Food Security Status is Related to Mental Health Quality of Life Among Persons Living with HIV

This study evaluated the association between health related quality of life and food security among persons living with HIV (PLHIV). We studied 167 PLHIV who completed questionnaires assessing food security, disease symptomatology, and several domains of the SF-36 health related quality of life survey. HIV disease state was assessed from medical records. Associations between independent and outcome variables were determined through linear regression models. Compared to food security, very low food security was significantly associated with lower mental component summary scores, [average difference −4.98 (95 % CI −9.85, −0.10)]; mental health, [average difference −5.44 (95 % CI −10.08, −0.81)]; and general health, [average difference −5.13 (95 % CI −9.65, −0.65)] after adjusting for covariates. About a fourth of participants experienced severe food insecurity, which negatively influenced their mental health and general wellbeing. The inclusion of resources for food assistance in HIV treatment programs may help ameliorate mental health challenges faced by PLHIV.