Nutritional status and associated factors of human immunodeficency virus positive adults taking highly active anti retroviral treatment in Jimma town South West Ethiopia

Abstract

This institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of adults living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and on Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment at Jimma University Specialist Hospital. Using the systematic sampling technique, a total of 242 HIV/AIDS patients were recruited for anthropometric dietary survey and biochemical parameters’ evaluation. Socio-demographic data was collected using a semi-structured and pretested questionnaire, while weight and height of the participants were measured with a beam balance and stadiometer respectively. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS for Windows (version 20.0). Bivariate analyses were done and all covariate variables which had association with the outcome variables at p-value of 0.25 were selected for multivariate analyses. Both descriptive and multivariable logistic models were used for comparison after adjusting for various variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of nutritional status as measured by body mass index <18.5 kg/m2. P-values <0.05 were considered statistical significant. Results showed a response rate of 100% with significant differences in the probability of normal nutrition status between males and females, and between the stage of HIV and nutritional status.