(LB03-13-25) Investigating Health and Nutrition in PLWH in Diverse Communities to Reduce Secondary Condition Risk

Objectives: This study intended to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the factors influencing health outcomes and secondary condition risk among people living with HIV (PLWH) in diverse communities, focusing specifically on the role of nutrition. The objectives of this work were to identify how nutrition influences health risk in PLWH and determine how this relationship varies across demographic groups and geographic contexts.

Methods: In this quantitative cross-sectional study, data were collected from 64 PLWH who accessed care and nutrition services provided by organizations in St.Joseph County, IN and the District of Columbia. Participants completed a researcher-designed survey gathering information related to their demographics, health status, and nutrition-related behaviors, as well as the National Institute of Health Diet History Questionnaire (NIH DHQ). Descriptive and inferential statistics were obtained in data analysis.

Results: Two-thirds of participants had secondary conditions, with cancer and immune disorders being the most common. Risk was significantly predicted by healthcare access, as PLWH were nearly five times more likely to report secondary conditions if they had access to healthcare. Perceived relevance of nutrition for their health was also a significant predictor of risk. Those who believed nutrition was extremely important were 90% less likely to report secondary conditions. There were significant nutrient deficiencies among the participants, achieving only 61.45% of recommended dietary intake levels across critical nutrients. PLWH in the two locations also had substantially different levels of nutrient intake.

Conclusions: The prevalence of secondary conditions and nutrient deficiencies indicates the need for adjustments in the delivery of nutritional support from HIV care services. The findings of this work support designing targeted nutritional interventions that consider the individual and community-specific needs of PLWH. This work did not determine nutrition to be a significant predictor of health risk, however, with the observed associations, this topic warrants a more longitudinal investigation to distinguish the important facets of the relationship between nutrition and health for PLWH.

Funding Sources: This research was conducted by the Eck Institute of Global Health at the University of Notre Dame.