The Hidden Hunger: How Malnutrition Hits People With HIV

Malnutrition is a big deal for people with HIV. It messes with their immune system, overall health, and how well they respond to treatment. To get a better picture, a big review looked at studies from all over the world. They checked out six major databases and found 103 studies with over 240, 000 people living with HIV. The findings showed that about 16. 6% of these people were malnourished. This number can go up or down based on where you live and other factors. For instance, in Southeast Asia, the numbers are much higher. About 31. 1% of people with HIV there are malnourished. Education level also plays a role. Those with only primary education have a higher rate of 37. 7%. It's also worse for those who have been on HIV treatment for over a year, with a rate of 51. 7%. People in the later stages of HIV, known as World Health Organization Stage 3, have a rate of 36. 4%. This is a lot higher than the global average. The review also found that habits like drinking alcohol and smoking, along with other health issues like hepatitis and tuberculosis, make malnutrition even more likely. So, what can be done? Experts say that regular check-ups for nutrition and targeted help can make a big difference. This can improve health and the quality of life for people with HIV everywhere. It's clear that malnutrition is a serious issue that needs more attention. By understanding the factors that make it worse, we can find better ways to help those who need it most.