Nutritional Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of People Living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Nigeria
Ethel E. Adimora
Department of Applied Sciences, Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, Department of Applied Sciences, Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, Nigeria..
Eze E. Ajaegbu *
Department of Applied Sciences, Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, Nigeria.
Juliet O. Nwigwe
Department of Applied Sciences, Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, Nigeria.
Adaora L. Onuora
Department of Applied Sciences, Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, Nigeria.
Ola N. Onuoha
Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of socio-demographic data on nutritional knowledge, attitude and practices among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Enugu State of Nigeria. A standardized questionnaire was designed to collect information on the socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice of PLWHIV who attended the HAART centre at the Ntasi Obi Ndi No N’afufu Specialist Centre. Results showed that the respondents scored 65.6% on nutritional knowledge, 13.7% on nutritional attitude, and 54.9% on nutritional practices. The Bivariate analysis showed significant positive correlations between nutritional knowledge and attitude; nutritional knowledge and practices; and nutritional attitude and practices. Monthly income was seen as a common predictor for nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice; hence local foods should be included in their food chart for affordability and accessibility.
Keywords: PLWHIV, nutritional knowledge, nutritional attitude, nutritional practice, Nigeria