Assessment of Food Insecurity and Associated Factors Among Adults Receiving Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Mettu Karl Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: In developing countries chronic underlying malnutrition and its intersection with food insecurity, poverty, and co-infections pose a serious threat to efforts to combat Human Immunodeficiency Virus /Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Lack of food security and poor nutritional status may hasten progression to AIDS-related illnesses, undermine adherence and response to antiretroviral therapy and exacerbate socioeconomic impacts of the virus. However, evidence remains limited on the prevalence, correlates and effects of food insecurity on treatment, as well as appropriate strategies to improve food security for people living with the pandemic. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude and determinant of food insecurity among adults receiving ART in Mettu Karl Specialized hospital, Southwestern Ethiopia Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at antiretroviral therapy clinic of Mettu Karl Specialized Hospital among Adults Receiving ART from January 1/2021 to February 15/2021. 394 sample size of the study was calculated using single population proportion formula. The data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaires by two case managers working in ART clinics supervised by one bachelor nurse professionals. Household food insecurity was assessed by using Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was computed to assess the crude association between dependent and independent variables. Variables which have P-value <0.25 in binary logistic regression analysis were entered in to Multivariable logistic regression model, to identify significant factors associated with outcome variables by controlling confounding factors. Variables with a P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result: The overall food insecurity in this study was 245 (65.7%). Respondents who do not have formal education [95% CI: AOR=4.78(1.6-14.28)], primary level education [95% CI: AOR=3.56(1.4-9.01)], and who use substances [95% CI AOR=3.97(2.91-5.84)]and inadequate dietary diversity [95% CI: AOR=2.33 (1.35-4)] were independent predictors of food insecurity. Conclusion: The magnitude of food insecurity among adult ART attendants was relatively high therefore multi-sectorial collaboration is needed to alleviate the problem.