Differences in Physical Activity, Physical Function, and Diet Intake, in Men and Women Living With HIV in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study

Allison R Webel; Andre Pereira Dos Santos; Christine Horvat Davey; Vitor Oliveira; David Cleveland; Thomas W Buford; Greer Burkholder; Heidi M Crane; Julia Fleming; Amanda L Willig

doi:10.1097/JNC.0000000000000571

Differences in Physical Activity, Physical Function, and Diet Intake, in Men and Women Living With HIV in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2025 Jun 30. doi: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000571. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Allison R Webel^{1

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10}, Andre Pereira Dos Santos^{1

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10}, Amanda L Willig^{1

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Affiliations

¹ Allison R. Webel, PhD, RN, is a Professor, Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
² Andre Pereira Dos Santos, PhD, is an Acting Instructor, Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
³ Christine Horvat Davey, PhD, RN, is a Professor, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
⁴ Vitor Oliveira, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
⁵ David Cleveland, is a Statistician, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
⁶ Thomas W. Buford, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Birmingham/Atlanta Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
⁷ Greer Burkholder, MD, is a Professor, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
⁸ Heidi M. Crane, MD, MPH, is a Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
⁹ Julia Fleming, MD, is an Infectious Disease Specialist, The Fenway Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
¹⁰ Amanda L. Willig, PhD, RD, is a Professor, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

PMID: 40586354
DOI: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000571

Abstract

Our study aimed to characterize physical activity, diet quality, and physical function among people with HIV (PWH) and to assess differences by sex. A total of 706 PWH completed measurements of physical activity (actigraphy accelerometers), diet quality (24-hr recalls), handgrip strength, and physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery). Most participants were male, Black, and employed. Less than half met physical activity guidelines, with more men meeting recommendations than women (45% vs. 28%, p < .001). Men also consumed more calories, protein, fiber, and iron than women (all p < .001). Only 10% of participants met physical activity and diet recommendations, with nearly twice as many men as women achieving both. PWH exhibited low physical activity and poor diet quality, particularly among women. Promoting optimal lifestyle behaviors is critical as PWH age and improve their health span.

Keywords: HIV; functional status; nutrition assessments; physical exercise.