Dietary Practices and Nutritional Status of People Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy in Plateau State

Optimal nutrition is an integral component of care for people living with HIV, particularly those receiving antiretroviral therapy. This study examines the dietary practices and nutritional status of adults living with HIV and enrolled on antiretroviral therapy at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. The interaction between antiretroviral medications and nutritional requirements creates unique dietary challenges, including altered nutrient absorption, metabolic changes, and increased energy demands. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 240 adult patients aged 18 to 60 years systematically recruited from the antiretroviral therapy clinic. Dietary practices were assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall and a food frequency questionnaire. Nutritional status was evaluated through anthropometric measurements, clinical signs, and available biochemical data including CD4 cell count obtained from medical records with ethical clearance. Sociodemographic and treatment history data were also collected. Preliminary findings suggest that dietary diversity is low, protein intake is inadequate, and a considerable proportion of patients are underweight. Stigma, food insecurity, and drug-nutrient interactions were identified as key barriers to optimal nutrition. These findings support the integration of nutrition counselling into comprehensive HIV care programmes in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: HIV, antiretroviral therapy, dietary practices, nutritional status, Plateau State.