ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

• M. A Sodipo

  Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure

  Author

• S.F. Kayode

  Department of Food Science and Technology, Wesley University, Ondo

  Author

• T.M Anifowose

  Department of Food Science and Technology, Wesley University, Ondo

  Author

• O.C Ogbonna

  Department of Dietetics, ObafemiAwolowo University Teaching Hospital College, Ile-Ife.

  Author

HIV is responsible for the malfunctioning of the immune system in the body. It stops the body's immune system from functioning properly. HIV infections contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. This study was conducted among HIV/AIDS children attending the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) clinic of ObafemiAwolowo Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife in 2015. A questionnaire form which contains questions on patient's demographic data and anthropometric measurement was used to assess their nutritional status. Weight and height were used to calculate BMI. Data was analyzed using the inferential statistic of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results shows that, majority of the respondents: were female (58.1%), age group between 7-9 years (34.9%), Christians (60.53%), monogamy (66.7%), second born (39.5%), eat three times a day (67.5%), eat fruit every day (62.2%), wasted (69.8%), stunted growth (62.7%) and underweight (69.8%). The majority of the children eat three meals per day but it was not having impact on their growth. This may be as a result of not consuming the food that has adequate nutrient or balanced diet. It was observed that majority of children living with HIV/AIDS have poor growth and weight loss that leads to undernutrition. This may likely to accelerate disease progression, increase morbidity and reduce survival. It can be concluded that the children living with HIV/AID needs to eat a balanced diet and strictly adhere to the nutritionist's recommendation.

1. M. A Sodipo, Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure

   Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure

2. S.F. Kayode, Department of Food Science and Technology, Wesley University, Ondo

   Department of Food Science and Technology, Wesley University, Ondo

3. T.M Anifowose, Department of Food Science and Technology, Wesley University, Ondo

   Department of Food Science and Technology, Wesley University, Ondo

4. O.C Ogbonna, Department of Dietetics, ObafemiAwolowo University Teaching Hospital College, Ile-Ife.

   Department of Dietetics, ObafemiAwolowo University Teaching Hospital College, Ile-Ife.

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