Document 0237
 DOCN  M9590237
 TI    Nutritional supplement use by HIV positive people in eastern area
       Sydney.
 DT    9509
 AU    Dangerfield F; High H; University of Sydney.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:288 (unnumbered poster).
       Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291862
 AB    Generalised wasting and loss of lean body mass are common problems that
       affect the survival, quality of life and self image of HIV positive
       people. Nutritional supplements have been used successfully for weight
       gain and lean body mass repletion. Lactose free, fat modified
       supplements are used to decrease diarrhoea and improve absorption. Data
       was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire at 4
       sites in the Eastern Sydney Area Health Service (ESAHS). 61% of the
       sample had experienced weight loss in the recent past and over 50% were
       experiencing constitutional symptoms. More than half were currently
       using supplements and over 84% had used supplements in the past.
       Supplements were used by people at all stages of HIV disease, although
       PLWA's spent considerably more on supplements. Greater than 61% of those
       using supplements spent 25% or more of their income on supplements.
       Money spent on food did not decrease as money spent on supplements
       increased. In fact, those spending the most on supplements also had the
       highest food bills. 57% felt that their financial situation restricted
       their ability to buy supplements, 34% seriously. A large proportion of
       HIV positive people are using nutritional supplements for weight gain
       and symptom control. Supplements are expensive and are an extra
       financial burden. Subsidised supplement centres such as ACON and PLWHA
       should be recommended, PBS listed supplements should be utilised where
       possible and alternative ways of providing financial support for
       nutritional supplements should be sought.
 DE    Body Mass Index  Cachexia/*DIET THERAPY/ECONOMICS  Costs and Cost
       Analysis  Financing, Personal  *Food, Fortified/ECONOMICS  Human  HIV
       Infections/*DIET THERAPY/ECONOMICS  Quality of Life  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).