Reduced vulnerability and risk of malnutrition may
also improve the nutritional status, physiological and
psychological status, and eventually QoL of HIV-positive
adults. The Zambian evaluation also reported a signifi-
cant increase in mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)
[23]. Several clinical trials have also shown that food
supplementation with or without nutrition counselling
reduced weight loss and improved weight gain [24–27].
In a Malawian study, ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUFT)
improved weight-for-height of HIV-positive children [27].
No study on RUFT usage in adults was found in the literature.
Although there are considerable number of published
studies on the effect of NCS interventions on nutritional
status of HIV-positive adults those that evaluate the way
in which QoL is affected by nutrition is scarce. Evaluation
of QoL related to nutritional status reviewed by
Wanden-Berghe et al. identified only three studies out
of 29 that addressed the link between QoL and nutritional
status using valid method for measuring QoL [28].
Berneis et al showed no significant effect on QoL on
HIV-positive adults who were receiving nutritional supplements
and counselling [26]. A study from South Africa
by Venter et al. showed that HIV-positive adults had an
average QoL [29]. The evaluation from Zambia showed
improved self-care functioning, performance of daily activities
and QoL with nutrient supplements [23]. The purpose
of the study is to compare the nutritional vulnerability,
risk of malnutrition, nutritional status and QoL between
recipients and non-recipients of NCS of HIV-positive
adults.