Social determinants, lived experiences, and consequences of household food insecurity among persons living with HIV/AIDS on the shore of Lake Victoria, Kenya

AIDS Care. 2012;24(6):728-36. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2011.630358. Epub 2011 Dec 7.

Abstract

Food insecurity is a considerable challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, disproportionately affecting persons living with HIV/AIDS. This study investigates the lived experience, determinants, and consequences of food insecurity and hunger among individuals living with HIV/AIDS on the shore of Lake Victoria in Suba District, Kenya. Parallel mixed methods included semi-structured interviews and administration of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale among a systematic sample of 67 persons living with HIV/AIDS (49 of whom were receiving antiretroviral therapy [ART]). All respondents were either severely (79.1%) or moderately (20.9%) food insecure; no respondents were mildly food insecure or food secure. Qualitative data and simple and multiple linear regression models indicated that significant determinants of food insecurity include increased age, a greater number of children, and not being married. A number of themes related to food insecurity and ART emerged, including: (1) an increase in hunger or appetite since initiating ART; (2) exacerbation of ART-related side effects; and (3) non-adherence to ART due to hunger, food insecurity, or agricultural work responsibilities. HIV interventions should address food insecurity and hunger, particularly among at-risk populations, to promote ART adherence and better health outcomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / economics
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / psychology*
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Food Supply* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Hunger
  • Kenya / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Marital Status / statistics & numerical data
  • Medication Adherence / psychology*
  • Medication Adherence / statistics & numerical data
  • Poverty / psychology*
  • Poverty / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents