Abstract:
This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status and growth pattern of HIV
positive children receiving and not-receiving anti- retroviral treatment in Dar es salaam.
Specific objectives to assess the nutritional status and growth pattern of children receiving
and not receiving ARV treatment. Anthropometric measurements were taken which were
height and weight. Biomarkers of HIV i.e. CD4 count were taken at baseline and at the
end of the study. The study revealed that HIV positive children receiving ARV were
growing slightly better (p > 0.05) in WAZ, HAZ and WHZ than their counterparts not
receiving ARV. The study further revealed that, HIV + children who were receiving
ARVs had slightly higher (p > 0.05) CD4 and CD4:CD8 ratio compared to their peers not
receiving ARVs. It showed that ARVs had small effect on growth of both boys and girls
who were taking ARVs and multivitamin combinations. HIV+ children receiving not
receiving ARVs followed similar patterns of growth, although the children receiving
ARVs had slightly higher z-scores of weight for age and weight for height. HIV infection
is a strong risk factor for mortality among children in Tanzania. It was concluded from this
study that, although ARVs appeared to have beneficial effect on weight gain, the effect
was insignificant. Since all children were receiving multivitamin supplementation, a good
nutrition would produce the same effect even if ARVs are not provided. Provision of good
nutrition, including supplementation with multivitamin and minerals in a viable, safe and
practical approach in the management of HIV+ children. Due to side effects associated
with the use of ARVs which are nevertheless designed for adults use of dietary approach is
highly recommended for the HIV+ children. This study showed that, use of dietary
approach is just as good as using ARVs.
