<![CDATA[Background: Children living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are at high risk of malnutrition due to chronic infection, immune impairment, increased metabolic demands, and social vulnerabilities. Caregivers play an essential role in determining children’s nutritional outcomes through feeding practices, treatment adherence, emotional support, and access to healthcare and food resources. However, caregiver-related factors affecting the nutritional status of children living with HIV have not been comprehensively synthesized. Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify caregiver-related factors influencing the nutritional status of children living with HIV. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest databases based on predefined eligibility criteria. Nine peer-reviewed articles published between 2021 and 2026 were included in the final analysis. The review examined caregiver roles, socioeconomic conditions, food security, feeding practices, psychosocial factors, and caregiving support. The quality and risk of bias of the included studies were critically assessed according to appropriate methodological criteria. Results: Nutritional problems remain prevalent among children and adolescents living with HIV despite access to antiretroviral therapy. Nutritional status was influenced by dietary diversity, meal frequency, food security, socioeconomic conditions, and caregiving environments. Inadequate dietary intake, household poverty, and limited caregiver support were consistently identified as important determinants of poor nutritional outcomes. Conclusion: Improving nutrition among children living with HIV requires a family-centered approach that integrates caregiver education, socioeconomic assistance, food security interventions, psychosocial support, and sustainable caregiving strategies alongside effective HIV management.]]>
