Characterization of the nutritional status of HIV/AIDS patients hospitalized in a university hospital in Tocantins

Abstract

Malnutrition is one of the main complications caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), particularly in the hospital setting where individuals are more debilitated. The aim of this study was to characterize and monitor the nutritional status of patients living with HIV/AIDS admitted to a university hospital, using nutritional assessments conducted upon admission and at hospital discharge. This was a longitudinal study with a qualitative-quantitative approach conducted from September to November 2023. The study comprised 14 individuals of both sexes aged between 33 and 62 years, with 12 male participants, nine with low educational attainment, and seven with a monthly income exceeding one minimum wage. Analysis of the body mass index revealed eutrophy upon admission (n=6) and at discharge (n=7). Regarding the adequacy of arm circumference, nine participants were malnourished upon admission and ten at hospital discharge. As for the Subjective Global Assessment, six participants were moderately malnourished and six were malnourished upon admission, while at discharge, five were well-nourished and five were malnourished. Thus, the necessity of employing multiple tools to assess an individual's nutritional status is evident, enabling the implementation of tailored therapeutic measures for each patient.

Keywords: Nutritional assessment. Malnutrition. Hospitalization.