Use, perceptions and acceptability of a lipid‐based nutritional supplement for adults living with HIV – a qualitative substudy to a randomized intervention trial in Jimma, Ethiopia (ARTfood)

Abstract

Effects of 3 months supplementation with lipid‐based nutritional supplements (LNS) in HIV patients initiating ART are investigated in a trial in Ethiopia. However, LNS does not resemble usual foods consumed in this area and little is known about it is experienced by those who receive it. The objective of this qualitative study was to investigate the use, perceptions and acceptability of the supplement among trial participants. 22 open‐ended interviews were conducted. Participants were generally happy to receive the supplement, although they found it unfamiliar and difficult to consume due to nausea in the first weeks of ART. A few left the study at this time, but most adapted to the supplement and were soon able to consume the daily dose (200g/day). Some described worries of HIV disclosure due to lack of privacy for taking LNS. Participants were generally very motivated to use it and had high expectations to its effects. Weight gain was largely attributed to LNS and it was described as a mean to rebuild and recover the body. Despite the large quantity, LNS was mainly seen as a snack and eaten separately from ordinary meal situations. Some left their normal food share for family members but the majority used it as an additional food with little influence on other food intake. LNS was described as a “special” or “medical” food, which meant that many social and religious conventions that normally pertain to food did not apply to it. Therefore, in this setting, fasting and expectations of sharing were not problematic for the acceptability of LNS. Trial funded by USDEC