Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas frente a la alimentación de personas con VIH/SIDA y su relación con síndrome metabólico, Cali-Colombia

Abstract

Background: Morbidity and mortality among HIV+ patients have decreased significantly with antiretroviral therapy; paradoxically, nutritional problems in HIV+ people have multiplied. Aim: To determine knowledge, attitudes and practices towards nutrition, and its relation with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among HIV+ patients receiving antiretroviral treatment. Methods: cross-sectional study, 102 HIV+ patients were interviewed, prior informed consent. Participants were over 18 year's old, and receiving comprehensive care in an HIV outpatient clinic in Cali-Colombia. A structured questionnaire was administered, which included questions about socio-demographic and clinical characteristics related to HIV/AIDS, and knowledge, attitudes and practices related to nutrition, physical activity and cardiac health. The levels of markers of metabolic syndrome were evaluated. Descriptive and multivariate analysis was performed. Results: Inadequate level of knowledge (in 3,9%) and healthy practices towards nutrition (in 2,0%) were identified, although most of the participants reported favorable attitudes regarding healthy eating habits (46,1%). 35,9% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (mainly related to low HDL cholesterol in 67,6% or triglycerides altered in 59,8%). The knowledge (p<0,021), attitudes (p=0,006), as well as aBMI≥25 (p=0,001) and Antiretroviral therapy for more than 3 years (p=0,003), yielded significant associations with metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: Friendly Strategies need to be strengthened to improve knowledge and behaviors toward nutrition in this population, without affecting the control of HIV/AIDS. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]