Shiferaw, Solomon (PhD)Tezera, Solen2018-10-022023-11-052018-10-022023-11-052011-05http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/12377Background: 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.enAssessment on food security, nutritional statusThesis