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Prevalence and Determinants of Undernutrition among People Living With HIV at Ngarama Hospital, Rwanda

Joselyne Gitego1, Rosemary Okova1, Michael Habtu1

  • 1School of Health Sciences, Mount Kenya University, Kigali Campus, Rwanda.

Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
|July 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Undernutrition affects 22% of people living with HIV (PLWHA). Younger age, lower social category, gastrointestinal issues, and lack of dietary counseling predict undernutrition in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Nutrition Science
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Undernutrition poses significant health challenges, particularly in developing nations.
  • It adversely affects individuals living with HIV (PLWHA), complicating their health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To ascertain the prevalence of undernutrition among PLWHA.
  • To identify key determinants associated with undernutrition in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 267 PLWHA at Ngarama District Hospital.
  • Data collection utilized questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, followed by descriptive and inferential statistical analyses.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of undernutrition was found to be 22.0%.
  • Key predictors identified through multivariable analysis included younger age groups (21-30 and 31-40 years), lower social category, gastrointestinal discomfort, and absence of dietary counseling.

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of undernutrition exists among PLWHA.
  • Public health initiatives should focus on dietary diversity, utilizing local foods, and providing counseling to mitigate undernutrition in PLWHA.
Abstract

Keywords:
Anti-Retroviral DrugsDeterminantsPeople Living With HIVPrevalenceUndernutrition

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