Adult Nutritional Status and Factors Associated with Malnutrition Amon PLHIV in UoG Referral Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: People Living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to become malnourished due to reduced food intake or poor absorption of nutrients.  While nutritional management is considered as vital part of the ART program effectiveness, in Ethiopia in general and in Gondar in particular, studies on nutritional assessment of PLWHA are limited if at all present. This study is; therefore, important to show the nutritional status of PLWHA and risk factors for malnutrition.

Objective: the objective of this study was to assess adult nutritional status and associated factors for malnutrition of PLWHA following ART at ART clinic of UoG Referral Hospital.

Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 01, 2007 to November 30, 2007 in UoG Referral Hospital. Systematic sampling technique was used to select study subjects from all adult ART clients. One physician and four nurses collected the data using clinical assessment, measurements and interview. BMI and percent of body weight loss were calculated from the data. Logistic regression analysis was identify factors associated for malnutrition.

Results: Complete records of three hundred thirty one subjects (64.4% females and 35.6% males) was obtained and included in the analysis. The mean age was 33.9 + 8.2 years; the prevalence of malnutrition (BMI<18.5kg/m²) was 27.8%.the percent of body weight lost was (BWL>5%) was 60.9%. Severe malnutrition (BWL>20%) accounted for 10.1%. Income, duration of ART in months, presence of eating problems and nutritional support were significantly associated with malnutrition (BMI<18.5). BWL showed statistically significant relationship with nutritional support and duration of ART.

Conclusion and recommendation: there is high burden of malnutrition in PLWHA. Income, eating problems, duration of ART and current condition were associated with malnutrition in this group of patients. Nutritional assessment and management should be a key intervention before and during initiation of ART to PLWHA.

 

Key words: malnutrition, developing country, North Gondar