A BSTRACT Background: HIV-positive adults taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) tend to have nutritional problems that negatively impact immunity, treatment, and quality of life. Malnutrition in the form of undernutrition or overnutrition is a significant concern owing to ART side effects, economic limitations, and opportunistic infections. Notwithstanding its importance, there is less available in the Indian scenario on diet-related effects on anthropometric parameters, clinical parameters, and well-being among people living with HIV/AIDS (PALWA). Objective: This study aims to assess the dietary patterns, nutritional status, anthropometric features, clinical outcomes, and quality of life of HIV-positive patients undergoing ART for more than six months. Material and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study will recruit 400 HIV-positive adults from ART-providing healthcare facilities in Pune, Maharashtra. Participants will be selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and written informed consent will be obtained. Data will be collected through dietary assessment with a validated food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall; anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI, mid-upper arm circumference); and clinical data extraction including CD4 count, viral load, and ART adherence from health records. Quality of life will be measured with a validated HIV-specific instrument. Socioeconomic and demographic factors will also be collected. Statistical analysis will determine relationships between food intake, anthropometric measures, clinical indicators, and quality of life. Conclusion: The research will give new insights into the impact of diet on nutritional and clinical outcomes in PLWHA, facilitating identification of modifiable risk factors and areas for improvement in existing care. The results can inform the creation of individualized nutritional therapies to enhance the response to treatment and quality of life in HIV-positive patients on ART.
Paul et al. (Sat,) studied this question.