THE SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS RECEIVING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN WAU TEACHING HOSPITAL, SOUTH SUDAN. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background

Undernutrition in all its forms is the predominant problem for HIV-infected patients and creates a vicious cycle that may catalyze progression from HIV infection to AIDS. Poor nutrition results in weight loss, muscle wasting, weakness, and nutrient deficiencies then leads to an impaired immune system. This study determined the socio-demographic Characteristics and nutritional Status of People living with HIV And AIDs receiving Antiretroviral therapy in Wau Teaching Hospital, South Sudan.

 Methodology

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with a quantitative research approach. Using purposive sampling, we recruited key informants to introduce the study to the target population. By simple random sampling, the study assessed 338 respondents. Data on socio-demographics were collected using structured questionnaires while anthropometric data was collected using anthropometric tools and data analysis was done using the SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics such as the frequencies, means, and standard deviations were expressed.

 Results

The majority of the respondents were female (58.6%) and (64.5%) were married, (55.3%) were catholic and 35.8% had attained a primary level of education. (54.1%) of the respondents had a normal nutritional status, Undernutrition was observed among 24.0% of the respondents. There were more undernourished females 50(25.3%) than males 31(22.1%). 24.0% were underweight, 10.4% were overweight and 11.5% were obese.

 Conclusion

Overall, the findings of our study showed that malnutrition in its two forms undernutrition and overnutrition is a major challenge among people attending the anti-retroviral treatment at Wau Teaching Hospital. Undernutrition in anti-retroviral therapy hastens HIV progression into AIDS resulting from a compromised immune system.

 Recommendation

Community education on nutritional supplementation, and engagement in economic activities, which improve their standards of living, would lead to improved patient outcomes.