HIV and AIDS have posed various medical, nutritional, social and
economic problems, female-headed households being the most affected.
Poor nutritional knowledge and dietary practices common among the most
affected households significantly contribute to the rapid progression
of HIV. However, very little data exist concerning these aspects of
nutrition among women living with HIV and AIDS in resource-limited
settings, such as Uganda. The aim of the study was to investigate the
gaps in nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices and their
relationship with sociodemographic characteristics in an urban
population of women living with HIV and AIDS in Uganda. In total, 133
women living with HIV were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire.
Most (89.5%) women reported being trained on the importance of
nutrition for people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) and believed that
it is very important to consume a balanced diet (99.5%). On the
contrary, only 21.8% consumed at least three meals per day and 39.8% at
least six food-groups. They also reported higher dependency on starchy
staples while foods of animal origin and fruits that play vital
immunity and protective roles were inadequately consumed. Results of
bivariate analysis indicated that consumption of a diversified diet was
significantly associated with access to food-aid (p=0.006), possibly
because access to food-aid reportedly enhances the ability of the
household to access other food items. However, much is still needed to
understand the drug-food interaction and dietary diversification and
enhance proper dietary practices through sustainable projects that
ensure increased access to food. Support groups of the PLWHA are a good
vehicle for communication of nutrition information and implementation
of nutrition-related projects