RESUMO
Objectives: The objectives of this study were 1) to determine the proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) at risk of developing malnutrition; 2) to determine the prevalence of malnutrition (BMI 18.5 kg/m2); and 3) to describe the dietary intake and other nutrition parameters of PLWHA with membership in support groups. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Six support groups in Gaborone and neighbouring locations. Subjects: Consenting; free-living HIV-positive adults 20 to 50 years of age with membership in support groups for PLWHA. Outcome measures: The subjects' risk of developing malnutrition was established using a modified subjective global assessment (SGA) screening tool. Subjects with an SGA score (n = 69) were found to be at high risk of developing malnutrition (SGA score = 4) and 28.5(n = 41) were malnourished (BMI 18.5 kg/m2). In the sample with SGA scores (n = 35) presented with a BMI 18.5 kg/ m2. These two groups also reported more unintentional weight loss; gastrointestinal symptoms; and other conditions commonly associated with a high risk of developing malnutrition. PLWHA with membership in support groups also had low educational attainment and high unemployment rates. A total of 47of subjects with an SGA score = 4 needed food assistance. Conclusions: Almost 50of PLWHA with membership in support groups for PLWHA are at risk of developing malnutrition; while about 30have a BMI 18.5kg/m2. Nutrition screening can also help to identify those PLWHA with a BMI 18.5 kg/m2 who are still at high risk of developing malnutrition. Timely nutrition interventions can therefore be instituted in order to prevent deterioration in nutritional status