Prevalence and Determinants of Undernutrition among People Living With HIV at Ngarama Hospital, Rwanda

Abstract

 Background Undernutrition is one of the important health problems in developing countries, which has undesirable health effect among people living with HIV (PLWHA). Objectives To determine prevalence and determinants of undernutrition among PLWHA in Ngarama District Hospital. Methods Cross sectional study was conducted among 267 PLWHA who were selected systematically as they came for care. Questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Result The prevalence of undernutrition was 22.0%. After controlling all the possible confounders using multivariable analysis, the following variables were predictors of undernutrition: respondents’ age 21 to 30 (AOR = 17.24; 95% CI = 5.55 – 53.56; p < 0.001) and 31 to 40 (AOR = 19.15; 95%CI = 5.97 – 61.40; p <0.001) compared to those aged 41 years and above, social category one (AOR = 3.54; 95%CI = 1.18 – 10.59; p = 0.024); experienced gastrointestinal discomfort (AOR = 19.87; 95%CI = 5.09 – 77.55; p <0.001) and not received dietary counseling (AOR = 7.45; 95%CI = 2.83 – 19.62; p <0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of undernutrition among PLWHA was high. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders should campaign, counsel and assist with provision of dietary diversity using locally available foods. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2022;5(3):291-301