Malnutrition among HIV-Positive Children at Two Referral Hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Malnutrition and HIV/AIDS, both common problems in Ethiopia, are closely interlinked disorders. There are few studies describing the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among children with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of malnutrition among HIV-positive children.

Methods

An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on 301 HIV positive children aged 6 months to 14 years at the Pediatric ART clinics of Felege Hiwot and Gondar referral hospitals,  northwest Ethiopia. Weight and height/length measurements were taken following standard procedures. Data were collected from caregivers using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the effect of different factors on malnutrition

Results

The overall prevalence of malnutrition (using the mid-upper arm circumference) was 42.9%, with 10.3% severe malnutrition. Among under-five children, 41.7% were underweight, 65% stunted, and 5.8% wasted. Malnutrition was significantly associated with the age of the child (OR=4.10 for underweight and OR=1.85 for stunting), absence of dietary counseling (OR=3.78), presence of eating problems (OR=2.14), family monthly income (OR=3.08), late HIV diagnosis (OR=4.03), and duration of follow-up at ART clinics (OR=3.33).

Conclusion

There is a high burden of malnutrition among children living with HIV/AIDS.  The age of the child, duration of follow-up at HIV clinic, absence of dietary counseling, presence of eating problems, late HIV diagnosis, and low monthly income were significantly associated with malnutrition. We recommend nutritional management and dietary counseling to improve the nutritional status of HIV-positive children during HIV/AIDS care and treatment.