Numerous studies have shown substantial weight loss
and high prevalence of underweight among HIV-positive adults in sub-Saharan Africa [6,7]. Impaired nutritional
status may be associated with reduced food intake due
to symptoms such as oral thrush and vomiting [8] as
well as functional changes and medication side effects
such as appetite loss, reduced nutrients absorption due
to diarrhoea/intestinal tract damage [9]. In addition,
the effects of AIDS-related morbidity and mortality on
income and household resources have also been associated
with increased nutritional vulnerability [10]. According to
Rollins et al., the populations at greatest risk of HIV infection
are also at risk of food insecurity [11] and therefore
might already bemalnourished before the onset of HIV[12].
Poor nutritional status itself affects functional status [13]
and quality of life (QoL)[14]. Nutritional status is the objective
measure of anthropometry; biochemical indicators;
clinical status and dietary intake. QoL refers to subjective,
multifactor construct responsive to individual expectations
in different facets of life including physical health, psychological
state, and self-care functioning and social relations