Factors associated with food insecurity among people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the association between food insecurity and the socioeconomic, demographic, clinical, epidemiological, nutritional, and dietary profiles of people living with HIV/AIDS treated in the public health system and living in Fortaleza-CE. Method: 359 individuals were interviewed from July to December 2019 at three health units that treated more than 60% of the municipality’s reported HIV/AIDS cases. A questionnaire was applied to collect anthropometric, socioeconomic, clinical epidemiological, dietary, and food insecurity data, and medical records were consulted to check CD4+ and viral load. Food insecurity was verified using the Brazilian food insecurity scale. The groups were compared using Pearson’s chi- square test. Associated variables were included in
the Poisson multiple regression test. Results: Of the 359 interviewees, 51.5% were food insecure, and this was initially associated with being female, having up to elementary school education, having a family income of less than two minimum wages, receiving financial aid from the government, tap water source and having a CD4 count of less than 499. Consumption of lunch, vegetables, and physical activity were associated with food security. After adjustments, food insecurity remained associated with being female and having an income below two minimum wages. Conclusion: This study showed that food insecurity is a relevant challenge among people living with HIV/AIDS, especially in groups with greater socioeconomic vulnerability, such as women and low-income families. Health promotion strategies that prioritize interventions aimed at vulnerable populations are necessary.