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Effect of delivering a comprehensive package of services on nutritional status of people living with HIV and AIDS referred for HIV treatment in Rwanda (251.5)
Author(s) -
Lopez Melanie,
Muhinda Bosco,
Dhlamini Russell
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.28.1_supplement.251.5
Subject(s) - malnutrition , medicine , psychological intervention , food security , socioeconomic status , environmental health , agriculture , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , empowerment , body mass index , food insecurity , gerontology , economic growth , geography , family medicine , nursing , population , archaeology , pathology , economics
Objective: To improve nutritional status for PLWHA referred to HIV treatment by providing an integrated package of clinical nutrition, food security (FS), and economic strengthening services. Methods: Integrated nutrition services and monitoring of body mass index (BMI); agricultural services such as Farmers Field Schools (FFS) and use of Bio‐Intensive Agricultural Techniques (BIAT); and access to savings and lending schemes (SILC) were provided for 7000 participants referred for HIV treatment across six districts in Rwanda. Pre‐ and post‐test surveys were conducted to assess change in BMI. Results: Severe malnutrition levels (BMI <16kg/m2) of beneficiaries decreased from 4.6% in 2009 to 0.9% in 2011 and 0.1% in 2013. 92% of beneficiaries adopted at least three BIAT techniques and they reported 3 to 5 times increased production of vegetables. 80% of SILC groups increased their monthly subscription from 500 RWF (Rwandan Francs) to between 1000 to 1500 RWF. Conclusion: Integrating nutrition, agriculture and economic empowerment interventions for PLWHA appears to have positive effects on BMI, as well as FS and socioeconomic status, for PLWHA. Grant Funding Source : Catholic Relief Services through the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFA