Nutritional status of people living with HIV-AIDS

Introduction: At present, the relationship between diet, nutrition and HIV infection has been demonstrated. The scientific community recognizes that knowledge and nutritional care can help maintain health and reduce the effects of the infection. Objective: To assess the nutritional status of people living with HIV-AIDS treated in out-patient clinics of Plaza County. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study in 87 people infected with HIV (66 males and 21 females). Fifty four asymptomatic infected people and 33 AIDS patients were studied. Nutritional assessment consisted of anthropometric measurements: weight, height, triceps skinfold and arm circumference to calculate the body mass index, and fat and arm muscle area; dietary assessment with frequency questionnaires and food consumption by food groups; measurement of biochemical parameters: hemoglobin, triglycerides, blood sugar and cholesterol. Values were compared with the Student t test and Spearman correlation. Results: The largest group was asymptomatic male between 30-49 years. Few cases of anemia were detected. Hypertriglyceridemia and discrete reductions in fat reserves were predominant. Half of people with AIDS presented bad eating habits. More than half presented sufficient level of knowledge and attitude. Conclusion: It is necessary to increase the attitude of these patients in relation to the care of their nutrition.