Nutritional Status of Children Living with HIV and Receiving Antiretroviral (ARV) Medication in the Klang Valley, Malaysia
- Author:
Mohd. Nasir MT
;
Yeo J
;
Huang MSL
;
Kamarul Azahar MR
;
Koh MT
;
Khor GL
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Antiretroviral (ARV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), lipid profile, micronutrients, nutritional status
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2011;17(1):19-30
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Nutrition and HIV are closely related. Any immune impairment
as a result of HIV leads to malnutrition, which in turn, can also lead to reduced
immunity, thus contributing to a more rapid progression to AIDS. Methods:
This cross-sectional study determined the nutritional status of children living
with HIV and are receiving antiretroviral medication in the Klang Valley. A
total of 95 children aged one to eighteen years old were recruited between
September 2008 and February 2009. Data collected included socio-economic status,
anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, medical history and serum levels
of selected micronutrients specific for immunity. Results: The mean age of the
children was 8.4±3.9 years and the mean duration on antiretroviral medications
was 68.3±38.3 months. Anthropometric assessment found that 9.5% of the children
were underweight and 31.6% were overweight. In contrast, 20.8% were stunted
and 14.6% severely stunted. Biochemical indicators showed that 10.4% had
deficiency in vitamin A while 12.5% had deficiency in selenium. Total cholesterol
and HDL-C levels were found to be low in 30.5% and 10.5% of the children
respectively. Conclusion: Dietary assessment showed almost all the children
did not achieve the recommended energy intake for their age groups and almost
half of the children did not achieve the RNI for selenium and vitamin A. This
study provides an insight on the nutritional status of children living with HIV.
- Full text:W020150714373954087660.pdf
