Factors associated with driving simulator performance in vocational drivers with HIV

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Public Health
• Traffic Safety

Background:

• Persistent neurocognitive symptoms are common in people living with HIV (PLWH).
• Intact cognition is crucial for safe driving practices.
• Previous research indicates neurocognitive impairment (NCI) negatively affects driving in the general population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between HIV status, NCI, and driving ability in professional drivers.
• To assess driving performance under routine and challenging conditions using simulator tasks.

Main Methods:

• Two hundred and four male vocational drivers (68 with HIV) completed neuropsychological testing.
• Participants performed two driving simulator tasks simulating routine and challenging driving scenarios.
• Driving performance was analyzed in relation to HIV status and neurocognitive function.

Main Results:

• Drivers with NCI, regardless of HIV status, showed significantly worse overall driving performance (p=.032).
• Worse driving performance was particularly evident during challenging driving conditions (p=.048).
• Professional driver training, being a truck driver, and not having HIV were associated with better driving performance.

Conclusions:

• Neurocognitive impairment poses a significant risk for driving errors, especially under demanding conditions.
• HIV status did not independently predict driving errors, but NCI did.
• Driver training interventions show promise for improving driving performance in drivers with NCI.