Dietary intake and nutritional status of children and adolescents with HIV infection

Malnutrition is a major problem for children and especially for HIV-infected children since it creates a vicious circle with HIV infection. Indeed, on one hand, malnutrition worsens HIV disease as it has similar effects on the immune system as HIV infection. On the other hand, HIV infection increases the risk of malnutrition, because of a high pro-inflammatory cytokine activity which can cause growth impairment among children. HIV-related opportunistic infections such as persistent diarrhea or oral and esophageal candidiasis have a negative impact on nutritional status among children. Thus, malnutrition is a common complication among HIV-infected children. Among children with severe malnutrition, mortality risk is three times higher in HIV-infected children than in non-HIV-infected children. Thus, nutritional care is an essential part of the pediatric HIV healthcare package.

The adolescent period is a critical part of development in the life cycle, a time of physical and emotional change as the body matures. The adolescent period is one of rapid growth and development that includes physical, psychological, intellectual, and social changes. This growth and development creates increased demands for energy and nutrients. Coupled with a chronic infection like HIV, these adolescents are likely to suffer various nutritional deficiencies.

There have been very few studies conducted in India to assess nutritional status of adolescents with HIV, therefore there are no specific guidelines available specific to Indian adolescents with HIV infection regarding nutritional care. So, we propose to conduct a cross-sectional observationalstudy to assess dietary intake and nutritional status among HIV infected children and adolescents and its association with degree of immunodeficiency.