title: Symptom management of HIV-related diarrhea by using normal foods: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
abstract: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of a dietary intervention to reduce the frequency of bowel movements and improve stool consistency as compared with subjects assigned to a control group. The study enrolled HIV patients with a history of three or more episodes of diarrhea for 3 weeks or more. Seventy-five subjects were enrolled, of which 38 were randomized to the treatment group and 37 to the control group. Six study sessions were scheduled over a 24-week period. At 24 weeks, the stool frequency reduced 28% in the treatment group and 15% in the control group (F = 9.22, p < .001) and stool consistency improved 20% in the treatment group and 8% in the control group (F = 9.98, p < .001). The results showed that the intervention was effective in reducing stool frequency and improving stool consistency in HIV patients with chronic diarrhea for up to 6 months of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Columbia University School of Nursing, USA.
authors.forename: Joyce K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Anastasi
authors.forename: Bernadette
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Capili
authors.forename: Aprn Gee
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Don
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McMahon
authors.forename: Margaret M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Heitkemper
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000451:nursing / Q000821:virology; D015930:Diet Records; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D010349:Patient Compliance