Pooled Prevalence of Undernutrition Among HIV-Positive Adults in Ethiopia

Strategic Insights -

A new systematic review and meta-analysis has found that the pooled prevalence of undernutrition among HIV-positive adults in Ethiopia is significantly high, with a pooled prevalence of 26.70% (95% CI: 21.31%, 32.10%). The study, conducted by researchers at Wolaita Sodo University, identified opportunistic infections (OIs), advanced WHO clinical stage II or higher, CD4 count of fewer than 200 cells, and food insecurity as significant associated factors of undernutrition among HIV-positive patients in Ethiopia. The findings of this study highlight the need for further research to understand the underlying issues contributing to undernutrition among the Ethiopian HIV-positive population.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that the pooled prevalence of undernutrition among HIV-positive patients in Ethiopia is 26.70% (95% CI: 21.31%, 32.10%), indicating a significant burden of undernutrition among this population.
  • Opportunistic infections (OIs) were found to be a strong associated factor of undernutrition, with an odds ratio of 3.50 (95% CI 1.78-5.22).
  • Advanced WHO clinical stage II or higher is another associated factor of undernutrition, with an odds ratio of 2.92 (95% CI 1.09-4.74).
  • A CD4 count of fewer than 200 cells was associated with undernutrition, with an odds ratio of 3.10 (95% CI 1.42-4.78).
  • Food insecurity was found to be a significant associated factor of undernutrition, with an odds ratio of 3.62 (95% CI 1.46-5.79).
  • The study highlights the need for further research to understand the underlying issues contributing to undernutrition among the Ethiopian HIV-positive population.

Sources:

  • Prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition among adults living with HIV in ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 2025, 44(1):1-13.
  • Wolaita Sodo University College of Health Science and Medicine
  • BMC (publisher of Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition)