Nutrition predictors of accelerated PLHIV ageing in the ART clinics of Kampala, Uganda

Research Article

Abstract

Introduction Nutrition has important long-term consequences for health. Healthy longevity is a tangible possibility for many persons living with HIV and ageing on ART, with nutritional factors playing a key role in modulating the likelihood of their healthy ageing. In this study, we set out to understand the geriatric nutrition factors that accelerate ageing among HIV-infected persons who are actively on ART in Makindye Division in Uganda. Specifically, we assessed how un-healthy diet, fruits and vegetables, fatty foods, starchy foods, and salt intake could be having a bearing in predicting accelerated ageing among PLHIV aged 45 years and above. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in public and faith-based healthcare facilities in Makindye Division, the highest populated in Kampala District. This involved 478 PLHIV participants actively on ART aged 45 and above. They were sampled from Nsambya Hospital, Kiruddu Hospital and Ggaba Fishing Community ART clinic. Data collectors were trained, a pre-testing done, and data was exported to STATA for analysis.  Results Confidence about current nutrition knowledge, (p<0.001), eating breakfast (p=0.039), preference for half the plate consisting of fruits or vegetables (p=0.031), including unsalted nuts and seeds in diet (p=0.013) and regularly adding salt to food during cooking (p=0.028) remained with a statistically significant association with ageing among this study population even after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusion In conclusion, eating breakfast, the preference for half the plate being fruits/vegetables, including unsalted nuts and seeds in one’s diet, and regularly adding salt to food during cooking were risk factors to accelerated ageing among PLHIV aged 45+ on ART in Makindye. However, being confident about the current nutrition knowledge was protective against accelerated ageing in this particular group. We recommend sensitization and training of PLHIV aged 45+ in their ART clinics on the nutritional risk factors to their accelerated ageing, conducting of daily health education sessions and provision of IEC materials to build the confidence about their current nutrition knowledge.