Prevalence and Associated Factors of Malnutrition in HIV-Infected Children Younger than 5 Years at a Teaching Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition on the background of HIV infection is a complex medical condition that carries significant morbidity and mortality for affected children,

Objectives: This study assessed nutritional status and determined malnutrition-associated factors, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected children younger than 5 years.

Methods: This study was based on secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected data from July to September 2014 at Teaching hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso city in Burkina Faso. Socio-demographic, dietary intake, anthropometric, cell counts, and biochemical data were included in this study. A total of 164 child-mother pairs were included.

Results: Of 164 HIV-infected children, 100% had inadequate dietary intake; 65%, 77%, and 63% were stunted, underweight, and wasted, respectively; 29% were anemic and 21% exhibited hypoalbuminemia. Around 41% of HIV-infected children were not on ART and they increased risk for being underweight (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.11, 7.26, P = 0.02) compared to those on ART. CD4 was positively correlated with mid upper arm circumference (r = 0.26, P = 0.001), hemoglobin (r = 0.34, P < 0.001) and albumin (r = 0.37, P = <0.001). Food insecurity (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.01, 3.44, P = 0.03) was associated with poor dietary intake.

Conclusions: Anthropometric, biochemical and dietary intake assessment highlighted a high prevalence of malnutrition in HIV-infected children. In addition to ART, nutritional support should be provided to all the HIV-infected children. Nutrition assessment and maternal education on the nutritional needs of children should be integrated into pediatric HIV management.