Nutrition and HIV/AIDS: A Training Manual - Linkages Project

HANDOUT 6.4 Practical Considerations for Nutrition Counseling1. Be aware and sensitive when counseling people living with HIV/AIDS. Rememberthat it is common for them to feel that HIV infection is controlling their life. TheHIV-infected mother may be shocked, depressed, or frightened by this chronicdisease. If the mother is an adolescent, pay close attention to other fears shemay have. Make the mother feel comfortable by first determining her needs andwants during counseling and then working together to make a feasible plan.2. Listen carefully, empathize, and respond to the mother’s needs and concerns.This can make the difference between effective and ineffective nutritional careand support.3. Be an active listener, avoid judgment, and be aware of body language (bothyours and your client’s).4. Conduct assessments and interviews in a nonjudgmental manner to elicit moreaccurate responses from the mother and build rapport with her.5. Maintain confidentiality and professional conduct throughout the counselingperiod and after the counseling session.6. Change is difficult, and living with HIV is stressful. Suggest one change at a timeand ensure that your recommendations are realistic. Remember that each womanhas individual needs and a unique situation.7. Communicate nutrition information based on the woman’s own cultural valuesand beliefs. For example, be familiar with food taboos and help identifyappropriate alternatives.8. Provide practical suggestions, including a) a list of local, affordable, andaccessible foods to show what kinds of foods the mother should eat or how muchextra food she needs and b) ways to manage symptoms such as anorexia,diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.9. Ask open-ended questions (what, why, and how) when counseling women abouttheir diet.165