Nutritional status and metabolic risk in HIV-infected university students: challenges in their monitoring and management

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to describe challenges in the management of HIV-infected university students focusing on their nutritional status and metabolic risk. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study design was used to assess the anthropometry, food intake and clinical status of a cohort of known HIV-infected registered students at a South African university. Results: Participants n = 63) had a mean CD4 cell count of 411 (SD = 219.9) cells/mm³, a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.05 (SD = 7.9) kg/m² and only half of the participants (n = 31) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). A higher BMI (> 25 kg/m²) was significantly (p < 0.05; V = 0.32) associated with higher CD4 cell counts of > 350 cells/mm³. Some 40% (n = 25) of students were at risk for metabolic complications based on their waist circumference and 11% (n = 7) had clinical signs of lipodystrophy. The ‘obese’ group consumed a mean energy intake of 24 kcal/kg bodyweight which was lower than the ‘overweight’ and normal weight groups. Conclusions: In total 51% of HIV-positive students in the sample presented with signs of metabolic complications. Side effects of ART can be prevented and/or treated by regular physical activity, adequate nutritional intake, monitoring of side effects and BMI, combined with optimal care and support.