Food Insecurity: Prevalence and Associated Factors among Adult Individuals Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in ART Clinics of Hosanna Town, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity and poor nutritional status may hasten progression to Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-related illnesses, undermine adherence and response to antiretroviral therapy, and exacerbate socioeconomic impacts of the virus. There is a risk that declining food security will lead some people to discontinue treatment, due to a lack of adequate food. Little is known about prevalence and predictors of food insecurity among adults people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Ethiopia context, particularly at the study area. Objective: To determine prevalence of food insecurity and identify its predictors among adult individuals receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in ART clinics of Hosanna Town. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out from January 1, 2015 to February 30, 2015 in health facilities of hosanna town. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using structured pretested questionnaires and record review.