Psychosocial Factors Associated with Food Insufficiency Among People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) Initiating ART in Ethiopia

AIDS Behav. 2019 Nov;23(11):3052-3057. doi: 10.1007/s10461-019-02505-9.

Abstract

Food insufficiency is associated with suboptimal HIV treatment outcomes. Less is known about psychosocial correlates of food insufficiency among PLWH. This sample includes 1176 adults initiating antiretroviral therapy at HIV clinics in Ethiopia. Logistic regression modeled the association of psychological distress, social support, and HIV-related stigma with food insufficiency. Among respondents, 21.4% reported frequent food insufficiency. Psychological distress [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.61 (95% CI 1.79, 3.82)], low social support [aOR 2.20 (95% CI 1.57, 3.09)] and enacted stigma [aOR 1.69 (95% CI 1.26, 2.25)] were independently associated with food insufficiency. Food insufficiency interventions should address its accompanying psychosocial context.

Keywords: ART; Food insufficiency; HIV; Psychological distress; Social support; Stigma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active*
  • Ethiopia / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Food Supply*
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nutritional Status
  • Social Stigma*
  • Social Support
  • Stress, Psychological*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents