Household food insecurity among people living with HIV in Sagamu, Nigeria: A preliminary study.

Background: Household food insecurity has been associated with increased risk of transmission of HIV infection and poor treatment outcomes. This study therefore determined the prevalence of household food insecurity and its associated factors among people living with HIV in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 244 adult clients accessing care and support at the teaching hospital in Sagamu, Nigeria, selected via systematic sampling. Data was collected with the aid of a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.0. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Informed consent was obtained and strict confidentiality was ensured.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 38.8 ± 9.2 years; 84% of respondents were female; 69.3% were married, 12.9% had lost their partners. About 12% spent more than three-quarters of the household income on food. The prevalence of household food insecurity was 71.7%. Food insecurity was associated ( p < 0.05) with educational status; occupation; type of housing; availability of toilet facilities; benefiting from food assistance; delaying drugs to prevent hunger; skipping drugs; vegetable consumption pattern; and exchanging sex for food.

Conclusion: The prevalence of household food insecurity in this study was high. Living conditions were significantly associated with food insecurity. Socio-economic conditions need to be improved, to optimize the health and food security status of people living with HIV in Sagamu.