Anthropometric Indices and Dietary Intake in HIV-Infected Patients

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

2 Research Assistant, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

3 Specialist Infectious Diseases, Behavioural Disorder, Health center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

4 Assistant, Endocrine and Diabetis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

5 Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is one of the most important complication in Human Immonodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected patients. So, it is better to consider the nutrition status and food intake of these patients. There are not numerous studies in this field in Iran. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the anthropometric indice and nutritional intake of HIV-infected patients in Isfahan.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 48 HIV-infected patients in Isfahan. Anthropometric measurments were done according to the standard method and food intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Nutrients intakes of the patients was compared with the recommended dietary allowances (RDA), and the dietary intakes of sociodemographic matched group of healthy Isfahanian population.
Findings: Mean of body mass index in men and women was 24 and 22 kg/m2, respectively. Mid arm circumference in men and women was 28 and 29 cm and the body fat percent was 21 and 31% respectively. Low nutrient intake was not seen in men however, women had low intake of vitamin B12, folate and vitamin E compared to RDA. However, the amount of vitamin B12 among infected men and energy intake among infected women were lower than Isfahanian healthy population’s intake.
Conclusion: Although the body mass index of the patients was in the normal range but their body fat percentage was higher than standard and their lean body mass was lower than standard. Low intake of some nutrients shows the nessecity of the nutrition intervention.