Nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, practice, and mental health status of people living with HIV in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A cross-sectional descriptive study.

The majority of PLHIV participants demonstrated good nutrition-related KAP scores.

• 87.3% of participants demonstrated good KAP overall
• 84.6% of females and 89.8% of males demonstrated good KAP
• Total KAP scores ranged from 13-69, with scores between 52-69 representing good KAP
• Data were collected from 63 patients attending an outpatient clinic from August to November 2023

Mental health screening revealed that depression and anxiety levels among participants corresponded to normal levels on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

• Mean total HADS depression score was 4.73 ± 3.6
• Mean total HADS anxiety score was 4.9 ± 4.9
• Both mean scores correspond to normal levels
• The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to screen patients for anxiety and depression

The prevalence of abnormal depression and anxiety among participants was less than 20%.

• Prevalence of abnormal HADS depression was 8.0%
• Prevalence of abnormal HADS anxiety was 17%
• These prevalence rates are described as significantly lower than estimates for PLHIV worldwide
• Sample consisted of 63 patients, with mean age 40 ± 12.4 years and 80% men

This study is identified as the first to explore nutrition-related KAP and mental health status among PLHIV in the Arabian Gulf region.

• The study was conducted at an HIV management clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Limited research exists on nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PLHIV in the Middle East
• A cross-sectional descriptive design was used
• Data were collected face-to-face from August to November 2023

The study sample was predominantly male with a mean age of 40 years.

• Mean age of participants was 40 ± 12.4 years
• 80% of participants were men
• Total sample size was 63 patients attending an outpatient clinic
• Data collection occurred face-to-face over a four-month period (August to November 2023)