Research Article
Adhiyanti Asikin, Bambang Wirj
Abstract
People with HIV infection and AIDS requires nutrients that contain macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in sufficient amount because HIV / AIDS will affect their nutritional status and immune system. HIV infection affect suppress of CD4 T lymphocytes both the quantity and quality. Zinc is known to have a role in increasing CD4 counts in HIV / AIDS patient This research is experimental with Randomized Pretest Posttest Control Group Design by giving double-blind treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of zinc sulphate on CD4 T lymphocytes in HIV / AIDS patients. Population of this study was all outpatients with HIV / AIDS in PIPI units Dr. Soetomo hospital who has earned ARVs. Samples in this study were HIV / AIDS patients from screening results who taken randomly from sub-populations and fulfill inclusion criteria who received ARVs in the last year. Sample of this study divided into two groups, treatment group and control group. The results of Independent Sample T-test in this study were there are no significant differences CD4 count of respondents between treatment groups who given zinc sulphate supplement and the control group who given a placebo. Most respondents in the treatment group experienced an increase of CD4 count after given an intervention. Results of Chi - Square showing there are a relation between the sample and the difference of CD4 counts.