Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Children with HIV Infection in Ondo State, South West Nigeria

Children living with HIV face compounded nutritional challenges resulting from the virus's metabolic demands, opportunistic infections, and antiretroviral therapy side effects. This cross-sectional descriptive study examines feeding practices and nutritional status of HIV-infected children aged 6 months to 10 years receiving care at the paediatric antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic of the State Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, South West Nigeria. A total of 185 caregiver-child pairs were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements were taken to assess nutritional status using WHO z-score classifications. Structured questionnaires assessed dietary diversity, feeding frequency, food security, ART adherence, and caregiver socioeconomic profile. Severe acute malnutrition was found in 12.4% of children, moderate acute malnutrition in 21.6%, stunting in 38.9%, and underweight in 31.3%. Dietary diversity was inadequate in 67.6% of children, with most diets predominantly composed of starchy staples. ART adherence of greater than 95% was reported in 64.3% of caregivers. Children with longer duration on ART and those receiving nutritional supplementation had significantly better nutritional outcomes. The findings highlight the intersection of HIV infection and malnutrition in paediatric populations and underscore the need for routine nutritional assessment, therapeutic food supplementation, and nutrition education integrated within paediatric HIV care. Keywords: HIV, child nutrition, ART, Ondo State, South West Nigeria.