The physical activity levels among people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome receiving high active antiretroviral therapy in Rwanda
Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Abstract
The accessibility of high active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for local human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients is improving in Rwanda. It is well known that this therapy is associated with serious adverse effects, such as metabolic and morphologic changes. One of the recommended preventive modalities for these complications is participation in physical activity. The current study aims to determine the anthropometric profile and physical activity levels among people living with
HIV and receiving HAART in Kigali, Rwanda. The study was a cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative survey. The participant’s levels of physical activity participation and their association with anthropometric profiles were measured, using a structured self-administered questionnaire for 407 clients passing through the clinics. Of the participants, approximately 70% were inactive and in addition, 40% were obese and 43% overweight. Obesity was found to be strongly associated with inactivity. Lack of
motivation, and time as well as fear of worsening the disease were found to be barriers to participation in physical activity.
Description
Keywords
HIV, AIDS, Physical inactivity, Rwanda, HAART
Citation
Frantz, J.M. & Murenzi, A. (2013). The physical activity levels among people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome receiving high active antiretroviral therapy in Rwanda. Journal des Aspects Sociaux du VIH/SIDA: An Open Access Journal, 10(3): 113-118