Poor Nutritional Status Among Human Filarial Lymphedema Patients in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease with several infection phenotypes. In addition to mass drug administration, host immune response contributes to microfilariae clearance. An important influence of immunity, nutritional status, remains to be evaluated among filarial lymphedema patients. This study sought to assess the nutritional status of LF patients and its association with the pathology. Methods As cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the nutrition status of lymphedema patients in Ahanta West, Ghana. To obtain sociodemographic and nutrition data, a structured questionnaire was administered to the study participants. Anthropometry and 24-hour food recall were used to assess the nutritional status of participants. Results While all and 71 (82.6%) had adequate carbohydrate and protein intakes respectively, 83 (96.5%) had inadequate intake of fat. There were widespread inadequate nutrients intakes that were associated with stage of lymphedema: fat, r = -0.267, p = .024; carbohydrate, r = 0.305, p = .010; sodium, r = -0.259, p = .029; copper, r = -0.249, p = .036; selenium, r = -0.265, p = .025; pantothenic acid, r = -0.265, p = .025; vitamin B6, r = -0.270, p = .023; vitamin B12, r = -0.288, p = .015; and vitamin A, r = -0.276, p = .020. Conclusion The study shows widespread malnutrition among the participants. A nutritional intervention is recommended to complement current management strategies of filarial lymphedema.