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

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. I used multivariable logistic regression model to identify predictors of food insecurity among 385 adult people (≥18 years) attending ART Clinics of Hosanna town. Results: Overall, the prevalence of food insecurity was (67.5%) among people on HAART at the study area. Poor economic status [OR = 4.34 (95% CI; (2.53 - 7.45))], middle economic status [OR = 4.1(95%CI; (2.17 - 7.57))], educational status of secondary or lower [OR = 1.7 (95%CI; (1.06 - 2.72))], absence of food support [OR = 2.35 (95%CI; (1.02 - 5.39))], and unemployment [OR = (95%CI; 1.71 (1.06 - 2.74))] were significant and independent predictors of food insecurity. Conclusions: People on HAART suffer from a significant amount of Food insecurity at the study area. Absence of food support, lower educational status, unemployment, poor and middle economic status were independent predictors of food insecurity. Food insecurity interventions should be an integral component of ART programs. Intervention initiatives should address patients with lower educational status and unemployed; and also should focus in improving socio-economic status and involving people on ART in income generating g activities.