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malnutrition underweight HIV/AIDS support groups
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The risk of developing malnutrition in people living with HIV/AIDS: Observations from six support groups in Botswana
Abstract
Objectives: The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) at risk of developing
malnutrition, 2) to determine the prevalence of malnutrition (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), and 3) to describe the dietary intake and other nutrition parameters of PLWHA with membership in support groups.
Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting: Six support groups in Gaborone and neighbouring locations. Subjects: Consenting, free-living HIV-positive adults 20 to 50 years of age with membership in support groups for PLWHA. Outcome measures: The subjects’ risk of developing malnutrition was established using a modified subjective global assessment (SGA) screening tool. Subjects with an SGA score ≥ 4 were classified as being at high risk of developing malnutrition. Results: From 145 PLWHA screened, 47.5% (n = 69) were found to be at high risk of developing malnutrition (SGA score ≥ 4) and 28.5% (n = 41) were malnourished (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). In the sample with SGA scores ≥ 4, 52.2% (n = 35) presented with a BMI < 18.5 kg/ m2. These two groups also reported more unintentional weight loss, gastrointestinal symptoms, and other conditions commonly associated with a high risk of developing malnutrition. PLWHA with membership in support groups also had low educational attainment and high unemployment rates. A total of 47% of subjects with an SGA score ≥ 4 needed food assistance. Conclusions: Almost 50% of PLWHA with membership in support groups for PLWHA are at risk of developing malnutrition, while about 30% have a BMI < 18.5kg/m2. Nutrition screening can also help to identify those PLWHA with a BMI > 18.5 kg/m2 who are still at high risk of developing malnutrition. Timely nutrition interventions can therefore be instituted in order to prevent deterioration in nutritional status.
malnutrition, 2) to determine the prevalence of malnutrition (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), and 3) to describe the dietary intake and other nutrition parameters of PLWHA with membership in support groups.
Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
Setting: Six support groups in Gaborone and neighbouring locations. Subjects: Consenting, free-living HIV-positive adults 20 to 50 years of age with membership in support groups for PLWHA. Outcome measures: The subjects’ risk of developing malnutrition was established using a modified subjective global assessment (SGA) screening tool. Subjects with an SGA score ≥ 4 were classified as being at high risk of developing malnutrition. Results: From 145 PLWHA screened, 47.5% (n = 69) were found to be at high risk of developing malnutrition (SGA score ≥ 4) and 28.5% (n = 41) were malnourished (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). In the sample with SGA scores ≥ 4, 52.2% (n = 35) presented with a BMI < 18.5 kg/ m2. These two groups also reported more unintentional weight loss, gastrointestinal symptoms, and other conditions commonly associated with a high risk of developing malnutrition. PLWHA with membership in support groups also had low educational attainment and high unemployment rates. A total of 47% of subjects with an SGA score ≥ 4 needed food assistance. Conclusions: Almost 50% of PLWHA with membership in support groups for PLWHA are at risk of developing malnutrition, while about 30% have a BMI < 18.5kg/m2. Nutrition screening can also help to identify those PLWHA with a BMI > 18.5 kg/m2 who are still at high risk of developing malnutrition. Timely nutrition interventions can therefore be instituted in order to prevent deterioration in nutritional status.
