DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2014.v02i07.003

Pages: 410-418

The purpose of the study was to analyse the diet and nutrition of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Gweru Urban. Data was collected through individual interviews and focus group discussions in tandem with the qualitative research approach that was used in the study. The participants were PLWHA who had come for review at Gweru Hospital and from the clinical nurses and counsellors working at the opportunistic clinic of Gweru Hospital. Consent was obtained from the patients and hospital authorities since the issue under discussions was sensitive. The results revealed that PLWHA were not having a balanced diet due to socioeconomic problems, health problems and lack of knowledge. They just ate what ever they got to fill the stomach. Whilst the clinical nurses were giving PLWHA all the relevant information, the study revealed that the timing was not appropriate. The study also revealed that PLWHA in Gweru urban have self pity and are donor dependent. The paper recommends that information on nutrition be given when the patients are well and have accepted their condition. This way they will be more receptive. Health education on diet and nutrition should be an ongoing activity so that PLWHA are fully knowledgeable on the role if nutrition in HIV/AIDS if they are to remain healthy in spite of HIV infection. In addition to this, positive attitudes need to be uncalculated in PLWHA so that they do not become donor dependent.