Evaluation of a Nutrition Knowledge Intervention in People Living with HIV/AIDS in Semarang, Central Java

Background: Poor nutritional status among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is associated with increased risk of infections and decreased quality of life. Knowledge is contributing toward the fulfillment of nutritional adequacy, increasing the nutritional status. Structured-module is one of the tools that can increase knowledge, which have an impact on improving attitudes of PLWHA. The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of structured-module of nutrition education intervention in people living with HIV/AIDS in Semarang, Central Java. Method: The study was quasi-experimental, using a pretest-posttest design. Thirty members of the HIV/AIDS peer group in BKPM Semarang were invited to participate in an educational intervention which consisted of learning activities focused on increasing nutritional knowledge of PLWHA. Quantitative data were collected for the characteristics of respondents, test module, and intake of food using 2 × 24 hours food recall. Qualitative data was collected using FGD and in-depth interview. Results: This research found that the nutrition knowledge of subject increased after they got module intervention. The subject of study mentioned that they rarely put attention about the nutrition of food since the appetite decreased significantly after they got HIV/AIDS. The subject mentioned that they appreciated the research, since they read the module they got knowledge and they can change their behavior especially about food intake. Conclusions: The nutrition knowledge intervention through the modules and Peer Support Group had increased the PLWHA knowledge and practice in eating behavior.