Nutritional Profile in Households of HIV-Infected Patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in the 10 Regions of Cameroon: Toward the Implementation of Specific Food Interventional Programs

Abstract

Background: Progression to AIDS is known to be accelerated by malnutrition, while in turns HIV-infection could negatively impact the nutritional status. With a generalized HIV epidemiology in Cameroon, it would be vital to break this vicious circle between “malnutrition and HIV/AIDS” by promoting affordable, safe and rich food habits to people infected or affected by HIV. The goal of the study was to evaluate the nutritional status of HIV patients under treatment and their housemates, in order to develop specific food programs to support ART response.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2011 through January 2012 in the 10 regions of Cameroon (858 households, for 118 HIV treatment centers). Sites were selectively distributed using a randomly stratified sampling: 1-main cities (Yaounde/Douala), 2-Other urban settings and 3-Rural settings; based on the hypothesis of similarity in food habit intra-stratum, and different food habits inter-strata. Malnutrition was evaluated based on the world health organization standards.
Results: 4,133 adults and children were residing in the visited households, among which 53.6% female. The mean age of household leaders was 42 years, with 39.4% (n=338) having a secondary educational level. A significant difference in malnutrition (severe/moderate) was registered between people living with HIV (14.1%) against their housemates (24.8%). Furthermore, HIV-infected children aged 5-14 years, were the most affected (55.5%). Interestingly, 10% pregnant women were moderately malnourished. In children <5 years, acute malnutrition was low (4.9%) while chronic was high (23.5%). Food supports were inconsistent and from diverse origins.
Conclusion: The rates of malnutrition are high within households where HIV-infected persons in Cameroon lived. Children are the most affected, especially those aged under five-years; followed by pregnant women. In households of people living with HIV/AIDS, specific nutritional packages need to be designed, in order to improve lifespan in these households.

Key words: human; immunodeficiency; virus; malnutrition; households; Cameroon.