There is significant evidence that HIV is brain degenerative and long-term infection can impair cognitive functioning. In South Africa, alcohol remains the dominant substance of abuse and lifetime alcohol dependence has been found to impair memory, executive function and visuospatial capabilities. The individual liability of alcohol and HIV on neurocognitive function have been well demonstrated, however there is relatively little evidence of the potentially aggravating effects of this dual burden on neurocognitive outcomes.

The present study is ongoing and sought to identify the effects of hazardous alcohol use on neurocognitive functioning in the context of HIV infection.

To describe the association between HIV and harmful alcohol use on neuropsychological test performance in a cohort of adults in the Western Cape of South africa.

participants (n = 50) were tested using a battery of neuropsychological tests sensitive to the effects of HIV on the brain. Self-reported alcohol use was recorded using the alcohol use identification test (AUDIT). Results The sample consisted of 47 females and 3 males. All participants were HIV-positive and on antiretroviral therapy. A total of 23 (46%) participants reported no alcohol use and 27 (54%) reported drinking alcohol on the AUDIT.

revealed a significant difference between groups on the Stroop colour word test, with poorer performance evident among the alcohol users (P = 0.008).

Alcohol use in the context of HIV infection contributes to poorer executive function. These preliminary data provide evidence for a synergistic relationship between HIV infection and alcohol use.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.