
Nosia L. Mhango Mwila
University Teaching Hospital, ZambiaPresentation Title:
Exploring the influence of ethno-epidemiology on Moringa oleifera supplementation among adult HIV patients on dolutegravir-based treatment in Zambia
Abstract
Introduction: Conditions in which people are born (social determinants of health) have a direct bearing on treatment outcome. However, the influence of culture towards nutrition is underestimated during ART. HIV interferes with the integrity of nutrition and often nutritional deficiencies coexist with HIV. Nearly half of the global population struggles to meet minimum daily nutritional requirements and a wider burden is observed in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Ethno-epidemiology bridges the gap by providing critical insights into how traditional beliefs and practices influence health behaviors towards nutrition with natural substances. Recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties, moringa has been deeply rooted in sociocultural practices and remains underexplored in Zambia.
Aim: Anchored on the social cultural theory, the study sought to uncover the role of socio-structural influence in shaping health behaviors towards Moringa oleifera nutrition supplementation. Moringa has the potential to optimize the treatment outcome of the current preferred first-line dolutegravir-based regimen in LMICs.
Methodology: Homogeneous purposive and snowball sampling, interview ethnography and thematic analysis were applied. Saturation was reached after interviewing 15 participants using a semi-structured interview guide, at a point at which no new ideas were obtained.
Findings: Three main themes were developed under cultural influence: traditional values, community endorsement, and familiarization with Moringa oleifera contributing to supplementation. Under motivations, three main themes for nutrition supplementation with Moringa oleifera in ART were developed: benefits, access, affordability, and knowledge about Moringa oleifera.
Conclusion: Sociocultural practices, perceived benefits, easy accessibility, and cost-effectiveness highlighted the complementary role of Moringa oleifera in ART. Lack of standardized dosage and formal medical guidance from healthcare providers contributed to variations in treatment outcomes. Hence, the need for culturally sensitive healthcare strategies to safely integrate Moringa oleifera into the HIV management system.
Key words: HIV, antiretroviral therapy, TLD, nutritional deficiencies, Moringa oleifera, cultural belief.
Biography
Dr. Nosia L. Mhango is a dedicated public health professional and academic with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical and epidemiological sciences practiced since 2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, a master’s in clinical pharmacology, and a PhD in epidemiology, all earned from the University of Zambia. She serves as a senior pharmacist at the University Teaching Hospital in Zambia. Nosia brings her clinical expertise into both practice and academia. She also shares her knowledge as a part-time lecturer of pharmacology at Texila American Medical University and lecturer in medicine and toxicology at the School of Medicine, University of Lusaka, Zambia, where she mentors aspiring health professionals. An emerging researcher and new author, Nosia has already published five scholarly articles and is passionate about expanding her contributions to the field. With a keen interest in public health challenges and evidence-based interventions, she is eager to grow her research portfolio, increase the visibility of her work, and drive meaningful impact through widely cited publications.