Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

494

Date

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Clinical Nutrition

Committee Chair

Ruth Williams

Committee Member

Karen Smith

Committee Member

Michelle Stockton

Committee Member

Lucille Fletcher

Abstract

Background: According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS, 33.4 million people were living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) at the end of 2008. Currently there is no cure for HIV; however, there have been sucessful strides in combating this disease. Treatments for HIV consist of using Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), to slow the progession of this diease. One of the major side effects of HAART is the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Objective: The objective of this study is to identity dietary habits of HIV positive adults in accordance with DASH diet principles. Design: This study involved devloping a food frequency questionnaire that assessed HIV positive adults dietary practices based on the DASH diet. The DASH diet principles include:decreasing dietary sodium and saturated fat intake, increasing magnesium, and calcium, increasing potassium, and fiber intakes which may lower risk of developing hypertension and heart related diseases. Participants/setting: The setting took place at Friends For Life a community-based non-profit organization which provides services to HIV positive adults in Memphis, Tennessee. There were 19 participants in this study all whom were HIV positive and receiving services from Friends For Life on the day of the study. Results: HIV positive adults in Memphis, Tennessee do not have dietary practices that decrease their chances from developing coronary artery disease, myocardial infractions, or other cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Conclusions: Even though HIV adults had eating habits which place them at risk for developing a cardiovascular event or disease, their medications, disease states, weight/height index, social status, and economic status can also contribute to their risk for developing CVD.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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