Abstract

Nutritional status is a critical determinant of health outcomes in hospitalized patients, influencing recovery trajectories, length of stay, and overall survival. Malnutrition, whether due to inadequate intake, underlying illness, or increased metabolic demands, is associated with impaired immune function, delayed wound healing, and higher rates of infection. Among patients living with HIV, nutritional status assumes even greater significance, as the virus itself accelerates nutrient depletion, increases energy requirements, and contributes to chronic inflammation and weight loss. This dual burden of infection and malnutrition compounds vulnerability, often resulting in poorer recovery outcomes and higher healthcare utilization. Emerging evidence demonstrates that baseline nutritional indicators—such as body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference, serum albumin, and micronutrient profiles—can serve as predictive markers for patient outcomes. Malnourished patients are consistently shown to have longer hospital stays, higher complication rates, and increased mortality compared to well-nourished counterparts. In HIV-positive individuals, poor nutritional status not only predicts delayed recovery but also worsens adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), amplifying disease progression and undermining long-term prognosis. Conversely, timely nutritional interventions, including therapeutic feeding, micronutrient supplementation, and targeted dietetic support, have been associated with improved functional recovery, reduced hospital costs, and enhanced quality of life. Given the strong predictive value of nutritional status, systematic nutritional assessment should be integrated into hospital admission protocols. Incorporating routine screening tools such as the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) or the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) can provide clinicians with actionable insights to guide individualized care. Particularly in resource-limited settings with high HIV prevalence, linking nutrition to recovery outcomes offers a cost-effective strategy to optimize healthcare delivery. Recognizing nutrition as both a clinical and prognostic factor underscores its role not only in-patient management but also in advancing broader public health goals related to survival, resilience, and equity.