Nutritional Status of HIV-Positive Children (2–15-Year Age Group) in Western Maharashtra, India – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Children with HIV disease require frequent growth monitoring. It also acts as proxy indicator to assess the HIV disease progression and antiretroviral therapy efficacy in children. Objective: We conducted this study to assess the Nutritional status of HIV positive children and have a valuable baseline data of HIV-positive children living in western Maharashtra. Methodology: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in Western Maharashtra, India on HIV-positive children attending the Pediatric HIV OPD of multispecialty hospital in an urban setting in a specified time period. Data was collected from 106 children by means of pretested questionnaire’s along with clinical examination and anthropometric measurements. Institutional Ethical clearance was taken, and data was collected after taking informed consent of the parent/guardian accompanying the child. Results: 48 (45.3%) were females and 58 (54.7%) were males. The mean height in all age groups is lower than their respective WHO standards except in age group 3–5 years. 64.2% showed various degree of stunting, more than a third (37.7%) being severely stunted. The prevalence of underweight among boys (84.5%) was more compared with girls (54.2%). This relation was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The prevalence of wasting among boys (60.3%) was apparently more compared with girls (47.9%) and this relation was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Mid upper arm circumference of subjects in all age groups was lower than respective WHO standard. The prevalence of malnourishment was increasing as age of subjects was increasing across all age groups and this trend was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Overall prevalence of underweight was high. As age was increasing, underweight percentage was also increasing which proves that HIV/AIDS and opportunistic infection is taking it toll on growth of the children. Overall prevalence of wasting (acute malnutrition) was 54.7% and prevalence of overall stunting was 64.2%. Since the causes of malnutrition are complex and multiple, this study could highlight some of these factors. It has proved to be a valuable baseline data of the current nutritional status of HIV-positive children, and thus, dietary supplementation and nutritional education are need of the hour at all levels.