Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of TB/HIV/AIDS Co-Infected Patients Attending the TB Clinic in Kyangwali Health Center: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne disease brought about by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), and it majorly affects the respiratory system of the body, whereas Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The study aimed to investigate the dietary habits and nutritional status and their association with HIV/TB Co-infected individuals attending the TB clinic in Kyangwali Health Center IV. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional design was employed, involving structured face-to-face interviews, dietary assessments, and anthropometric measurements. Quantitative data obtained included anthropometric measurements, dietary diversity score, average income per month, and meal frequency were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS version 24 for statistical relationships. A sample size of 196 participants was determined using Cochran’s formula; however, 100 participants were reached due to restricted time for data collection and resources. Various data collection techniques, including anthropometric assessment and the Dietary Diversity Questionnaire, were employed to comprehensively evaluate the nutritional status and dietary habits of TB/HIV Co-infected patients. Ethical considerations were upheld throughout the whole study process. Results The mean (SD) age of participants was 41(11), Body Mass Index (BMI) 20.84(5.15), MUAC 24.8(5.0), DDS 4.7(1.77), Meal frequency 2.5(0.67), and Average income per month of shs. 327979(203320). 52% of the participants had a normal nutritional status, whereas 31% were underweight, 12% overweight, and 5% obese. Nutritional status was significantly associated with the average income per month, meal frequency, and Dietary Diversity Score of the patients. Conclusion This research yields valuable insights into the interplay between the deadly duo infection, nutritional status, and dietary practices of individuals affected. However, there is a need for further research on the effect of health and nutritional policies on the dietary practices of HIV/TB co-infected patients, especially in regions with high prevalence of Tuberculosis, like refugee settlements.