Nutritional status and metabolic risk in HIV-infected university students: challenges in their monitoring and management

Abstract

This study aims to describe challenges in the management of HIV-infected university students focusing on their nutritional status and metabolic risk. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study design was used to assess the anthropometry, food intake and clinical status of a cohort of known HIV-infected registered students at a South African university. Results: Participants (n = 63) had a mean CD4 cell count of 411 (SD = 219.9) cells/mm 3 , a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.05 (SD = 7.9) kg/m 2 and only half of the participants (n = 31) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). A higher BMI (> 25 kg/m 2) was significantly (p < 0.05; V = 0.32) associated with higher CD4 cell counts of > 350 cells/mm 3. Some 40% (n = 25) of students were at risk for metabolic complications based on their waist circumference and 11% (n = 7) had clinical signs of lipodystrophy. The 'obese' group consumed a mean energy intake of 24 kcal/kg bodyweight which was lower than the 'overweight' and normal weight groups. Conclusions: In total 51% of HIV-positive students in the sample presented with signs of metabolic complications. Side effects of ART can be prevented and/or treated by regular physical activity, adequate nutritional intake, monitoring of side effects and BMI, combined with optimal care and support.

A high prevalence of NCD multimorbidity in South African Adolescents and Youth Living with HIV: Implications for Integrated Prevention

“…But few studies in Africa have reported on overweight and obesity levels in AYLHIV other than in the context of ART-associated dyslipidaemia [87,111,112]. One study conducted among South African university students living with HIV (the majority aged 20-25 years) found that 21% were overweight and 30% had obesity [113]. Our results are consistent with these ndings and con rm results from a folder review conducted in this same population that reported similar levels of overweight and obesity [35].…”

“…Our study adds to the limited evidence base on NCD prevalence and risk factors in AYLHIV in SSA. To our knowledge, only four other studies in SSA have investigated modi able NCD risk factors besides alcohol and substance use in AYLHIV [87,113,122,123]. While our study provides novel ndings for the sub-Saharan African context, we note some limitations.…”

“…Another South African study in adults attending three HIV-clinics reported a high prevalence of central obesity, primarily in women -45% (4% in men) [113].…”

Epidemiology of Non-communicable Diseases and Risk factors in South African Adolescents and Youth Living with HIV: Implications for Integrated Prevention

“…Another South African study in adults attending three HIV-clinics reported a high prevalence of central obesity, primarily in women -45% (4% in men) [161]. In contrast, in a study conducted in Brazil, only 2.5% of children and adolescents on ART were overweight or obese based on subscapular skinfold thickness and less than 1% had a high WC [165].…”

“…One study conducted among South African university students living with HIV (the majority aged 20-25 years) found that 21% were overweight and 30% were obese [161]. Findings from the United States Adolescent Trials Network showed that more than 40% of behaviourally HIV-infected young women (14-24 years) were overweight or obese [162] and approximately 36% of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents were overweight or obese [163].…”