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

should give clients detailed information on the chosen options and alert them to payclose attention to any dietary changes resulting from side effects.The counselor should meet the client regularly to follow up on implementation ofthe chosen option. The follow-up sessions will not assess the impact of nutritionalmanagement but rather the client’s success in implementing the choice anddetermining the main constraints to help identify other feasible options. If clientsare having trouble accessing the required food, the counselor may refer them toother available services to improve food access.ConclusionCareful consideration and management of drug and food interactions is required inHIV/AIDS therapy to ensure drug efficacy and client adherence and avoid negativeeffects on nutritional status. The dietary management of drug and food interactionsin HIV/AIDS therapy will help minimize the side effects of medications and maintainfood intake, minimize the effect of medications on nutrient absorption andmetabolism, ensure efficacious treatment, and improve client adherence.Successful management of the client's drug and food interactions requires that thecounselor understand the specific context of food access and eating habits. Thecounselor should motivate the client to use available foods to address side effectsand interactions of the medications.ReferencesCarr, A. 2003. Lactic acidemia in infection with human immunodeficiency virus.Clinical Infect Dis 36(suppl. 2): S96-100.Castleman, T, E Seumo-Fasso, and B Cogill. 2003. Food and nutrition implications ofantiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings. Washington, DC FANTA Project,Academy for Educational Development. ForthcomingFood and Nutrition Technical Assistance (FANTA). 2001. HIV/AIDS: A guide fornutrition, care and support. Washington: FANTA, Academy for EducationalDevelopment.266