Self-reported dietary intake and appetite predict early treatment outcome among low-BMI adults initiating HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa.

Koethe JR, Blevins M, Bosire C, Nyirenda C, Kabagambe EK, Mwango A, Kasongo W, Zulu I, Shepherd BE, Heimburger DC. Self-reported dietary intake and appetite predict early treatment outcome among low-BMI adults initiating HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. Public health nutrition. 2013 Mar;16(16). 549-58. PMID: 22691872 [PubMed] PMCID: PMC3772135 NIHMSID: NIHMS491606.

Low BMI is a major risk factor for early mortality among HIV-infected persons starting antiretrovial therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa and the common patient belief that antiretroviral medications produce distressing levels of hunger is a barrier to treatment adherence. We assessed relationships between appetite, dietary intake and treatment outcome 12 weeks after ART initiation among HIV-infected adults with advanced malnutrition and immunosuppression.