African journal of AIDS research : AJAR最新文献

{"title":"Psychosocial predictors and gender differences in the mental well-being of adolescents living with HIV in Ibadan, Nigeria.","authors":"Ezekiel O Aruoture, Abel C Obosi","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2025.2589741","DOIUrl":"10.2989/16085906.2025.2589741","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background</i>: The psychosocial vulnerability of adolescents living with HIV, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where structural and psychosocial stressors are prevalent, is an important public health concern. While several studies have investigated some psychosocial factors as they predict mental well-being among adults living with HIV, little is known about the role of psychosocial (depression, personality traits and social support) predictors and sex differences in the mental well-being of adolescents living with HIV in Ibadan, Nigeria.<i>Aim</i>: This study aims to examine the psychosocial predictors and gender differences in the mental well-being of adolescents living with HIV in Ibadan, Nigeria.<i>Methods</i>: A cross-sectional design using purposive sampling was employed, with data collected from 144 adolescents (aged 13 to 19 years, <i>M</i> = 16.04 years, SD = 2.02 years). Instruments included the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, the Perceived Social Support in HIV (PSS-HIV) scale, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-R) Scale, and the Big Five Personality Traits inventory. Five hypotheses were tested using hierarchical multiple regression and an independent sample <i>t</i>-test at a significance level of 0.05.<i>Results</i>: Results showed that depression, personality traits, and social support jointly predicted mental well-being [<i>F</i>(12, 122) = 13.77, <i>R</i> = 0.60, <i>R</i>² = 0.36, <i>p</i> < 0.01]. Independent predictors included agreeableness (<i>β</i> = 0.23, <i>t</i> = 2.54, <i>p</i> < 0.01), openness (<i>β</i> = -0.19, <i>t</i> = -2.05, <i>p</i> < 0.05), belonging (<i>β</i> = 0.22, <i>t</i> = 2.56, <i>p</i> < 0.01), and esteem (<i>β</i> = 0.38, <i>t</i> = 3.31, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Results also showed that there were no significant sex differences in mental well-being [<i>t</i>(141) = -1.39, <i>p</i> > 0.05].<i>Conclusion</i>: Psychosocial factors significantly influenced mental well-being, and interventions should focus on strengthening social support networks and promoting adaptive personality traits to improve mental well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"107-119"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors driving pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among students at six Gauteng province universities: An application of Pender's Health Promotion Model.","authors":"Paul Potsane, Charlene Downing, Patrick Ndayizigamiye","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2025.2573985","DOIUrl":"10.2989/16085906.2025.2573985","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background</i>: South Africa has the world's highest HIV prevalence rate (12.7%), with university students disproportionately affected. While HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective preventive measure for high-risk individuals, its uptake among university students remains low, which hinders progress toward national and global targets to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing PrEP uptake in this vulnerable population, specifically among university students in Gauteng province, using Pender's Health Promotion Model.<i>Methods</i>: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 537 university students across six universities in Gauteng province. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling to identify significant predictors of PrEP use.<i>Results</i>: The study revealed a low PrEP uptake rate among students at risk of contracting HIV. The analysis identified several factors that directly influenced PrEP uptake, including knowledge (<i>β</i> = 0.122, <i>p</i> = 0.001), interpersonal influence (<i>β</i> = 0.082, <i>p</i> = 0.038), situational influence (<i>β</i> = 0.145, <i>p</i> = 0.001), and perceived benefits (<i>β</i> = 0.121, <i>p</i> = 0.003). Significant interactions were also found between condom use and knowledge (<i>β</i> = 0.098, <i>p</i> = 0.004) and between condom use and perceived benefits (<i>β</i> = 0.127, <i>p</i> = 0.013).<i>Conclusion</i>: PrEP uptake is a complex process influenced by the dynamic interplay of factors consistent with Pender's Health Promotion Model, particularly interpersonal, cognitive, and situational factors. These results provide valuable evidence for developing multifaceted, youth-friendly interventions, such as a mobile health application, to promote PrEP use, reduce HIV incidence, and help achieve national and global HIV prevention targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"171-183"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145491405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determinants of viral suppression among young people living with HIV and on antiretroviral therapy in Eswatini: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Thabile P Simelane, Emeka F Okonji, Brian E van Wyk","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2025.2566144","DOIUrl":"10.2989/16085906.2025.2566144","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background</i>: HIV treatment, adherence, and retention in care are fundamental in achieving viral load suppression (VLS) and fighting the HIV pandemic. The Government of Eswatini has decentralised antiretroviral treatment (ART) services and introduced differentiated HIV service delivery models to improve treatment outcomes for all people living with HIV, including young people. It is imperative to investigate the success of these initiatives in improving VLS in young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) in Eswatini.<i>Objective</i>: To determine the factors associated with VLS amongst YPLHIV (15 to 24 years) who are on ART in Eswatini.<i>Methodology</i>: A retrospective cohort analysis of 4 334 YPLHIV on ART in Eswatini between January 2018 and December 2021 was conducted. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 25 was used to determine the factors associated with viral suppression through bivariate and logistic regression analysis.<i>Results</i>: The prevalence of viral suppression (< 1 000 copies/mL) was 92.9%. After adjusting for all covariates, the likelihood of viral suppression remained significantly higher among YPLHIV who were female (AOR = 2.06; CI 1.04-4.11), had enrolled on the fast-track ART care model (AOR = 2.14; CI 1.09-4.20), and were receiving 4 to 5 months' (AOR = 5.88; CI 3.14-11.02) and 6+ months' (AOR = 3.55; CI 1.67-7.53) of medication.<i>Conclusion</i>: The national HIV treatment program in Eswatini exceeded the UNAIDS target of 90% virologic suppression for YPLHIV who are enrolled for ART for more than six months. However, to meet the revised 95% target, tailored interventions are required to strengthen long-term adherence and retention in care for YPLHIV on ART.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"162-170"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145484020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Universal Health Service Coverage under threat? A study of the effects of PEPFAR HIV funding on UHC.","authors":"Lazarus Muchabaiwa, Charles Birungi, Melissa Sobers, Jaime Atienza Azcona","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2025.2577377","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2025.2577377","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Introduction</i>: While the effects of the US government's sudden pause of foreign aid on the global HIV response have been well documented, little is known about the likely impact on universal health coverage (UHC) in recipient countries. This study assesses the association between PEPFAR funding and the universal health service coverage index.<i>Methods</i>: Using data on PEPFAR investments in 24 countries between 2004 and 2020, the study applied fixed and time effects panel data regression on the main UHC index and its sub-indices for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), reproductive, maternal, newborn and child healthcare (RMNCH); and service capacity and access. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, government health expenditure as a percentage of current health expenditure (CHE), private health expenditure as a percentage of CHE, and government efficiency were included as control variables.<i>Results</i>: The UHC index tripled in some countries over the study period, coinciding with PEPFAR investments, which prioritised HIV treatment. However, GDP per capita doubled, government health spending increased marginally, while out-of-pocket payments declined in the same time period. The study found positive associations between PEPFAR funding and the UHC index (0.11, <i>p</i> < 0.01), RMNCH (0.036, <i>p</i> < 0.1), and NCDs (0.038, <i>p</i> < 0.05). GDP per capita, government health expenditure, and government efficiency were also positively associated with UHC indexes. Time effects were established for the main UHC index and the NCDs sub-index.<i>Conclusions</i>: We conclude that PEPFAR funding for HIV was instrumental in driving UHC in recipient countries. The abruptness of the funding cuts was destabilising to HIV programs across the globe and threatened to upend hard-won gains in ending AIDS as a public health threat. Without renewed PEPFAR support, continued global solidarity, and greater domestic financing, health systems risk setbacks threatening the health of current and future generations, as well as global health security. Safeguarding current progress requires PEPFAR funding restoration, host governments' commitment to growth-oriented policies, efficient use of available resources, integration of HIV into UHC, stronger South-South cooperation to reduce aid reliance, and donor alignment with national health goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":"24 3-4","pages":"87-96"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145728133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HIV status disclosure and antiretroviral therapy adherence among children in Masaka region, Uganda.","authors":"Robert Kairania,&nbsp;Washington Onyango-Ouma,&nbsp;Tom G Ondicho,&nbsp;Godfrey Kigozi","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2060843","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2060843","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>HIV-infected children are now living into adolescence and early adulthood in large numbers due to the availability and increased use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, receipt of HIV status disclosure among children remains low. We assessed the association between disclosure of HIV status and adherence to ART among children in the Masaka region of Uganda using multivariable logistic regression with generalised linear models with Poisson log-link function and robust variance in Stata software version 15.1. Data were collected from 524 assenting children aged 12-17 years between March and December 2020. Results show that, although not statistically significant, children who received disclosure of their HIV status reported improved ART adherence compared to children with no disclosure. Out-of-school children with post-primary education and children on first-line ART regimens were significantly more likely to report improved ART in both crude and adjusted analyses. Innovative interventions to promote progressive disclosure of HIV status to children on ART, in school, are needed to improve their ART adherence. There is also a need to evaluate the suitability of current counselling interventions provided to children being switched to second-line ART regimens to delay the need for third-line ART regimens.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"251-260"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40362898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring how outreach team leaders perceive community health workers' experiences of providing HIV services in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.","authors":"Gugulethu E Khumalo,&nbsp;Elizabeth Lutge,&nbsp;Tivani P Mashamba-Thompson","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2060841","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2060841","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Objectives:</i> In 2018, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health launched the ward-based primary health care outreach teams policy framework which sought to expand the community health worker (CHW) programme's provision of longitudinal patient support, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services in communities. This study sought to explore the perceptions of outreach team leaders who supervise CHWs on their experiences of providing HIV services in the province.<i>Study design:</i> This was a qualitative, phenomenology study.<i>Methods:</i> Convenience sampling was done to select one outreach team leader from each of the 11 KwaZulu-Natal health districts to be interviewed using an interview guide. Thematic analysis, guided by the Ritchie and Spencer framework analysis, was used to analyse the data.<i>Results:</i> The challenges faced by CHWs in delivering HIV services were: the absence of individuals when CHWs visited their homes, self-HIV stigma, rejection of CHWs' HIV services due to traditional beliefs, CHW shortages, lack of other resources, low levels of CWH education and a lack of training. On the other hand, the provision of HIV services was fascilitated by: supportive supervision, training, having cell phones and having a positive attitude towards providing HIV services by CHWs that were HIV-positive.<i>Conclusion:</i> The CHWs in KwaZulu-Natal face more challenges than enablers in the provision of HIV services. The delegation of HIV services to CHWs should be aligned with their holistic empowerment by eliminating barriers to the provision of HIV services.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"239-250"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40356507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An analysis of the relationship between HIV risk self-perception with sexual behaviour and HIV status in South African older adults.","authors":"Makandwe Nyirenda,&nbsp;Nonzwakazi Mnqonywa,&nbsp;Bomkazi Tutshana,&nbsp;Jayganthie Naidoo,&nbsp;Paul Kowal,&nbsp;Joel Negin","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2090395","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2090395","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Objective:</i> To examine how older adults perceive their own risk of acquiring HIV; and how this perception correlates with their sexual behaviour and HIV status.<i>Methods:</i> We used cross-sectional survey data for 435 adults aged 50 years and older from South Africa. All participants completed a questionnaire on their basic socio-demographic and economic factors, self-reported health, sexual behaviour, HIV knowledge and attitudes, and self-perceived risk of HIV acquisition. In addition, anthropometrical measurements (weight, height, blood pressure, cholesterol) and HIV testing were conducted. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to determine the association between self-perceived HIV risk (categorised as \"not at risk\", at \"low risk\", at \"high risk\" and \"didn't know\") and being sexually active and testing HIV-positive, controlling for socio-demographic, behavioural and health-related factors.<i>Results:</i> Of the 435 respondents, 9.4% perceived themselves as at high risk of HIV infection, 18.9% as at low risk and 53.6% believed they were not at risk of HIV. Most respondent who perceived themselves as at low risk or not-at-risk at all of HIV were not sexually active. Older adults that were sexually active were more likely to consider themselves as at high risk of acquiring HIV (relative risk ratio [RRR] 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-4.00; <i>p</i> = 0.036), as well as to test HIV positive (RRR 10.5; 95% CI 3.8-29.1; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Self-perceived HIV risk was significantly associated with age, sex, population group, and a greater awareness about HIV and how it is transmitted.<i>Conclusions:</i> Older persons who perceived themselves as at high risk of HIV were closely associated with sexual activity and testing HIV positive. Therefore, there is an urgent need for older persons, particularly those who remain sexually active, to screen and test for HIV routinely. Furthermore, there should be policy and programme interventions, such as the development of a simple risk-assessment tool for older adults to determine their risk for HIV. Older persons have been neglected in sexual health and HIV programmes. There is, therefore, a need to encourage older persons to take up appropriate HIV risk reduction and prevention behaviours.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"277-286"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40354461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"HIV renaissance in Ghana: an opinion piece on further measures to address HIV among Ghanaian youth.","authors":"Daniel Katey,&nbsp;Abigail Akua Addo","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2060842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2060842","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article sought to provide insight into further measures to address the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among young Ghanaians, aged 15-24 years. An extensive literature review was carried out to ascertain the dynamics of the disease in the country and the measures put in place to address it. On the strength of findings, we recommended a reformation in the delivery mode and dissemination of HIV-related education and information in the country. It is necessary for the country to buttress existing modes of delivery, which are largely community- and school-based, with a cybernetic one-on-one approach through capitalisation and utilisation of computer-based devices and the internet.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"295-296"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40356509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acceptability and accessibility of HIV testing and treatment among men who have sex with men in Botswana.","authors":"Kgosiekae Maxwell Matlapeng,&nbsp;Gbotemi Bukola Babatunde,&nbsp;Olagoke Akintola","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2077780","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2077780","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background</i>: Although HIV testing and treatment are the cornerstones of a comprehensive prevention strategy, their acceptability and accessibility are complex within the healthcare system.<i>Methods</i>: We used Aday and Andersen's conceptual framework of access to healthcare services to explore factors influencing acceptability and accessibility of HIV testing and treatment among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Botswana. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted, using purposive sampling to recruit 20 MSM. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Setswana and English. All data were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, where necessary, and analysed using thematic analysis.<i>Findings</i>: This study found that acceptance of HIV testing and treatment was largely positive among MSM. Motivators were the expansion of HIV services, free healthcare services and the perceived risk of contracting HIV. Although perceptions of accessibility to HIV testing and treatment were positive, there were some concerns about privacy and confidentiality, perceived barriers and fear of positive diagnosis, making MSM reluctant to access HIV testing and treatment.<i>Conclusion</i>: This study highlights the need for novel approaches to increase the acceptability and accessibility of HIV testing and treatment. Barriers to accessing HIV services should be addressed to achieve satisfactory health outcomes, and sustainable HIV prevention barriers to accessing HIV should be addressed among MSM.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"261-269"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40354459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of nutrition education on nutritional status and serum zinc level of HIV and AIDS clients: implication for care in resource-limited settings.","authors":"Ifeyinwa Ezenwosu,&nbsp;Osita Ezenwosu,&nbsp;Chinyere Mbachu,&nbsp;Ijeoma Itanyi,&nbsp;Emmanuel Aguwa","doi":"10.2989/16085906.2022.2087532","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/16085906.2022.2087532","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> People living with HIV or AIDS in resource-limited settings are faced with challenges in their nutrition and micronutrient levels. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutrition education on the nutrition status and serum zinc level of HIV and AIDS clients, and its implication for HIV care in resource-limited settings.<i>Methods:</i> This intervention study was conducted among HIV clients at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, which served as the intervention and control groups respectively. A nutrition education programme was delivered to the intervention group. In both groups, before and after the intervention, the body mass index of participants was calculated using their height (m2) and weight (kg) while their serum zinc levels were analysed using spectrophotometry. Chi-square and McNemar chi-square tests were used in the analysis.<i>Results:</i> A total of 185 respondents was studied in each group, with the majority in the 30-39 and 40-49 age groups, respectively (65.4% of the study group and 64.4% of the control group). Larger proportions of respondents in both groups were females (72.4% vs 75.1% respectively). Three months after the intervention, the proportion of respondents with normal serum zinc levels improved significantly from 20.5% to 51.9% in the intervention group (<i>χ</i>²_McNemar, p < 0.001), whereas the control group had no appreciable improvement (16.8% vs 22.7%) (<i>χ</i>²_McNemar, <i>p</i> < 0.117). Furthermore, the post-intervention serum zinc level difference between the intervention and control groups was statistically significant (<i>χ</i>² = 33.699; <i>p</i> < 0.001). No statistically significant difference existed in the nutritional status between the groups (<i>χ</i>² = 3.469; <i>p</i> = 0.325).<i>Conclusion:</i> Nutrition education had a positive effect on the serum zinc levels of HIV clients. Integrating nutrition education programmes as a key component of HIV care in resource-limited settings will help improve the serum zinc level of people living with HIV, which ultimately improves their immune status and life expectancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":520548,"journal":{"name":"African journal of AIDS research : AJAR","volume":" ","pages":"270-276"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40354462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}