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Impact of Nutrition Education on Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Immune-Related Nutrient Intake in People Living with HIV: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Objective: Nutrition is critical for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV); nonetheless, nutritional interventions have not been conducted among PLHIV in the Middle East and North Africa region. This study evaluated the effects of a nutrition-related education intervention on total knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) scores and on the intake of immune-enhancing foods and nutrients among PLHIV. Methods: Sixty-three PLHIV were recruited from an outpatient HIV clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, between August and November 2023 and randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 31) or control group (n = 32). The intervention group participated in an individualized, six-session nutrition education program based on the Health Belief Model, whereas the control group received usual care plus a nutrition education brochure on HIV nutrition and health. Data were collected at baseline and after the five-month intervention period using validated instruments assessing HIV-related nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A food frequency questionnaire and two non-consecutive 24 h dietary recalls were used to assess the intake of immune-enhancing nutrients. Results: Post-intervention KAP score distributions differed significantly between the control and intervention groups for knowledge, attitude, and practices (p < 0.001, 0.003, and 0.001, respectively). Immune-enhancing vitamin intake did not differ significantly between groups, except vitamin E, which increased in the intervention group (p = 0.042). Conclusions: The intervention improved participants’ nutrition-related KAP scores but did not increase the intake of immune-enhancing nutrients, except for vitamin E. Further studies are warranted to develop interventions that improve the intake of immune-enhancing nutrients.

Source: Nutrients

DOI: 10.3390/nu18111709

Authors: Souheir M. Alia, Taoufik L. Zoubeidi, Habiba I. Ali

Institutions: United Arab Emirates University, University of Ottawa

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499