THE LEVELS OF NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE IN HIV- POSITIVE ADULTS AT AN OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTION CLINIC IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE

Human Immuno -Virus and Acquired Immuno -Disease Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and malnutrition are strongly linked. Malnutrition may be one of the indicators of HIV/AIDS disease progression, frequently preceding opportunistic complications and death. The study examined the nutrition knowledge levels of PLWHA at an (OIC) and established their nutrition practice levels. Twenty PLWHA 19 -30 years old, who consented to be studied, were studied as they sought care at Parirenyatwa Referral Hospital in Harare, the capital city. A non-experimental descriptive study design was conducted. Data were collected from the participants through an interview schedule guide with open and closed questions. A convenience sampling method was used to select eligible participants from the attendance register during the month of March, 2010. Permission was sought and participants were also assured of privacy throughout the process. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics manually through tables and frequencies. The major study findings were that:-90% of the participants had inadequate nutrition knowledge; 95% had no knowledge on the importance of food supplements in a balanced diet and only 5% knew. Most participants 65% had average nutrition practice and scored between 31 and 40 out of a possible score of 48. Since only 20% of the participants had good nutrition practice, it is suggested that simple and clear messages on nutrition and dietary facts in English and Shona/Ndebele, need to be developed and disseminated to PLWHA.