Association of Food Insecurity with Mental Health and Clinical Outcomes Among Women Living with HIV/AIDS: A Cross-Sectional Study of Southwestern Iran.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with health outcomes among Women Living with HIV/AIDS (WLHIV).

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study in 452 WLHIV between 2021 and 2022 in Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews and the patients' files. Participants were assessed for food insecurity based on the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), quality of life, mental health, resilience, social support, and socioeconomic status. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Of 452 WLHIV, 297 (66.0%) were food secure, 50 (11.0%) mildly, 53(12.0%) moderately, and 52 (11.0%) severely food insecure. Food insecurity were significantly associated with CD4 < 500 (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.06), detectable HIV Viral load (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.07), and clinical symptoms (OR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.08). Food-insecure WLHIV had significantly higher depression, stress, and anxiety scores and lower QOL and resilience scores(P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

results indicated that food insecurity is associated with various adverse outcomes including poorer clinical indicators and worse mental health status. These findings highlight the importance of addressing food insecurity within HIV care to enhance both clinical and psychosocial health status.