Nutritional Status, Physical Activity and Quality of Life in children and adolescents with Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection

Date of submission: 24-08-2020 | Date of acceptance: 11-12-2020 | Published: 03-04-2021

Abstract

Introduction: The growth and cellular immune function of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected children is impaired by their nutritional status. The majority experience nutrition deficits and malnutrition, but with longer follow-up metabolic syndrome have been described. The aim of the study was to assess nutritional status, physical activity and quality of life in HIV-infected children and adolescents.

Methods: Cross sectional study. With 31 HIV-infected patients was assessed based on anthropometry: weight, height, body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfolds (TSF) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Body composition obtained by electrical bioimpedance and expressed as fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM); dietary intake through recall 24-hour, physical activity (PA) through BQHPA and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through Kidscreen 27. Statistical analysis IBM® SPSS® v.25.

Results: Z-scores of BMI: 25% overweight and 7,1% obese. Dietary intake of critical vitamins, nutrients, minerals, sugar and energy do not correspond to DRI’s. BQHPA demonstrated that males PA are higher than females. Differences by gender were found in physical well-being (p<0,05) and psychological well-being (p<0,05), with males being associated with better well-being, they also presented higher physical and psychological well-being, autonomy & parent relation and social support & pears. Higher BMI z-score values were associated with lower values of resistance, reactance, fiber intake, physical well-being.

Discussion: Patients presented an unbalanced dietary intake. However, most were eutrophic. The subjects follow the trends of healthy children concerning physical activity, the same is not seen about health-related quality of life.