher rate than cognitively intact participants [OR = 5.3, 95% CI (1.7, 17.0), p = .006]. Similarly, on a simulation of city driving, NP impaired participants were more likely to fail based upon the number of accidents [OR = 6.1, 95% CI (1.5, 24.6), p = .01]. Simulator performance was predicted by functioning in a number of NP domains, with NP tests accounting for 13-30% of the variance on the simulations. Although it would be premature to extrapolate these findings to impairment in on-the-road driving, they do argue for greater attention to the impact that even mild HIV-related NP deficits may have on driving skills.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Dementia Complex / complications*
  • Adult
  • Automobile Driving / psychology*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Severity of Illness Index