OBJECTIVE: Over the last 15 years, there has been a decline in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and HIV/AIDS mortality in West and Central Africa, due to the success of antiretroviral medication. However, as HIV patients live longer, the risk of metabolic diseases mediated by adverse drug effects increases. This can be mitigated by ensuring a correct diet routine. This study assessed the effects of nutritional status on the immune recovery of HIV/AIDS patients in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. The main aim of this study is to assess the influence of the nutritional status of patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) on their immune recovery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sociodemographic and socioeconomic information were collected using questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements were made to obtain information for calculating Body Mass Index (BMI). Whole anticoagulated blood was obtained to measure CD4 cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and HIV Viral Load (VL). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22, and significant levels were set at 0.05. Chi-square was used to compare proportions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to look for the association between variables.

RESULTS: The majority or patients (47.2%, 238/610) had a normal BMI, while 39 (6.5%), 173 (28.9%), and 104 (17.4%) showed undernutrition, overweight, and obesity, respectively. Consumption of vegetables was associated with CD4 count status (χ2 = 10.034; p = 0.007) and lowered viral load. Smoking increased the risk of having a viral load higher than 75 HIV RNA copies/ml by 18 times (CI 1.86-180.32, p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS: About half of the people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) under HAART in this study were either obese or under-nourished based on anthropometric indicators. Nevertheless, consuming fruits and vegetables and non-consumption of alcohol were important factors that promoted immune recovery in this population.