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The Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
icddr,b
ISSN: 1606-0997 EISSN: 1606-0997
Vol. 28, No. 2, 2010, pp. 182-188
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Bioline Code: hn10024
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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The Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, Vol. 28, No. 2, 2010, pp. 182-188
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Nutritional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Women Living with HIV in Eastern Uganda
Bukusuba, John; Kikafunda, Joyce K. & Whitehead, Roger G.
Abstract
HIV and AIDS have posed various medical, nutritional, social and economic problems, female-headed
households being the most affected. Poor nutritional knowledge and dietary practices common among the
most affected households significantly contribute to the rapid progression of HIV. However, very little data
exist concerning these aspects of nutrition among women living with HIV and AIDS in resource-limited
settings, such as Uganda. The aim of the study was to investigate the gaps in nutritional knowledge, attitudes,
and practices and their relationship with sociodemographic characteristics in an urban population
of women living with HIV and AIDS in Uganda. In total, 133 women living with HIV were interviewed
using a pretested questionnaire. Most (89.5%) women reported being trained on the importance of nutrition
for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) and believed that it is very important to consume a
balanced diet (99.5%). On the contrary, only 21.8% consumed at least three meals per day and 39.8% at
least six food-groups. They also reported higher dependency on starchy staples while foods of animal origin
and fruits that play vital immunity and protective roles were inadequately consumed. Results of bivariate
analysis indicated that consumption of a diversified diet was significantly associated with access to food-aid
(p=0.006), possibly because access to food-aid reportedly enhances the ability of the household to access
other food items. However, much is still needed to understand the drug-food interaction and dietary diversification
and enhance proper dietary practices through sustainable projects that ensure increased access to
food. Support groups of the PLWHA are a good vehicle for communication of nutrition information and
implementation of nutrition-related projects.
Keywords
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Cross-sectional studies; Diet; Human immunodeficiency virus; Knowledge, attitudes, practices; Nutrition; Uganda
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