Immediate and Long-Term Effects of a Computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy on Cognitive Function in People Living with HIV in Iran: A Single-Blind Two-Arm Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Up to 50% of people with HIV (PWH) experience neurocognitive impairments (NCIs) that can interfere with everyday functioning and reduce quality of life. To address this problem, this study examined the immediate and long-term efficacy of computerized cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CCRT) on cognitive function in PWH in Tehran, Iran. Thirty PWH with NCI engaged in 24 biweekly 90-min CCRT sessions. A control group of 30 PWH and NCI received treatment-as-usual, but no CCRT. The cognitive rehabilitation protocol focused on attention, visual memory, nonverbal learning, and planning. Pretest, posttest, and follow-up cognitive measurements showed that the designed CCRT protocol was effective in improving performance in selected cognitive domains along with the global neurocognitive performance scores of PWH. These findings suggest that this CCRT protocol be considered as part of a treatment plan to address cognitive impairment for PWH. Implications for clinical practice and research are provided.

Psychometric properties of the Multi-group Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) in a sample of Iranian young adults.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the factor structure, reliability and test-retest validity of the 12-item Iranian version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM). Additionally, the MEIM's concurrent validity was tested by investigating the association between ethnic identity and subjective well-being. METHOD: The scale was translated into Persian language and was administered to 426 students (193 female) at a major public university in Tehran along with the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. RESULTS: The confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-factor first-order commitment, and exploration (consisting of 12 items), and the second-order unidimensional factor structure of general ethnic identity. Moreover, we found evidence for good internal consistency, test re-test reliability, and concurrent validity. CONCLUSION: The MEIM Persian version was found to be a valid and reliable measure to examine ethnic identity in this Iranian student population, for both males and females. These results support the utility of the Persian version of the MEIM for its use in Middle-Eastern contexts.

Effect of a Short-term Lifestyle Modification Program on Quality of Life, Anthropometric Characteristics and CD4+T Cell Count of HIV Infected Patients in Tehran/Iran: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Increasing physical activity and promoting healthy behaviors may play a key role in reducing the adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy and HIV. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of an 8-week lifestyle modification program (LMP) on quality of life, anthropometric characteristics and CD4+T cell count of people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: Thirty PLWH taking ART were randomly assigned to a lifestyle modification program (LMP) (n = 15) or standard care control (CON) group (n = 15). All volunteers underwent body composition, CD4+T cell count measurement and quality of life assessments at the beginning and end of a two-month experimental period. RESULTS: At follow-up, we observed a significant increase in CD4+T cell count (117.52 cells/mm3; 95% CI, 36.59-198.45) and all subscales and total quality of life score (Short-Form 36 (SF-36) in the LMP group. While we did not observe a significant change in body composition for the LMP group, we did observe a significant increase in body fat (1.75%; 95% CI, 0.15, 2.33) and a reduction in lean body mass (-1.26; 95% CI, -1.26, -2.39) for the CON group. CONCLUSION: A LMP can be safely used as an effective intervention for improving quality of life and immune competence of PLWH who lack time to participate in a structured exercise regimen. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT 201604034076N18. Registered: 2016-05-05 .web address of TRIAL: en.search.irct.ir/trial/4262.