Date of Defense

10-4-2025 12:30 PM

Location

C6-0002

Document Type

Dissertation Defense

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences

College

CMHS

Department

Nutrition and Health Science

First Advisor

Prof. Habiba Ali

Keywords

Patients living with HIV (PLHIV), nutrition intervention, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices (KAP), immune-boosting foods/nutrients.

Abstract

Nutrition is crucial to HIV/AIDS management. HIV affects the immune system, making infections and illnesses harder to resist. Despite the importance of nutrition for people living with HIV (PLHIV), there have been no studies of nutritional interventions for PLHIV in the MENA region. Aim: The objective of this study is to assess the baseline status of PLHIV and the impact of a lifestyle intervention on various aspects of their health and lifestyle status, including nutritional knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP), and intake of immune-boosting food/nutrients. Methods: Sixty-three patients attending an outpatient clinic in Dubai were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=31) or a control group (n=32). Baseline data was collected from August to November 2023. The intervention group took part in an individualized 6-session nutrition education program guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), while the control group received usual care and an educational manual and a brochure on HIV nutrition and health. Both groups completed nutrition, physical activity, and mental health questionnaires at baseline and after the intervention period. A questionnaire adapted from the literature was used to assess nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAP). Dietary intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire and two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls to assess intake of immune-boosting nutrients. Participants' medical records provided biochemical data, weight, height, and physical activity were measured using the Exercise Vital Sign questionnaire. The Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS) was used to screen for anxiety and depression. Results: Significant differences in the KAP score distribution between the control and intervention groups were observed for knowledge, attitude, and practices post-intervention (p-value=

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Apr 10th, 12:30 PM

NUTRITION EDUCATION INTERVENTION FOR PATIENTS LIVING WITH HIV ATTENDING AN OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN DUBAI, UAE

C6-0002

Nutrition is crucial to HIV/AIDS management. HIV affects the immune system, making infections and illnesses harder to resist. Despite the importance of nutrition for people living with HIV (PLHIV), there have been no studies of nutritional interventions for PLHIV in the MENA region. Aim: The objective of this study is to assess the baseline status of PLHIV and the impact of a lifestyle intervention on various aspects of their health and lifestyle status, including nutritional knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP), and intake of immune-boosting food/nutrients. Methods: Sixty-three patients attending an outpatient clinic in Dubai were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=31) or a control group (n=32). Baseline data was collected from August to November 2023. The intervention group took part in an individualized 6-session nutrition education program guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), while the control group received usual care and an educational manual and a brochure on HIV nutrition and health. Both groups completed nutrition, physical activity, and mental health questionnaires at baseline and after the intervention period. A questionnaire adapted from the literature was used to assess nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAP). Dietary intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire and two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls to assess intake of immune-boosting nutrients. Participants' medical records provided biochemical data, weight, height, and physical activity were measured using the Exercise Vital Sign questionnaire. The Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS) was used to screen for anxiety and depression. Results: Significant differences in the KAP score distribution between the control and intervention groups were observed for knowledge, attitude, and practices post-intervention (p-value=