Use of Anthropometry in Monitoring the Nutritional and Health Status of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS

摘要: Approximately 33 million persons are living with HIV/AIDS globally. Majority of these (PLWHA) reside in low and middle income countries where there is a scarcity resources to deal the magnitude problems associated this pandemic. Weight loss common feature HIV/AIDS. In fact, extent weight reasonable predictor morbidity mortality among PLWHA. Malnutrition PLWHA results from several factors. Among changes metabolism resulting increased utilization nutrients, mal-absorption nutrients frequent diarrheas reduced dietary intakes due nausea vomiting, inability swallow, access nutritious foods. act synergistic manner accelerate perpetuate deleterious effect latter. deficiencies zinc, vitamins B, C, E, proteins calories. Consequently, tend exhibit clinical symptoms that relatively similar those macro micronutrient deficiencies. More recently, has been unhealthy lipid profiles, especially on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART). While nutritional status cannot be measured directly, anthropometric measures can provide useful information aspects To ensure accuracy data generated, should highly sensitive, specific have good predictive values. They also simple use, inexpensive, acceptable PLWHA, non-invasive, easy interpret by all categories workers health care system applicable stages life cycle infancy adulthood. fulfilling criteria weight, height, weight-for-age (WA), weight-for-height (WH), body mass index (BMI), mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), skinfold thickness (SF), waist (WC) waist-hip ratio (WHR). Studies suggest levels immune function (e.g., CD4+, CD8+ cells counts), blood levels, anaemia. Moreover, excess both Anthropometric indices therefore tools for monitoring evaluating patho-physiological anthropometry allow us monitor evaluate its greatest benefit only realized as part comprehensive strategy includes assessment biochemical tests.