EC Nutrition

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant concern among individuals living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of dietary habits as determinants of CVD among this demographic in Zamfara. A total of 424 participants, predominantly female (70.3%) and of Hausa ethnicity (75.7%), were examined. The dietary habits of the participants, gauged by their intake of fruits and vegetables, were found to be sub-optimal, with 98.1% consuming less than the WHO recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per week. The study also identified a high prevalence of consumption of added and processed salts. The use of cardiovascular protective medications, such as aspirin and statins, was analyzed, revealing a gender disparity in their usage. The evaluation of cardiovascular risk using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) showed that a significant percentage of participants aged over 30 years were at low to moderate risk of CVD. However, older age groups presented with higher risks. The prevalence of raised random blood sugar was relatively low (1.7%). In conclusion, this study highlights the need for targeted dietary and lifestyle interventions among individuals living with HIV receiving ART in Zamfara to mitigate their risk of CVD. Future studies are recommended to investigate the underlying factors influencing these dietary habits.

 Keywords: Antiretroviral Therapy; Cardiovascular Disease; Diet; HIV

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