P56 “We are Suffering”: Perceptions of Adults Living with HIV in Abeokuta, Nigeria on Their Food Intakes

Abstract

Background Nigeria is still one of the most affected countries in the world with the global burden of HIV/AIDS. Presently, there seems no published research in Nigeria that explored perceptions of adults living with HIV (ALH) in Abeokuta, Nigeria on factors affecting their food intakes. Objective To explore perceptions of adults living with HIV (ALH) in Abeokuta, Nigeria on factors affecting their food intakes. Study Design, Setting, Participants Phenomelogical in-depth interview in a qualitative domain with 20 ALH in Abeokuta taking part in an exploratory study that aimed to develop, implement a theory guided nutrition education program (NEP) and to evaluate the program's impact on the quality of life (QoL), nutrition knowledge attitude and practices (KAP), and dietary quality (DQ) of ALH who attended the Federal Medical Center (FMC) and Ijaye State Hospital (ISH) in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Participants were interviewed in focus group discussions (FGDs) on their perception of their food intakes. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Thematic framework was used for the data analysis. Results Findings show that nutrition intervention was not part of the ongoing intervention program in Nigeria, and participants’ direct quotes also confirmed that they received very limited nutrition supports from the government. The Nigerian government initiatives of proving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to relieve mortality rates associated with HIV, to improve health status and QoL were also perceived inadequate for positive living. Participants perceived one of the ways to manage common HIV/AIDS related symptoms, especially diarrhea, was by complete abstinence from vegetables intake. This suggested a need for NEP. Conclusions The results of this study indicated that an NEP tailored to the needs of ALH (such as guidelines on good nutrition with limited resources, planning a well-varied meal, dealing with barriers to healthy eating, and tips on dietary diversity and adherence to HAART) may be needed to help slow disease progression of AIDS, leading to an improved QoL. Funding None.