| dc.description.abstract | The study titled "Fruits and Vegetable Intake among PLHIV on ART at TASO Mulago" explores the vital role of fruits and vegetables in maintaining optimal health for people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite their significance, incorporating these nutritious foods into the diets of PLHIV remains challenging. This research aimed to assess the consumption patterns of fruits and vegetables among PLHIV at TASO Mulago and identify the factors influencing their dietary choices, while also gathering participant suggestions to improve the availability and consumption of these essential food groups.
Through a descriptive cross-sectional study on 85 participants attending the ART clinic at TASO, the types, frequencies, and daily servings of fruits and vegetables consumed were analyzed. The findings indicate that while a diverse range of fruits and vegetables were consumed, a significant proportion of participants did not regularly include vegetables in their daily meals. Additionally, only a small percentage consumed three or more servings of fruits, demonstrating a lack of dominant fruit consumption. Furthermore, the average serving of fruits and vegetables fell below the World Health Organization's daily recommendations.
The study investigated various factors influencing fruit and vegetable consumption among PLHIV. Education level emerged as a significant positive predictor of dietary choices, indicating that higher education levels were associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption. Employment status, knowledge about fruits and vegetable consumption, and the duration of time spent on ART had less substantial impacts on dietary behavior. Notably, higher average monthly income and household food security were strongly associated with increased fruit and vegetable consumption, highlighting the role of financial factors in dietary choices.
Participants' suggestions for improvement included the importance of nutrition education to enhance awareness of healthy eating habits. Establishing backyard gardens at home was another popular suggestion to increase the availability of fresh produce and contribute to food security. Creating Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) and implementing initiatives like selling fruits and vegetables at workplaces and providing irrigation systems were recommended to improve access and affordability of these nutritious foods.
The findings and recommendations from this study have the potential to inform interventions that promote healthier dietary habits among PLHIV and contribute to better health outcomes. By addressing the challenges and factors influencing fruit and vegetable consumption, targeted strategies can be developed to enhance the nutritional status and overall well-being of PLHIV on ART. | en_US |
