Clinical, Lifestyle, Environmental and Dietary Determinants of Malnutrition in Adolescents on Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia

BackgroundAdolescence is a crucial period for growth, and adequate nutrition is essential for those living with HIV/AIDS and on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite declining HIV prevalence in Ethiopia, adolescents continue to face challenges that negatively impact their nutritional status. This study explored clinical, lifestyle, environmental, and dietary factors influencing the nutrition of adolescents on ART in selected Ethiopian hospitals. MethodCross-sectional surveys, clinical assessments and clinical record reviews were conducted, recruiting 384 ALHIV in receipt of ART at ten public hospitals in Addis Ababa and Oromia regions in August - December 2023. Participants were selected using proportionate random sampling for ALHIV and data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and standardised assessments by trained healthcare workers. ResultsNutritional assessments revealed 24.2% of participants classified as thin, 21.7% as stunted, and 34.9% as acutely malnourished. Factors significantly determinant of malnutrition included, for thinness, male gender, household food insecurity, a history of chronic infections such as tuberculosis, and symptom levels indicative of anxiety and moderate/moderately severe depression. Significant factors for acute malnutrition included younger rather than older adolescence (aged 10-17), male gender, larger household size (four or more members), household food insecurity, delayed disclosure of HIV status, history of chronic infections, generalized anxiety disorder, and low haemoglobin levels (<11 mg/dL). Conclusion and RecommendationsFindings highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by ALHIV, inform and underscore the need for targeted nutritional and mental health interventions to address the specific challenges faced by this vulnerable group.