52 Demographic influences on test performance may not be universal: considerations from a cross-country comparison of South Africa and Zimbabwe

• DOI: 10.1017/s1355617723009104
• Publication Date: 2023-12-22T02:43:08Z
• Authors: Shathani Rampa; Desiree Byrd; Primrose Nyamayaro; Hetta Gouse; Reuben N Robbins

Objective: Appropriate adjustments to normative data for neuropsychological (NP) tests are imperative their equitable use in brain health practices. Age and education known be strong predictors of test performance. In settings where validated not available, common practice has been adapt apply them similar fashion as they were developed. However, demographic cannot assumed de facto universal strength domain associations. For example, South Africa (SA) Zimbabwe neighboring countries with some similarities makeup, but vastly different sociopolitical trajectories- was colonially occupied until 1980 SA oppressed under Apartheid 1994- which have impacted access quality by severely limiting educational opportunities native citizens. The present study explored whether the direction relationships between age on NP performance or adults living without HIV. Participants Methods: Data extracted from two IRB-approved studies inclusion exclusion criteria. sample (n=214) comprised 56% females, 48% HIV-positive adults, mean 34 years, a nine-year range (3-14 years). (n=212) 68% 67% 36 thirteen-year (7-20 completed NeuroScreen, tablet-based battery 12 brief adapted indigenous languages. samples analyzed separately. Zero order correlations each gender conducted determine influence variables. Relationships moderate (r>0.3) both further using univariate ANOVA examine main effects interactions Results: Overall, there pattern results across samples, nine showing no-to-low associative respectively. Moderate, significant found age, three processing speed (Visual Discrimination A, Visual discrimination B, Number Speed) samples. had A effect [F(40,83)=3.060, p<0.01], whilst [F(10,87)=4.541, p<0.01]. B Speed showed variables interaction only. Conclusions: current is novel its exploration country-specific factors assessment science emergent. Results demonstrate presence differential raises questions about source these differences. One important potential socio-cultural context country intersection contexts. Further research required explore considerations.