Dietary Diversity and Opportunistic Infections in HIV Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Apprey Charles, Addae Hammond, Osei Monica, Danquah Irene, Annan Reginald
Primary Institution: KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
Hypothesis
This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary diversity and the presence of opportunistic infections among HIV-positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Conclusion
Inadequate dietary diversity is a significant nutritional problem and is associated with the presence of opportunistic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- 52.2% of respondents had inadequate dietary diversity.
- 13.4% of respondents had at least one opportunistic infection.
- Respondents with inadequate dietary diversity were three times more likely to have an opportunistic infection.
Takeaway
Eating a variety of foods is important for people with HIV because it helps them stay healthy and avoid infections.
Methodology
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 291 HIV-positive adults receiving ART, using a pre-tested questionnaire and electronic health records to collect data.
Potential Biases
Non-probability sampling may introduce selection bias.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to infer causality, and it was conducted in only one hospital, which may affect generalizability.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 46.2 years, with 85.2% female and 84.9% employed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.019
Confidence Interval
(95% CI: 1.20 to 7.64)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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