(P18-020-25) Prevalence of Malnutrition Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a Tertiary Government Hospital

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition among PLHIV enrolled in the Davao Regional Medical Center - Red Star Clinic and to evaluate their demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as nutritional status.

Methods: A quantitative, prospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 respondents of PLHIV from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical profiles, and nutritional status. The Modified Subjective Global Assessment (mSGA) tool was used to assess nutritional status.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 28.6 years (SD = 6.40), with all participants being male. The clinical profile showed 98% of respondents were free from comorbidities, with only 2% having hypertension. Nutritional profiles revealed an average weight of 58.5 kg (SD = 10.8) and an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 21.2 (SD = 3.67). Nutritional risk assessment indicated that 40% of participants were at moderate risk and 38% were at high risk for malnutrition.

Conclusions: While the study participants exhibited a generally good health profile with minimal comorbidities, the high prevalence of moderate and high nutritional risk emphasizes the need for targeted nutritional interventions. It is recommended to integrate nutritional assessments and tailored care into routine HIV management, including mandatory screenings at diagnosis. The findings offer valuable and significant insights for future research and the development of comprehensive care strategies to address HIV-associated malnutrition.

Funding Sources: None