Assessment of nutritional status and its associated factors among adult HIV patients attending care and treatment centers (CTC) in Songwe region-Tanzania

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Malnutrition is a major problem among people living with HIV/AIDS despite better nutrition intake these last few years. Poor absorption of nutrients and frequent opportunistic infections are to be considered in this regard. Nutritional intervention among this population is no longer a recommendation but a need. Objective: This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and determinants of malnutrition among PLWHIV attending Care and Treatment Centers in Songwe Region. Methods: This was an analytic, cross-sectional study conducted between May and June 2022 in four health facilities. Stratified sampling was used to select participants. Structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were used to collect data on nutritional status, socio-demographic information, clinical characteristics, and dietary diversity. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify determinants of malnutrition using SPSS software. Results: The study involved 390 participants, predominantly female (67.4%), with a mean age of 46.38 years. Most participants were married (54.4%), employed (55.9%), and resided in rural areas (68.6%). Clinically, 20.3% experienced HIV-related symptoms, with most in Stage II (44.9%) and a majority having a CD4 count >500 (62.3%). ART adherence was high at 90.8%. Nutritional assessments indicated that 76.7% were malnourished, with significant malnutrition rates associated with advanced clinical stages of HIV, lack of dietary counseling and support, comorbidities, and low dietary diversity. Logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced HIV stages increased malnutrition odds: Stage II (AOR 6.73), Stage III (AOR 6.27), and Stage IV (AOR 1.79), while lack of dietary counseling (AOR 5.18), nutritional support (AOR 3.84), and comorbidities (AOR 5.89) were also significant risk factors Conclusion: The study concludes that malnutrition is highly prevalent among individuals living with HIV, particularly those in advanced stages and without dietary counseling. This highlights the urgent need for nutritional interventions in HIV care to improve health outcomes and treatment adherence. Integrating regular dietary assessments into standard management practices is essential for supporting the well-being of this vulnerable population.