Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Introduction: The Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic remains one of the main public health challenges especially in low- and middle-income countries. At the end of 2010, an estimated 34 million people were living with HIV globally. In sub-Saharan African countries, estimated 1.9 million became infected. In Ethiopia HIV adult prevalence was estimated at 1.5% in 2011.

Objective: The Objective of this study is to Assesses Prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among adult people living with HIV/AIDS who are on antiretroviral therapy at Chiro Hospital, West Hararghe. Ethiopia, from March 2017 to April 2017.

Methods: This study was conducted at Chiro Zonal Hospital. It is found in West Harangue Zone, Chiro woreda administration, Located 333 kilometer far away from the capital city Addis Ababa in the south East of Ethiopia. In this study Institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed. The sample size is 279 PLWHAs, which is calculated by using the formula for the estimation of single proportion. The study subjects were selected using systematic random sampling technique. The data was collected using face to face interview with version of Afan Oromo language. Bivariate and multivariable linear regression model will be used to identify independent predictor of malnutrition. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant as well as odds ratio at 95% confidence interval is used to examine the precision and strength of association between malnutrition and associated factors.

Results: In this study the overall prevalence of malnutrition was 22.2%. The mean BMI was 20.7 & SD ± 2.979. in relation with Gender, malnourished Females were 53% and male 47.%. After full control of all variables; Anemia (AOR=3.792: 95% CI, 1.782-8.067), WHO clinical stage 2 (AOR=6.208: 95% CI, 2.141-17.999). Tuberculosis, (AOR=8.033:95% CI, 2.023-31.900), Eating Problem (AOR=3.451: 95% CI, 1.564-8.067). were significantly associated with malnutrition. However, taking Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) were found to be protective factor for malnutrition (AOR=3.426: 95% CI, 1.648-7.120)

Conclusion: From this study it has been learnt that ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) supplement programs should be an integral part of HIV/AIDS continuum of care. Furthermore, it needs to improve Opportunistic infection and nutritional screening and management. Nutritional Counseling & education service will be strengthening at all ART service providing unit.