Frequency and Presumptive Factors of Undernutrition among People Living with HIV Hospitalized

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and presumptive factors of undernutrition among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in the CAR. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. The study population is made up of PLHIV on antiretrovirals, followed by three care centres in CAR. Undernutrition was defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 18.5 kg/m 2 . Results: A total of 205 patients were included. There was a predominance of women (60.5%). The mean age was 37.8 ± 10.6 years. Undernutrition was observed in 123 PLVIH, a frequency of 60.0%. Presumptive factors were: age < 36 years (p = 0.02; OR = 2 [1.1 - 3.5]); duration of antiretroviral therapy < 12 months (p = 0.03; OR = 2 [1.1 - 3.4]); WHO HIV stage III and IV (p = 0.03; OR = 3.3 [1.1 - 10]); tuberculosis (p = 0.01; OR = 2.1 [1.2 - 3.9]); haemoglobin < 12 g/dl (p = 0.02; OR = 2.3 [1.2 - 4.5]), severe immunosuppression, HIV viral load suppressed (p = 0.00; OR = 6.5 [1.7 - 24.5]), HIV viral load detectable (p = 0.00; 105 [28.4 - 388.4]). Conclusion: Undernutrition is a public health problem among PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy in CAR, hence the need for active screening.