Search

The duration of pneumonia and of diarrhea is reported to be longer in HIV-infected than in uninfected children. We assessed the effect of a multi-micronutrient supplement on the duration of hospitalization in HIV-infected children. In a double-blind, randomized trial, HIV-infected children (4-24 mo) who were hospitalized with diarrhea or pneumonia were enrolled (n = 118) and given a daily dose of a multi-micronutrient supplement (containing vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, and folic acid, as well as copper, iron, and zinc at levels based on recommended daily allowances) or a placebo until discharge from the hospital. Children's weights and heights were measured after enrollment and micronutrient concentrations were measured before discharge. On recovery from diarrhea or pneumonia, the children were discharged and the duration of hospitalization was noted. Anthropometric indices and micronutrient concentrations did not differ between children who received supplements and those who received placebos. Overall, the duration of hospitalization was shorter (P< 0.05) among children who were receiving supplements (7.3 [+ or -] 3.9 d) (mean [+ or -] SD) than in children who were receiving placebos (9.0 [+ or -] 4.9); this was independent of admission diagnosis. In children admitted with diarrhea, the duration of hospitalization was 1.6 d (19%) shorter among children receiving supplements than in those receiving placebos, and hospitalization for pneumonia was 1.9 d (20%) shorter among children receiving supplements. Short-term multi-micronutrient supplementation significantly reduced the duration of pneumonia or diarrhea in HIV-infected children who were not yet receiving antiretroviral therapy and who remained alive during hospitalization. doi: 10.3945/jn.109.110312.

Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome have an increased risk of contracting foodborne illnesses and need to take special precautions regarding food safety. We implemented a five-step model to assess the needs of people with HIV, develop education materials targeted to their needs, and evaluate acceptance of the materials. Needs assessment focus groups (n = 8) with HIV-infected people (n = 65) and interviews with health care providers (n = 18) were conducted to determine motivators and barriers to adopting food safety recommendations. Education materials were developed using needs assessment data, literature on foodborne illnesses, and the Health Belief Model. Acceptability of materials was evaluated by focus groups (n = 4) with HIV-infected people (n = 32) and a survey of health care providers (n = 25). Needs assessment focus group participants expressed resistance to and confusion about many recommendations. Prototype materials were designed to address barriers and motivators. HIV-infected people who reviewed the prototype materials in evaluation focus groups expressed positive attitudes about the materials, and most indicated willingness to follow recommendations. Health care providers were interested in distributing the education materials to their clients. Carefully listening to HIV-infected people and their health care providers, as well as detailed investigation of the literature on foodborne illnesses, contributed to acceptance of the education materials. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105:1597-1604.

Objective To determine whether severe stress events and more frequent use of stress-management behaviors among men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are associated with more desirable nutrition-related parameters. Design Data on sociodemographic variables, severe stress events, stress management, and nutrition-related parameters were obtained from interviews, venipunctures, medical record reviews, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and questionnaires from the baseline wave of a three-wave longitudinal study. Subjects/setting The sample consisted of 226 men with HIV who were attending one of three infectious disease clinics. Statistical analyses performed Multivariable linear and logistic regression were used to determine the association of severe stress events and mean stress-management subscore with nutrition-related parameters when controlling for CD[4.sup.+] T cells, age, income, and race. Results Men with more severe stress events were more likely to experience nausea (odds ratio = 1.4, P<.01) and change in appearance (odds ratio = 1.25, P = .02). Men who more frequently used stress-management behaviors had a lower body mass index ([beta] = -1.14, P = .02), lower percent body fat ([beta] = -1.12, P = .05), more frequent use of nutritional-health promoting behaviors ([beta] = .52, P<.01), and were less likely to experience a change in appearance (odds ratio = 0.63, P = .05) and have unintentional weight loss (odds ratio = 0.54, P = .05). Conclusions Men with more severe stress events are more likely to experience undesirable symptoms that could adversely influence nutritional health. More frequent use of stress-management behaviors may provide a coping mechanism for stress associated with HIV and ultimately improve nutritional health of men with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005;105:1541-1548.

Abstract The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in marked improvements in HIV disease outcome with improved long-term survival. These changes in disease treatment have necessitated changes [...]

The nutritional status of persons with HIV and AIDS [PWAs] is constantly challenged throughout the progression of the illness. Home-delivered meals programs for PWAs are rapidly developing across the country to address this problem among the growing population of people with HIV infection and AIDS. This study examined client socio-demographic characteristics (sex, age, ethnicity), types of services offered by these programs, organizational and financial criteria, and characteristics of survey respondents. Data for this study was obtained from 15 of the 17 known home-delivered meals programs for PWAs in the United States through an original, cross-sectional survey instrument conducted by telephone interview between March 1994 and May 1994. Results from this study show an increase in the number of minority populations who participate in these programs (36% African-American and 12% Hispanic vs. 51% Caucasian), as well as women (17.2%) and children (7%). Geographic location was an important determinant for program eligibility. The number of meals served weekly varied greatly (from 510 to 12,600 per week). Other significant services included nutrition counselling, newsletters, and holiday-basket programs. Enhancing service-delivery systems was one of the more prevalent "high-priority" concerns cited, especially with regard to food quality and safety. These results show that these programs are catering increasingly to minority populations, women and children, and that they are expanding their services to meet the growing needs of their client populations. These findings suggest that there is a greater need for meals and other home-based services for persons living with HIV and AIDS.

The Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) HIV/Home Delivered Meals program was initiated because of the importance of aggressive nutrition intervention at all stages of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquired immunodeficiency [...]

The epidemiology, intensity and progression of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) among acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients were examined. PEM is a condition characterized by somatic cell mass depletion out of proportion to body weight loss. Malnutrition results from food intake disorders, nutrient absorption anomalies and metabolic problems in AIDS patients. Nutritional supplementation can help some patients recover lost weight.

The nutritional status of 16 homeless individuals afflicted with HIV/AIDS at three non-profit community outreach program centers in New York City are examined. Results indicate that the mean calorie intake per day is 2040 calories which is 65% of the calculated need while the mean protein intake is 82 grams, 46% of the reference standard. These findings confirm the inadequacy of food resources at different program centers and the deficient nutritional intake of HIV/AIDS infected individuals.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have become important health concerns in the past decade. Infection with HIV lowers an individual's ability to fight off certain opportunistic [...]

Weight loss, malnutrition, and wasting have long been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Not so long ago an estimated 80% of patients with HIV/AIDS [...]

Severe malnutrition is a major comorbidity of the clinical syndrome in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (1,2). The importance of this progressive condition [...]

Guidelines for Nutrition Support in AIDS While health professionals generally acknowledge the importance of proper nutrition for individuals with AIDS, national attention has focused primarily on developing drug therapies to [...]