Abstract
BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and chronic energy deficiency are bidirectional and multifaceted. HIV can cause or worsen chronic energy deficiency by increasing energy requirements, reducing food intake and nutrient absorption. Chronic energy deficiency weakens the immune system, increase the susceptibility to infections and worsening the disease impact. Studies on the magnitude and factors associated with chronic energy deficiency among adults living with HIV are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic energy deficiency and associated factors among adults living with HIV in Gondar University Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution based cross-sectional study was conducted and systematic random sampling was used to select study subjects. A total of 317 study subjects were enrolled in the study. Structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, economic and diet related variables. Weight and height measurement were taken and medical charts were reviewed. Laboratory analysis for CD4 count and anemia was done. Bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effect of different factors on chronic energy deficiency.ResultsA total of 317 patients provide complete information with response rate of 99.4%. The overall prevalence of chronic energy deficiency was 18.3% (95%CI: 14.5%–22.7%). The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe chronic energy deficiency was 11.4, 3.5 and 3.5% respectively. No formal education (AOR = 2.05,95%CI:1.01,4.21), being in the WHO clinical stage three and four (AOR = 3.84,95%CI:1.39,10.61) and history of diarrhea in the last two weeks prior to the survey (AOR = 4.43,95%CI:1.83,10.72) were significantly associated with chronic energy deficiency.ConclusionThe prevalence of chronic energy deficiency among adults living with HIV was medium public health problem. Educational status, WHO clinical stage, and history of diarrhea in the last two weeks prior to the survey were risks for chronic energy deficiency. Integration of nutritional management with HAART, early diagnosis and treatment of diarrheal disease would be supreme important.
Highlights
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and chronic energy deficiency are bidirectional and multifaceted
The burden of the epidemic varies between countries and regions, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the region most affected and it is a home for nearly 70% of the world people living with HIV (PLWH) with an adult prevalence rate of 4.4%
To select our study participants, we considered the working days and the average daily patient flow in the AntiRetro-viral treatment (ART) clinic
Summary
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and chronic energy deficiency are bidirectional and multifaceted. Studies on the magnitude and factors associated with chronic energy deficiency among adults living with HIV are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic energy deficiency and associated factors among adults living with HIV in Gondar University Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. 36.7 million people were living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and an estimated 0.8% of adults were affected at the end of 2015 [1]. In turn CED leads to immune impairment, worsens the effects of HIV, and contributes to a more rapid progression of the disease [4]. In most developing countries chronic energy deficiency with other infectious disease aggravated the HIV pandemic and contributed for morbidity and mortality of patients [5, 8, 9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
