Abstract

Author(s): Eryka Maria DOS SANTOS1, Lídia Laís GOMES SILVA1, Luciana Caroline PAULINO DO NASCIMENTO2, Mikaella Carla DE FRAN

Background: To evaluate the frequency of reduction of handgrip strength (PGS) and its associated factors in people living with HIV using antiretroviral therapy.

Methods: A series of cases, carried out in a public hospital in Recife, PE, from March to July 2017, which evaluated patients ≥ 20 years, using a questionnaire that contained sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and lifestyle variables. The handgrip strength test was performed using a dynamometer.

Results: A total of 109 patients were evaluated, of which 29.4% presented a reduction in the PGS. The female sex and schooling < 9 years were more likely to present a reduction in the PGS. Patients who had a CD4 cell count < 350 cells / mm³, and presented anorexia and fatigue presented a higher probability of reduction in PGS. There was no significant correlation between changes in anthropometric parameters and reduction in PGS. It is noteworthy to mention the observed frequency of underweight (10.2%) and overweight (49.1%) among subjects, as judged by their body mass index (BMI). In addition to the frequency of undernutrition by BMI, arm circumference, arm muscle circumference, triceps skinfold and percentage of weight loss were in the range of 30%.

Conclusion: Female gender, lower educational level, anorexia, fatigue and less number of TCD4 cells were associated with this reduction.