Assessment of Nutritional Status of HIV Positive Children in Antiretroviral Therapy Center: A Study From Central India

Background and Objectives: HIV-infected children are undernourished; an improvement in their nutritional status may signifi cantly decrease their morbidity. Thus, determining the etiology and temporal course of malnutrition in children with HIV infection will be important for early intervention and development of refeeding regimens. This cross-sectional study describes the nutritional status and the variables affecting it, among the children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS, (1) To assess the nutritional status of the HIV positive children, (2) to study the variables affecting the nutritional status of HIV positive children. Methodology: The study involved 84 HIV-positive children of 18 months-18 years age group in the antiretroviral therapy center of J.A Group of Hospital, G.R Medical College, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Anthropometric measurements, birth and maternal characteristics, socio-economic and immunization profi le, past illness were recorded. Z-scores were generated using WHO standards as indicators of nutritional status, and variables were assessed by the suitable statistical test. Results: Prevalence of undernutrition is very high particularl