3031.0: Monday, October 22, 2001 - Board 5

Abstract #25826

Need for nutritional help and advice among PLWHA in New York City

Margaret M. Memmott, MPH, Karen A Bonuck, and Peter S Arno. Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 111 East 210th Street, Bronx, NY 10467, 718-920-4751, maggiemmw@earthlink.net

This report summarizes the findings of a nutritional needs assessment of persons living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in New York City conducted between November 1997 and April 1999. Surveys of a convenience sample of PLWHA (n=1,511) from three population sources indicate that there is significant unmet need for nutritional assistance. Between 80% and 84% of PLWHA surveyed indicated an unmet need for food or nutritional help and advice. A qualitative and quantitative survey of 30 nutritionists who work with PLWHA in New York City also indicated unmet needs for meal and nutritional services as well as for social services such as housing.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. List the unmet nutritional needs of PLWHA in New York City. 2. Describe the common symptoms and side effects HIV/AIDS nutritionists help their clients to cope with. 3. Describe the common social and economic problems PLWHA and their nutritionists discuss. 4. Identify which therapies, supplements and treatments nutritionists are most comfortable discussing with their clients. 5. Evaluate nutritionists as a source of information about the needs of PLWHA in New York City.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Needs Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Montefiore Medical Center, God's Love We Deliver, Gay Men's Health Crisis, Momentum, New York State AIDS Institute
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA