Assessment on food security, nutritional status and their association with HAART adherence among adult PLWHA in public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2011-05
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Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Background: Morbidity and mortality related to HIV/AIDS remain unacceptably high in
developing countries, despite major advance in HIV therapy and increased international
funding on HIV/AIDS. Individual’s ability to obtain, consume and utilize food is
compromised by HIV/AIDS. It causes morbidity and mortality as a result of poor nutritional
status and weight loss. Interactions between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and nutrition can
affect medication efficacy, nutritional status, and adherence to drug regimens. The concept of
enhancing access to food among PLWHA and managing the interactions between ART and
food and nutrition is critical remains critical.
Objective: To assess food security, nutritional status and their association with adherence of
HAART among adult People living with HIV/AIDS.
Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2010
and February 2011 among adult (≥18 years) PLWHA on HAART with a complementary
qualitative interview among HAART adherence supporters at selected public hospitals of
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 394 adult PLWHA systematically selected and participated
in the study having a 100% response rate. Semi structured and structured questionnaires,
adopted from FANTA were used to collect data on food security. BMI measurements were
taken to assess nutritional status. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression
analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Qualitative content analysis was done after
importing the transcribed text onto the Open code program.
Result: Majority 252 (65%) of the study participants were females, 305 (77%) in the age
group 25-44 years. Overall 293(74.4%) PLWHA were food insecure with 95% CI: (70.09,
78.71). And the rate of self reported adherence based on the combined indicator of the dose
and time adherence measurement was 321(81.5%) with 95% CI: (77.67, 85.33). Only
61(16.5%) with 95% CI: (12.83, 20.17) were underweight. Household’s monthly income
(≤500 ETB) predicted food insecurity (AOR, 6.37; 95% CI, 2.98-13.63). And there was no
statistical significant association between food security and self reported HAART adherence.
II food security, nutritional status & their association with HAART adherence
Conclusions & recommendations: Large number of adult PLWHA was food insecure. Wide
ranges of coping strategies were taken to cope with food insecurity. Self reported HAART
adherence was high. Medium to long term intervention aiming at generating and diversifying
income to improve self reliance of PLWHA would help mitigate the food insecurity problem.
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Keywords
Assessment on food security, nutritional status