Dietary Practices, Morbidity Status and Nutritional Status of People Living With Hiv/aids in Homabay County, Kenya
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Date
2018
Authors
Chege, Peter M.
Mokono, Naom
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IJMSHR
Abstract
Abstract
Untreated infections have been observed to lead to malnutrition among People living with
HIV/AIDS (PLWHAS). The purpose of this study was to explore how dietary practices affect the
nutritional and morbidity status of PLWHAS. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to
establish the dietary practices and sickness status of 321 randomly selected PLWHAS (aged 18-
55 years) in Homa Bay town, Kenya. Findings show a mean individual dietary diversity score of
3.72±0.11. On average the study population consumed a mean of 2.89±0.03 meals a day
inclusive of snacks. About 26% of the study population failed to meet their recommended daily
allowance for energy. More than 20% of the respondents failed to meet their minimum daily
micronutrient requirement for iron, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C. Great disparities were noted
in the consumption of energy, protein, vitamin B2, iron and zinc between males and females.
Results showed that >50% of the study population consumed only three (cereals, oils & fats,
sugars) out of twelve food groups more than three times in seven days. About 55% PLWHAs
were sick, malaria being the most prevalent disease affecting 76.8%. About 20% of the
respondents were found to be undernourished. Therefore PLWHAS in urban areas of Kenya are
bound to exhibit poor nutritional status due to poor dietary practices; denoted in this study by
inadequate nutrient intake and reduced number of meals. Results also confirmed inadequate
dietary practices given by the low frequency of consumption of selected food groups per seven
days.
Description
Article
Keywords
HIV/AIDS, dietary practices, morbidity, Nutritional status
Citation
Chege, P. M., & Mokono, N. Dietary Practices, Morbidity Status and Nutritional Status of People Living With Hiv/aids in Homabay County, Kenya.