Food is Medicine for HIV: Improved health and hospitalizations in the Changing Health through Food Support (CHEFS-HIV) pragmatic randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Policy support for "Food is Medicine"-medically tailored meals or groceries to improve health-is rapidly growing. No randomized trials have heretofore investigated the benefits of medically tailored food programs for people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS: The CHEFS-HIV pragmatic randomized trial included PLHIV who were clients of Project Open Hand (POH), a San Francisco-based nonprofit food organization. The intervention arm (n = 93) received comprehensive medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutritional education. Control participants (n = 98) received less intensive (POH "standard of care") food services. Health, nutrition, and behavioral outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months later. Primary outcomes measured were viral non-suppression and health related quality of life. Mixed models estimated treatment effects as differences-in-differences between arms. RESULTS: The intervention arm had lower odds of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] = 0.11), food insecurity (OR = 0.23), depressive symptoms (OR = 0.32), antiretroviral therapy adherence <90% (OR = 0.18), and unprotected sex (OR = 0.18), and less fatty food consumption (ß= -0.170 servings/day) over 6 months, compared to the control arm. There was no difference between study arms in viral non-suppression and health-related quality of life over 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: A "Food-is-Medicine" intervention reduced hospitalizations and improved mental and physical health among PLHIV, despite no impact on viral suppression. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT03191253.

Food Insecurity and Engagement in Transactional Sex Among Female Secondary Students in Rwanda.

The relationship between food insecurity and transactional sex is well recognized, but less is known about this relationship among adolescents. We analyzed cross-sectional baseline data from 3,130 female secondary students aged 12-19 enrolled in a three-arm, cluster randomized controlled trial to examine the association between food insecurity and transactional sex. The explanatory variable was food security and the outcome was ever engaging in transactional sex. Over one quarter (28.7%) reported any food insecurity and 1.9% of all participants (9.6% of sexually active participants) reported ever engaging in transactional sex. In adjusted models, ever experiencing any food insecurity was associated with a higher prevalence of ever transactional sex (PR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.49) compared to little to no food insecurity. These results provide insight into potential predictors of higher-risk sexual behavior in Rwanda; they also provide policy-makers with populations with whom to intervene on upstream determinants of transactional sex, notably poverty and food insecurity.

The impact of cash incentives on mental health among adults initiating antiretroviral therapy in Tanzania.

Mental illness is prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and hinders engagement in HIV care. While financial incentives are effective at improving mental health and retention in care, the specific effect of such incentives on the mental health of PLHIV lacks quantifiable evidence. We evaluated the impact of a three-arm randomized controlled trial of a financial incentive program on the mental health of adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiates in Tanzania. Participants were randomized 1:1:1 into one of two cash incentive (combined; provided monthly conditional on clinic attendance) or the control arm. We measured the prevalence of emotional distress, depression, and anxiety via a difference-in-differences model which quantifies changes in the outcomes by arm over time. Baseline prevalence of emotional distress, depression, and anxiety among the 530 participants (346 intervention, 184 control) was 23.8%, 26.6%, and 19.8%, respectively. The prevalence of these outcomes decreased substantially over the study period; additional benefit of the cash incentives was not detected. In conclusion, poor mental health was common although the prevalence declined rapidly during the first six months on ART. The cash incentives did not increase these improvements, however they may have indirect benefit by motivating early linkage to and retention in care.Clinical Trial Number: NCT03341556.

Links between Household-Level Income-Generating Agricultural Intervention and the Psychological Well-Being of Adolescent Girls in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Affected Households in Southwestern Kenya: A Qualitative Inquiry.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls may experience poor psychological well-being, such as social isolation, shame, anxiety, hopelessness, and despair linked to food insecurity. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the experiences with and perceived effects of a household-level income-generating agricultural intervention on the psychological well-being of adolescent girls in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-affected households in southwestern Kenya. METHODS: We conducted 62 in-depth interviews with HIV-affected adolescent girls and caregiver dyads in Adolescent Shamba Maisha (NCT03741634), a sub-study of adolescent girls and caregivers with a household member participating in Shamba Maisha (NCT01548599), a multisectoral agricultural and finance intervention trial aimed to improve food security and HIV health indicators. Participants were purposively sampled to ensure diversity in terms of age and location. Data were audiotaped, transcribed, translated, and uploaded into Dedoose (Sociocultural Research Consultants, LLC) software for management. Data were analyzed thematically based on reports from Dedoose. RESULTS: We found evidence that a household-level structural intervention aimed at increasing food and financial security among persons living with HIV can contribute to better psychological well-being among adolescent girls residing in these households. The intervention also affected: 1) reduction of social isolation, 2) reduction of shame and stigma, 3) increased attendance and concentration in school, 4) improved caregiver mental health, and 5) reduced parental aggression and improved household communication. These associations were reported more commonly among those in the intervention arm than the control arm. CONCLUSIONS: This study extends existing research by demonstrating how multisectoral structural interventions delivered at a household level can improve the psychological well-being of adolescents. We recommend that future research test livelihood interventions designed specifically for adolescent girls that integrate food-security interventions with other elements to address the social and psychological consequences of food insecurity holistically. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03741634.

Preliminary Effects of an Urban Gardens and Peer Nutritional Counseling Intervention on HIV Treatment Adherence and Detectable Viral Load Among People with HIV and Food Insecurity: Evidence from a Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in the Dominican Republic.

A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial involving two HIV clinics in the Dominican Republic assessed preliminary efficacy of an urban garden and peer nutritional counseling intervention. A total of 115 participants (52 intervention, 63 control) with moderate or severe food insecurity and sub-optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and/or detectable viral load were assessed at baseline, 6- and 12-months. Longitudinal multivariate regression analysis controlling for socio-demographics and accounting for serial cluster correlation found that the intervention: reduced the prevalence of detectable viral load by 20 percentage points at 12 months; reduced any missed clinic appointments by 34 and 16 percentage points at 6 and 12 months; increased the probability of "perfect" ART adherence by 24 and 20 percentage points at 6 and 12 months; and decreased food insecurity at 6 and 12 months. Results are promising and warrant a larger controlled trial to establish intervention efficacy for improving HIV clinical outcomes.Trial registry Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT03568682.

RESUMEN: Un estudio piloto de un ensayo controlado aleatorio por conglomerados que involucró a dos clínicas del VIH en la República Dominicana evaluó de forma preliminar la eficacia de una intervención de huertos urbanos y consejería nutricional entre pares. Un total de 115 participantes (52 de intervención, 63 de control) con inseguridad alimentaria moderada o grave y con adherencia subóptima a la terapia antirretroviral (TARV) y/o carga viral detectable fueron evaluados al inicio del estudio, y a los 6 y 12 meses. El análisis de regresión longitudinal multivariada controlando por variables sociodemográficas y tomando en cuenta la correlación serial de clúster encontró que la intervención: redujo la prevalencia de carga viral detectable en 20 puntos porcentuales a los 12 meses; redujo las citas clínicas perdidas en 34 y 16 puntos porcentuales a los 6 y 12 meses; aumentó la probabilidad de adherencia "perfecta" al TARV en 24 y 20 puntos porcentuales a los 6 y 12 meses; y disminuyó la inseguridad alimentaria a los 6 y 12 meses. Los resultados son prometedores y justifican un ensayo controlado más grande para establecer la eficacia de la intervención en mejorar los resultados clínicos del VIH.

Longitudinal Relationship Between Food Insecurity, Engagement in Care, and ART Adherence Among US Women Living with HIV.

Food insecurity disproportionately affects people with HIV and women in the United States (US). More evidence is needed to understand the interplay between levels of food insecurity and levels of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence over time, as well as how food insecurity relates to engagement in HIV care. We used random effects models with longitudinal data from the US Women's Interagency HIV Study to estimate the (1) adjusted associations of current and 6-month lagged food security with ART adherence categories (n = 1646), and (2) adjusted associations of food security with engagement-in-care (n = 1733). Very low food security was associated with a higher relative risk of ART non-adherence at prior and current visits compared with food security, and this association increased across non-adherence categories. Very low food security was associated with lower odds of receiving HIV care and higher odds of a missed visit. Food insecurity among US women with HIV is associated with poorer engagement in care and degree of ART non-adherence over time.

Menopause Is Associated With Immune Activation in Women With HIV.

BACKGROUND: Persistent immune activation due to gut barrier dysfunction is a suspected cause of morbidity in HIV, but the impact of menopause on this pathway is unknown. METHODS: In 350 women with HIV from the Women's Interagency HIV Study, plasma biomarkers of gut barrier dysfunction (intestinal fatty acid binding protein; IFAB), innate immune activation (soluble CD14 and CD163; sCD14, sCD163), and systemic inflammation (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1; IL-6, TNFR1) were measured at 674 person-visits spanning ≤2 years. RESULTS: Menopause (post- vs premenopausal status) was associated with higher plasma sCD14 and sCD163 in linear mixed-effects regression adjusting for age and other covariates (ß = 161.89 ng/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 18.37-305.41 and 65.48 ng/mL, 95% CI, 6.64-124.33, respectively); but not with plasma IFAB, IL-6, or TNFR1. In piece-wise linear mixed-effects regression of biomarkers on years before/after the final menstrual period, sCD14 increased during the menopausal transition by 250.71 ng/mL per year (95% CI, 16.63-484.79; P = .04), but not in premenopausal or postmenopausal periods. CONCLUSIONS: In women with HIV, menopause may increase innate immune activation, but data did not support an influence on the gut barrier or inflammation. Clinical implications of immune activation during menopausal transition warrant further investigation.

Water Insecurity is Associated with Lack of Viral Suppression and Greater Odds of AIDS-Defining Illnesses Among Adults with HIV in Western Kenya.

Reliable access to safe and acceptable water in sufficient quantities (i.e., water security) is important for medication adherence and limiting pathogen exposure, yet prior studies have only considered the role of food security as a social determinant of HIV-related health. Therefore, the objective of this analysis was to assess the relationships between household water insecurity and HIV-related outcomes among adults living with HIV in western Kenya (N = 716). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from Shamba Maisha (NCT02815579), a cluster randomized controlled trial of a multisectoral agricultural and asset loan intervention. Baseline data were collected from June 2016 to December 2017. We assessed associations between water insecurity and HIV-related outcomes, adjusting for clinical and behavioral confounders, including food insecurity. Each five-unit higher household water insecurity score (range: 0-51) was associated with 1.21 higher odds of having a viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL (95% CI 1.07, 1.36) and 1.26 higher odds of AIDS-defining illness (95% CI 1.11, 1.42). Household water insecurity was not associated with CD4 cell count (B: 0.27; 95% CI -3.59, 13.05). HIV treatment and support programs should consider assessing and addressing water insecurity in addition to food insecurity to optimize HIV outcomes.

RESUMEN: El acceso seguro al agua potable en cantidades suficientes (es decir, seguridad hídrica) es importante para la adherencia a la medicación y para limitar la exposición a patógenos; sin embargo, estudios anteriores solo han considerado el papel de la seguridad alimentaria como un determinante social de salud relacionado con el VIH. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este análisis fue evaluar las relaciones entre la inseguridad hídrica en hogares y los resultados relacionados con el VIH en adultos que viven con VIH en el oeste de Kenia (N = 716). Realizamos un análisis transversal de los datos basales de la iniciativa Shamba Maisha (NCT02815579), un ensayo controlado aleatorio por conglomerados de una intervención multisectorial de créditos para insumos agrícolas. Los datos basales se recopilaron de junio de 2016 a diciembre de 2017. Evaluamos las asociaciones entre la inseguridad hídrica y resultados relacionados con el VIH, ajustando por factores de confusión clínicos y conductuales, incluyendo inseguridad alimentaria. Cada cinco unidades superiores de puntajes de inseguridad hídrica doméstica (rango: 0-51) fue asociado con 1.21 mayores probabilidades de tener una carga viral más alta ≥ 1000 copias / ml (CI 95%: 1,07-1,36) y con 1.26 mayores probabilidades de factores determinantes del SIDA (CI 95%: 1,11-1,42). La inseguridad de hídrica doméstica no se asoció con el recuento de células CD4 (B: −0,27; CI 95%: -13,59-13,05). Los programas de tratamiento y de apoyo al VIH deben considerar evaluar y abordar la inseguridad hídrica además de la inseguridad alimentaria para optimizar los resultados del VIH.

Exploring antiretroviral therapy adherence, competing needs, and viral suppression among people living with HIV and food insecurity in the Dominican Republic.

Understanding factors related to suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and detectable viral load (VL), especially among vulnerable populations, is needed to improve HIV outcomes. The Caribbean is highly impacted by HIV and socioeconomic inequalities, but few studies have been conducted there to explore food insecurity among people with HIV and factors associated with viral suppression in this vulnerable population. Using baseline data from a pilot intervention trial among people living with HIV and food insecurity in the Dominican Republic, we examined psychosocial and behavioral factors associated with viral suppression, ART adherence, and competing needs. Among participants (n = 115), 61% had a detectable VL; the strongest factor associated with detectable VL was having missed taking ART in the last six months due to not having food (OR = 2.68, p = 0.02). Greater odds of reporting missed ART doses due to not having food were associated with severe food insecurity (OR = 4.60, p = 0.006), clinical depression (OR = 2.76, p = 0.018), Haitian background (OR = 6.62 p = 0.017), and internalized HIV stigma (OR = 1.09, p = 0.041), while lower odds were associated with social support (OR = 0.89, p = 0.03) and having health insurance (OR = 0.27, p = 0.017). Ensuring that people with HIV and food insecurity have food to take with their ART is essential for viral suppression.

Food Insecurity and T-cell Dysregulation in Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Antiretroviral Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy, but its relationship with immune dysregulation, a hallmark of HIV infection and comorbidity, is unknown. METHODS: In 241 women participating in the Women's Interagency HIV Study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were characterized by flow cytometry to identify cell subsets, comprising surface markers of activation (%CD38+HLADR+), senescence (%CD57+CD28-), exhaustion (%PD-1+), and co-stimulation (%CD57- CD28+) on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to assess the relationships of food insecurity with immune outcomes, accounting for repeated measures at ≤3 study visits and adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. RESULTS: At the baseline study visit, 71% of participants identified as non-Hispanic Black, 75% were virally suppressed, and 43% experienced food insecurity. Food insecurity was associated with increased activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, increased senescence of CD8+ T cells, and decreased co-stimulation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (all P < .05), adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, income, education, substance use, smoking, HIV viral load, and CD4 count. In stratified analyses, the association of food insecurity with CD4+ T-cell activation was more pronounced in women with uncontrolled HIV (viral load >40 copies/mL and CD4 <500 cells/mm3) but remained statistically significant in those with controlled HIV. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity may contribute to the persistent immune activation and senescence in women with HIV on antiretroviral therapy, independently of HIV control. Reducing food insecurity may be important for decreasing non-AIDS-related disease risk in this population.

Household Water and Food Insecurity Are Positively Associated with Poor Mental and Physical Health among Adults Living with HIV in Western Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Household food insecurity (FI) and water insecurity (WI) are prevalent public health issues that can co-occur. Few studies have concurrently assessed their associations with health outcomes, particularly among people living with HIV. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the associations between FI and WI and how they relate to physical and mental health. METHODS: Food-insecure adult smallholder farmers living with HIV in western Kenya were recruited to participate in a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a multisectoral agricultural and asset loan intervention. We used baseline data on experiences of FI (using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, range: 0-27) and WI (using a modified scale developed for this region, range: 0-51) in the prior month (n = 716). Outcomes included probable depression (using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist), fatigue and diarrhea in the prior month, and overall mental and physical health (using the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey, range: 0-100). We first assessed Pearson correlations between FI, WI, and sociodemographic characteristics. We then developed 3 regressions for each health outcome (control variables and FI; control variables and WI; control variables, FI, and WI) and compared model fit indexes. RESULTS: Correlations between household FI, WI, and wealth were low, meaning they measure distinct constructs. FI and WI were associated with numerous physical and mental health outcomes; accounting for both resource insecurities typically provided the best model fit. For instance, when controlling for FI, each 10-point higher WI score was associated with a 6.42-point lower physical health score (P < 0.001) and 2.92 times greater odds of probable depression (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Assessing both FI and WI is important for correctly estimating their relation with health outcomes. Interventions that address food- and water-related issues among persons living with HIV concurrently will likely be more effective at improving health than those addressing a single resource insecurity. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02815579.

Persistent Food Insecurity, but not HIV, is Associated with Depressive Symptoms Among Perinatal Women in Kenya: A Longitudinal Perspective.

Food insecurity (FI) is an understudied risk factor for depression among perinatal women in sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore explored the longitudinal relationship between FI and depressive symptoms among a cohort of perinatal women of mixed HIV status (n = 371) in Kenya (NCT02974972, NCT02979418). Using longitudinal linear and logistic regressions with random effects, we assessed bivariate and adjusted associations between maternal FI and depressive symptoms. HIV status was also assessed as a potential effect modifier. At baseline, 58% of pregnant women had probable depression (CES-D score > 16) and 84% were severely food insecure. In adjusted analyses, severely food-insecure women had 5.90 greater odds (95% CI 2.32, 15.02, p < 0.001) of having probable depression and scored 4.58 points higher on the CES-D scale (SE: 1.04, p < 0.001) relative to food-secure women. HIV status did not modify the association between FI and depressive symptoms. Interventions to reduce FI may reduce perinatal depression, benefiting mothers and their infants.

RESUMEN: La inseguridad alimentaria es un factor de riesgo del estrés en el periodo de posparto entre mujeres en África Sub-sahariana que es poco estudiado. Por lo tanto exploramos la relación entre la seguridad alimentaria y los síntomas de depresión con un estudio longitudinal entre un cohorte de mujeres en diferentes etapas perinatal y con diferentes estatus de VIH (n=371) en Kenia (NCT02974972, NCT02979418). Se evaluaron asociaciones bi-variadas y asociaciones ajustadas entre la inseguridad alimentaria y las síntomas de depresión usando regresión lineal y logística con efectos aleatorios. El estatus de VIH también se evaluó como modificador de efecto. Al inicio del estudio el 58% de mujeres embarazadas tenían depresión probable (CES-D score >16) y el 84% tenían un nivel de inseguridad alimentaria severa. Mujeres con un nivel de inseguridad alimentaria severa tenían mayores posibilidades del 5.90 (95% IC: 2.32, 15.02, p < 0.001) de depresión probable y una puntuación mas alta del 4.58 en el CES-D (EE: 1.04, p < 0.001) en comparación a las mujeres con un nivel de inseguridad alimentaria seguro. El estatus de VIH no modifico la asociación entre la inseguridad alimentaria y los síntomas de depresión. Intervenciones destinadas para mitigar la inseguridad alimentaria podrían reducir la depresión en el periodo perinatal, proporcionando beneficios a las mamas y sus bebes.

Food Insecurity Is Associated With Lower Levels of Antiretroviral Drug Concentrations in Hair Among a Cohort of Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity is a well-established determinant of suboptimal, self-reported antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, but few studies have investigated this association using objective adherence measures. We examined the association of food insecurity with levels of ART concentrations in hair among women living with human immunodeficiency virus (WLHIV) in the United States. METHODS: We analyzed longitudinal data collected semiannually from 2013 through 2015 from the Women's Interagency HIV Study, a multisite, prospective, cohort study of WLHIV and controls not living with HIV. Our sample comprised 1944 person-visits from 677 WLHIV. Food insecurity was measured using the US Household Food Security Survey Module. ART concentrations in hair, an objective and validated measure of drug adherence and exposure, were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection for regimens that included darunavir, atazanavir, raltegravir, or dolutegravir. We conducted multiple 3-level linear regressions that accounted for repeated measures and the ART medication(s) taken at each visit, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: At baseline, 67% of participants were virally suppressed and 35% reported food insecurity. In the base multivariable model, each 3-point increase in food insecurity was associated with 0.94-fold lower ART concentration in hair (95% confidence interval, 0.89 to 0.99). This effect remained unchanged after adjusting for self-reported adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity was associated with lower ART concentrations in hair, suggesting that food insecurity may be associated with suboptimal ART adherence and/or drug absorption. Interventions seeking to improve ART adherence among WLHIV should consider and address the role of food insecurity.

Food Insecurity Is Associated With Inflammation Among Women Living With HIV.

Background: Chronic inflammation is associated with AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining conditions. Limited research has considered how food insecurity influences chronic inflammation among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We examined whether food insecurity was associated with higher levels of inflammation among women living with HIV (WWH) in the United States. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data collected in 2015 from 421 participants on antiretroviral therapy from the Women's Interagency HIV Study. The exposure was any food insecurity. The outcome was inflammation, measured by proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necroses factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) levels. We conducted multivariable linear regressions, adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical, and nutritional factors. Results: Nearly one-third of participants (31%) were food insecure and 79% were virally suppressed (<20 copies/mL). In adjusted analyses, food insecurity was associated with 1.23 times the level of IL-6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.44) and 1.13 times the level of TNFR1 (95% CI, 1.05-1.21). Findings did not differ by HIV control (virally suppressed with CD4 counts ≥500 cells/mm3 or not) in adjusted stratified analyses. Conclusion: Food insecurity was associated with elevated inflammation among WWH regardless of HIV control. Findings support the need for programs that address food insecurity among WWH.

Food insecurity is associated with anxiety, stress, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in a cohort of women with or at risk of HIV in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity, which disproportionately affects marginalized women in the United States, is associated with depressive symptoms. Few studies have examined relations of food insecurity with other mental health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of food insecurity with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), stress, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), a prospective cohort study of women with or at risk of HIV in the United States. METHODS: Participants were 2553 women with or at risk of HIV, predominantly African American/black (71.6%). Structured questionnaires were conducted during April 2013-March 2016 every 6 mo. Food security (FS) was the primary predictor, measured using the Household Food Security Survey Module. We measured longitudinal outcomes for GAD (GAD-7 score and a binary GAD-7 screener for moderate-to-severe GAD). Only cross-sectional data were available for outcomes measuring perceived stress (PSS-10 score) and PTSD (PCL-C score and a binary PCL-C screener for PTSD). We examined associations of FS with the outcomes through use of multivariable linear and logistic regression, including lagged associations with GAD outcomes. RESULTS: After adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors including HIV serostatus, current marginal, low, and very low FS were associated with increasingly higher GAD-7 scores, and with 1.41 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.80; P < 0.01), 2.03 (95% CI: 1.59, 2.61; P < 0.001), and 3.23 (95% CI: 2.43, 4.29; P < 0.001) times higher odds of screening positive for moderate-to-severe GAD, respectively. Low and very low FS at the previous visit (6 mo earlier) were independently associated with GAD outcomes at current visit. Associations of FS with PSS-10 and PCL-C scores exhibited similar dose-response relations. Very low FS was associated with 1.93 (95% CI: 1.15, 3.24; P < 0.05) times higher odds of screening positive for PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity may be associated with a range of poor mental health outcomes among women in the United States with or at risk of HIV.

Persistent Food Insecurity Is Associated with Adverse Mental Health among Women Living with or at Risk of HIV in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity and mental health negatively affect the lives of women in the United States. Participants in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) provided the opportunity to understand the association of food insecurity with depression and mental well-being over time. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the association between current and persistent food insecurity and depression among women at risk of or living with HIV in the United States. METHODS: We used longitudinal data from the WIHS, a prospective cohort study in women at risk of or living with HIV from multiple sites in the United States. Participants completed 6 semiannual assessments from 2013 to 2016 on food security (FS; high, marginal, low, and very low) and mental health (i.e., depressive symptoms and mental well-being). We used multiple regression analysis to estimate the association between these variables. RESULTS: Among 2551 participants, 44% were food insecure and 35% reported depressive symptoms indicative of probable depression. Current marginal, low, and very low FS were associated with 2.1-, 3.5-, and 5.5-point (all P < 0.001) higher depression scores, respectively. In models adjusting for both current and previous FS, previous marginal, low, and very low FS were associated with 0.2-, 0.93-, and 1.52-point higher scores, respectively (all P < 0.001). Women with very low FS at both time points (persistent food insecurity) had a 6.86-point higher depression score (P < 0.001). In the mental health models, there was a dose-response relation between current FS and worse mental health even when controlling for previous FS (all P < 0.001). Previous low FS was associated with worse mental health. These associations did not differ by HIV status. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity placed women at risk of depression and poor mental well-being, but the risk was substantially higher for women experiencing persistent food insecurity. Future interventions to improve women's mental health call for multilevel components that include addressing food insecurity.

Food Insecurity, Internalized Stigma, and Depressive Symptoms Among Women Living with HIV in the United States.

Food insecurity, internalized HIV stigma, and depressive symptoms are independently associated with poor HIV outcomes. Food insecurity, stigma, and depression may be interrelated among women living with HIV (WLHIV). We hypothesized that food insecurity would be independently associated with internalized stigma and depressive symptoms among WLHIV in the United States (US), and would partially account for associations between stigma and depressive symptoms. We tested hypotheses using regression models and partial correlation analysis with cross-sectional data among 1317 WLHIV from the Women's Interagency HIV Study. In adjusted models, greater food insecurity was associated with internalized HIV stigma and depressive symptoms (all p < 0.05), exhibiting dose-response relationships. Food insecurity accounted for 23.2% of the total shared variance between depressive symptoms and internalized stigma. Food insecurity is associated with depressive symptoms and internalized HIV stigma among US WLHIV, and may play a role in the negative cycle of depression and internalized stigma.

Food Insecurity is Associated with Poor HIV Outcomes Among Women in the United States.

Women in the general population experience more food insecurity than men. Few studies have examined food insecurity's impact on HIV treatment outcomes among women. We examined the association between food insecurity and HIV outcomes in a multi-site sample of HIV-infected women in the United States (n = 1154). Two-fifths (40%) of participants reported food insecurity. In an adjusted multivariable Tobit regression model, food insecurity was associated with 2.08 times higher viral load (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 4.15) and lower CD4+ counts (- 42.10, CI: - 81.16, - 3.03). Integration of food insecurity alleviation into HIV programs may improve HIV outcomes in women.

The Impact of Financial Incentives on Mental Health among Adults in HIV Care in Lake Zone, Tanzania: A Two-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Depression and anxiety are prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV), hindering retention in care. Though economic interventions can improve care engagement and mental health in the general population, this remains understudied among PLHIV. This study assessed whether financial incentives improve mental health among adult antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiates in Lake Zone, Tanzania. DESIGN: Two-arm randomized controlled trial. METHODS: From 2021-2023, 32 clinics were randomized to offer patients monthly financial incentives (22,500 TSH/$10 USD) for ≤6 months (conditional on visit attendance) or standard-of-care (SoC) services. We assessed changes in depression (PHQ-2 scores) and anxiety (GAD-2 scores) symptoms at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Difference-in-differences effects were used to estimate changes over time by arm using inverse probability of censoring sample weights (IPCW). RESULTS: Participants (n = 1990) were 57.3% female; median age was 35.0. Baseline prevalences of depression and anxiety symptoms were 66.2% and 60.4%, respectively, and endline prevalences were 7.8% and 7.6%, respectively, with no differences by arm. Using IPCW, the differences in the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms between arms were 2.5 percentage points (95% CI: -3.0, 8.0) and 2.3 percentage points (95% CI: -3.2, 7.9) respectively after 6 months, and 5.5 percentage points (95% CI: -0.20, 10.8) and 3.8 percentage points (95% CI: -1.5, 9.2) respectively after 12 months. CONCLUSION: Both study arms experienced substantial reductions in poor mental health, primarily within the first 6 months of care. Financial incentives provided in this study did not significantly augment these downward trends but may improve engagement in care, indirectly improving mental health.

Impact of a livelihood intervention on gender roles and relationship power among people with HIV.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an agricultural livelihood intervention on gender role conflict and sexual relationship power among people with HIV (PWH) in western Kenya. DESIGN: Study participants were enrolled in Shamba Maisha , a cluster randomized controlled trial of an agricultural intervention conducted among PWH across 16 health facilities during 2016-2020. Intervention participants received a water pump, seeds, and agricultural and financial training; control participants received standard of HIV care. METHODS: We assessed men's views on masculinity and gender roles via the validated gender role conflict score (GRCS; range 18-78, higher = greater gender role conflict). We measured gender power imbalances among women via the validated Sexual Relationship Power Scale (SRPS), which combines subscales of relationship control and decision-making dominance (range 1-4, higher = female holds more power). We compared changes over the study period by arm using longitudinal multilevel difference-in-difference linear regression models accounting for clustering of facilities using the intention-to-treat cohort. RESULTS: We enrolled 720 participants (366 intervention, 354 control); 2-year retention was 94%. Median age was 40 and approximately 55% of participants were female. Among men, after 24-months the decrease in GRCS scores was 4.3 points greater in the intervention than the control arm ( P  < 0.001). Among women, the intervention resulted in 0.25 points greater increase in the SRPS compared to the control arm ( P  < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Shamba Maisha resulted in less gender role conflict in men and greater sexual relationship power for women. Agricultural livelihood interventions may be a powerful tool to improve gender power imbalances, which may subsequently mitigate poverty and food insecurity.