Nutritional attitudes of homosexual people living with human immunodeficiency virus in chongqing, Southwest China: A cross-sectional study

Background: The objective of this study was to enhance understanding of nutritional knowledge attitudes and behaviors of homosexual persons living with HIV. Methods: A cross sectional design using a valid and reliable survey was used. The survey was completed from August to September, 2011 in Chongqing which is a developing area in Southwest China (n=172). In addition an idepth interview was conducted with seven participants. Results: The knowledge of nutrition in the participants was very poor regarding sources of nutrients such as calcium and iron, relationships between diet/nutrients and disease, and only 36.05% participations knew about Chinese balanced diet pagoda. Their eating habits did not meet the health requirements and more than half of the persons (59.30%) did not have breakfast every day. The average correct score on the knowledge quiz was 51.79%, but most of them were eager to obtain the nutritional knowledge not only using traditional but also modern methods. Conclusions: According to the above investigation, the surveyed subpopulation had relatively poor nutrition K-A-B. Extra efforts and targeted education programs aimed to improve their nutrition K-A-B are needed. Various editions and conveying forms of education projects should be presented.