P945 - EXPLORING DIETARY MISCONCEPTIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

P945

EXPLORING DIETARY MISCONCEPTIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

G. Yıldırım^1,*, A. Y. Yavuz¹

¹Nutrition and Dietetics, Toros University, Mersin, Türkiye

Rationale: HIV/AIDS diagnoses in Türkiye over the past five years highlighted the need for comprehensive care approaches that integrate nutritional education. Lack of accurate information may lead to forms of malnutrition and reduce the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. This study aimed to explore nutrition-related misconceptions among people living with HIV and examine their potential clinical implications.

Methods: Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling method with the support of a local NGO. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to better understand participants’ sources of nutrition information and beliefs. The data were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed using the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills (IMB) framework. The clinical implications of the resulting themes were also evaluated.

Results: Participants (n=18) had a mean age of 35.1 years (SD=12.1), and all were receiving HAART. Nutrition information was primarily obtained from NGOs (n=7), health professionals (n=2), or informal sources (n=9). Three main themes emerged: perceived drug–food interactions, immune-boosting beliefs, and body image and eating behavior concerns. A common behavior was the complete avoidance of dairy due to fear of drug interactions. Frequent use of bone broth as an immune-booster raised concerns about potential effects on cholesterol metabolism. Perceived increases in energy needs and stress-related eating led to high consumption of comfort foods, contributing to body image concerns.

Conclusion: Avoidance of certain food groups may increase the risk of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly calcium. The use of immune-boosters and overconsumption of junk foods may contribute to disruptions in cholesterol metabolism. These findings highlight the need for individualized and accessible nutritional counseling tailored to beliefs and behaviors.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared