(P20-074-24) Comparison of Two Nutritional Based Strategies on the Weight and Cd4 Status of Underweight Persons Living With HIV/AIDS in South- Western, Nigeria

Objectives: Nutritional supplementation is crucial for weight gain, immune system fortification, and overall health enhancement. This research investigated the influence of enriched cereal supplement on the weight status and CD4 count of underweight persons living with HIV/AIDS attending a tertiary hospital in South-west, Nigeria.

Methods: The study employed an experimental design, utilizing a systematic random selection technique to identify 150 underweight PLWHA with a BMI below 18.5 kg/m². Enriched supplement was prepared from soaked maize, soaked-sprouted soybean and roasted groundnut seeds, in the ratio of 6:3:1. Proximate and mineral analysis was done using AOAC (2016) methods. The subjects were enrolled into study and control groups. MUAC (mid-upper arm circumference), BMI (body mass index), 24 hour dietary recall and CD4 counts) was obtained. The supplement group received both enriched cereal supplementation (100g sachets/day for three months) and nutrition counselling while the control group received only nutrition counselling. Anthropometric data was recollected at 12^th week. Duncan's Multi-range test, independent t-test and mixed model analysis were applied to determine statistical significance at p < 0.01.

Results: The nutrient composition of the supplements per 100g were, carbohydrates (57.44%), protein (20.56%), fat (16.91%), fibre (0.20%), ash (2.15%), calcium (174.38mg), iron (3.57mg), zinc (2.65mg), and selenium (0.02mg). A good number of the group (52.9%) earned between 12.5 - 62.5 dollars (@ 800/dollar) and were traders (65%). Baseline mean weight and BMI values for the study and control groups were 48.7 ± 7.8; 18.1 ± 1.8 and 47.6 ± 5.6; 17.2 ± 0.9, respectively. Baseline mean values of MUAC for study and control group 20.4 ± 1.8 cm and 18.3 ± 1.1 cm, respectively. At the end of 12 weeks, the study group exhibited significant weight changes (6.4 vs 2.5 kg), BMI (2.4 vs 1.0 kg/m²), MUAC (2.5 vs 0.8 cm), CD4+ counts (93.5 vs 11.7) at p < 0.01.

Conclusions: Persons living with HIV/AIDS who were given fortified supplements in addition to nutrition counseling had increased weight, BMI, MUAC and CD4 count compared to those offered only nutrition counseling. This study emphasizes the importance of nutrition supplementation on anthropometric indices and CD4+ immune function among HIV-infected individuals.

Funding Sources: The research was funded by the authors.