Abstract
Although its utilization is greatly disputed, ready-to-use therapeutic food has been started as clinical nutrition care and treatment for malnourished adult AIDS patients since 2011 in Amhara National Regional State. However, factors determining the intended outcome (weight gain) have not been properly investigated. The main objective of the study was to assess improvement in body mass index and to identify its determinant factors. A retrospective cohort study design was conducted. Cluster sampling was employed to select health facilities in which the service was provided in the region. Of the 44 health facilities, nine were selected using lottery method, and all patients receiving the care in these health institutions were included in the study. Using tailored structured checklist, data were collected, organized and cleaned. Using paired T-test existence of difference between the mean of body mass index at admission and at 3rd visit was measured. Finally analysis of association between some selected independent variables with the outcome variable was done using logistic regression model at 95% CI and p 2). Paired T-test revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between mean of body mass index at admission and at the 3rd visit. Good ready-to-use therapeutic food treatment adherence (AOR 11.145; 95% CI 6.556, 18.946), moderate acute malnutrition at admission (AOR 6.71; 95% CI 2.618, 17.195), good ART adherence (AOR 2.136; 95% CI, 1.269, 3.595) and being male (AOR 1.73; 95% CI 1.052, 2.850) have a statistically significant contribution for body mass index improvement. The study identifies factors that determine gain in body mass index among AIDS patients on ready-to-use therapeutic food. However, although the study revealed a statistically significant difference between body mass index during enrolment, and after three months, we disagreed with the right and left utilization of imported food because of lack of sustainability, and aid dependency. We rather recommend interventions that encourage households to produce food with similar outcomes from locally available food staff.
Highlights
The study revealed a statistically significant difference between body mass index during enrolment, and after three months, we disagreed with the right and left utilization of imported food because of lack of sustainability, and aid dependency
Ethiopia is one of the Sub-Saharan African Countries which are highly affected by HIV/AIDS for the last three decades
The weakening of the immune system because of HIV can lead to malnutrition, and malnutrition weakens the immune system of HIV positive people, contributing to rapid progression to AIDS [4]
Summary
Ethiopia is one of the Sub-Saharan African Countries which are highly affected by HIV/AIDS for the last three decades. In Ethiopia, there are about 789,960 adult populations living with HIV/AIDS. 204,000 (38.7%) are found in Amhara National Regional State. At National level, there are about 398,686 HIV positive people who need ART. The share of Amhara National Regional State is 99,032 (40%) [1]. HIV gradually weakens the immune system and harms nutritional status through the reduction of intake, absorption and use of nutrients, and increased metabolism needs. Malnutrition can in turn aggravate the effects of HIV by increasing vulnerability to AIDS-related illnesses [2] [3]. That means malnutrition and HIV work in a vicious cycle. The weakening of the immune system because of HIV can lead to malnutrition, and malnutrition weakens the immune system of HIV positive people, contributing to rapid progression to AIDS [4]
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