Associated Factors of Cognitive Frailty in People Living with HIV Aged 50 and Older: A Cross-Sectional Study

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INTRODUCTION: Cognitive frailty (CF), which typically precedes dementia and functional decline, serves as a more robust predictor of adverse health outcomes compared to physical frailty alone, representing a critical challenge in promoting healthy aging among older people living with HIV (PLWH) aged ≥ 50 years. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cognitive frailty and identify its associated factors among PLWH aged ≥ 50 years. METHODS: A convenience sample of 344 PLWH ≥ 50 years was recruited from a tertiary Grade A hospital in Zunyi, China. Physical frailty: evaluated via the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, and Loss of Weight (FRAIL) Scale; Cognitive function: assessed via the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Participants were divided into the cognitive frailty group (FRAIL score ≥ 3 and MoCA score < 26), the non-cognitive frailty group. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted with SPSS 29.0 to identify factors associated with CF. RESULTS: The prevalence of CF among the 344 PLWH aged ≥ 50 years was 37.5%. Regression analysis revealed that the following associated factors (p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for CF in PLWH aged ≥ 50 years: age, education level, weekly frequency of physical activity ≤ 2 sessions, depression, sleep disorders, and EFV-containing regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive frailty is highly prevalent among PLWH aged ≥ 50 years. Early screening and comprehensive healthcare interventions targeting modifiable risk factors are crucial for delaying or reversing CF progression in this population.