Physiological Evaluation of Nutritional Rehabilitation Outcomes Among Adults with HIV-Associated Wasting in a Tertiary Treatment Centre in Borno State, North East Nigeria

Background: HIV-associated wasting syndrome, characterised by involuntary weight loss and lean body mass depletion, remains prevalent in North East Nigeria despite antiretroviral therapy coverage, partly due to food insecurity and suboptimal nutrition support in post-conflict communities. Physiological monitoring of nutritional rehabilitation outcomes in this population has received inadequate attention. Objectives: This study aims to track changes in body cell mass, fat-free mass, handgrip strength, haemoglobin, and serum albumin over a 12-week structured nutritional rehabilitation programme among HIV-positive adults with wasting at a treatment centre in Maiduguri. Methods: Fifty HIV-positive adults meeting the WHO definition of wasting will receive individualised nutritional counselling and supplementation. Body composition will be assessed monthly by bioelectrical impedance. Grip strength will be measured by Jamar dynamometry. Blood samples will be collected for haemoglobin and albumin at baseline, six weeks, and 12 weeks. Repeated measures ANOVA will assess changes across time points. Expected Outcomes: Significant gains in fat-free mass, grip strength, and serum albumin are anticipated by week 12, with baseline CD4 count and dietary adherence as independent predictors of rehabilitation success. Conclusion: Findings will provide physiological outcome evidence to strengthen nutritional rehabilitation components of HIV programmes in conflict-affected North East Nigeria. Keywords: HIV wasting, nutritional rehabilitation, body composition, grip strength, Maiduguri.