Food elimination, food substitution, and nutrient supplementation among ARV-exposed HIV-positive persons in southern Ghana

Abstract

BackgroundOptimal nutrition is a determinant of health in all persons. In persons living with HIV (PLHIV), nutrition is particularly important. Various factors, including dietary practices, play a role in guaranteeing nutritional health.ObjectivesWe investigated multiple non-prescription drugs use among HIV-positive persons receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) from four treatment centers in southern Ghana. This paper, however, focuses on nutrient supplement use, food elimination, and food substitution practices by the PLHIV.MethodsUsing quantitative and qualitative methods, we collected data from 540 HIV-positive persons at the health facility level. This paper focuses on only the quantitative data. Individual study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling procedure. Participants were interviewed after informed consent. We used univariate analysis to generate descriptive tabulations for key variables. Multivariable logistic regression modeling identified predictors of three practices (nutrient supplementation, food elimination, and food substitution). P value less than 0.05 or 95% confidence intervals facilitated determination of statistical significance. All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20.0.ResultsThe use of nutrient supplements was a popular practice; 72% of the PLHIV used various kinds. The primary motive for the practice was to boost appetite and to gain weight. A little over 20% of the participants reportedly eliminated certain foods and beverages, while 17% introduced new foods since their initial HIV diagnosis. All the three practices were largely driven by the quest for improved health status. We determined predictors of nutrient supplementation to be ART clinic location and having an ART adherence monitor. Having an ART adherence monitor was significantly associated with reduced odds of nutrient supplementation (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI 0.12–0.95). The only predictor for food elimination was education level (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.30–0.92); predictors of food substitution were ART clinic location (AOR = 0.11; 95% CI 0.02–0.69) and anemia (defined as hemoglobin concentration less than 11.0 g/dl) (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI 0.12–0.85).ConclusionsThe practice of supplementation is popular among this group of PLHIV. Food elimination and substitution are practiced, albeit in moderation. The predictors identified may prove helpful in provider-client encounters as well as local HIV programming.

Nutritional and health status of people living with HIV/AIDS in the eastern region of Ghana

“…People living with HIV/AIDS are usually not able to meet their nutrient requirements because of the socioeconomic impact of HIV/AIDS on their families (Fauk et al , 2017). A study in Ghana showed the use of food supplements, food elimination and food substitution by people living with HIV/AIDS to improve on their nutritional and health status (Laar et al , 2018). Effective management of HIV/AIDS requires ART and nutrition support programme (NSP) to help build immunity or resistance to various infectious diseases or complications.…”

Associated factors of diet quality among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana

“…The collected data was exclusively accessible to the PI. For consistency and validation, data were exported to IBM SPSS Statistics 20 [26,27],. The same program was used to analyze cleaned and validated datasets.…”

Understanding the role of milk in regulating human homeostasis in the context of the COVID-19 global pandemic

“…As the immune system attempts to eliminate SARS-CoV-2, a large amount of nutrients will be needed to support the proliferation of immune cells and the synthesis of antiviral cytokines ( Laaret al, 2018 ). Unfortunately, a high body temperature suppresses appetite and digestive enzyme activity.…”