Lifestyle in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: a 5 year follow-up study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Antiretroviral therapy and the appearance of comorbidities in people living with human immunodeficiency virus contribute to an increased cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVES: Assess the evolution of nutritional status, cardiovascular risk and mediterranean diet and physical activity level in a cohort of infected patients. METHODOLOGY: This is a longitudinal observational study based on a cohort previously evaluated and who maintained regular follow-up. Patients were reassessed after 5 years on anthropometric parameters, dietary intake (food frequency questionnaire, MedDietScore), cardiovascular risk (DAD Risk Tool). Physical Activity data was only obtained in the 5th year (International Physical Activity Questionnaire). RESULTS: The sample had an average age of 52.0±9.3years, were mostly male with a mean HIV infection time of 17.9±6.9 years. There was a percentual increase regarding baseline of 2% in type 2 diabetes, 11.4% in dyslipidemia, 0.7% in hypertension and 12.5% in metabolic syndrome. After 5 years, mediterranean diet adherence was higher (28.9±5.2 vs. 27.9±5.7); caloric intake was lower (1781±622 vs. 2173±432); 77.6% had a moderate Physical Activity level and a daily sedentary behavior of 244.4±173.9 minutes; 54.7% had a very high 5 year-CVR. CONCLUSIONS: Aging and the presence of comorbidities are a concern. Lifestyle interventions must be part of the management of the disease.