Background: HIV/AIDS and under nutrition commonly manifested as body weight loss are both highly prevalent in many parts of the world. Their effects are interrelated and act in a vicious cycle. Both HIV and under nutrition can independently cause progressive damage to the immune system and increased susceptibility to infection. Ethiopia is one of the countries affected by both epidemics, despite, study done on acute under nutrition among HIV/AIDS adults in particular were found inadequate. Thus the main aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of acute under nutrition (weight loss within 3 months) and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS adults on ART in Shashemane referral Hospital.
Methods: Facility based cross-sectional study conducted in shashemane referral Hospital Oromia region, Ethiopia from August 3 to September 4.2016. Systematic random sampling technique employed and 402 study participants were included. Data was collected by interview patients using pre-tested structured questionnaire, review of patients register, weight and height measurements were taken. The data were entered into Epi Info version 3.5.1 and analyzed using version 20 SPSS statistical package and percentages of body weight loss were calculated. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with body weight loss of > 5% within three months. Strength of association determined using P< 0.05 and odd ratio (95% CI).
Result: The magnitude body weight loss > 5% were 15.9% (95% CI; 12.4-19.7). Low CD4 level of less than 200mm3/ml (AOR=8.41,95% CI:3.46-20.44), inability to consume high protein diets like meat, egg & fish per week (AOR=2.97, 95% CI;1.39-6.35), low meal frequency of 2 or less per day (AOR=3.09,95% CI: 1.25-7.68) and low average income of 1000 birr per month (AOR=9.07,95% CI: 3.71-22.14) were significantly associated with Body weight loss of > 5% within 3 months with P<0.05.
Conclusion: Body weight loss >5% within 3 months(acute under nutrition) is still a problem in people living with HIV/AIDS adults on ART, specifically among advanced immune compromised, low income, consumes less meal frequently per day and fewer or no consumption of animal product.