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Food security, nutrition and HIV/AIDS – overview and context in Honduras
Author(s) -
Martinez Homero,
Ramirez Blanca Yohisy,
Palar Kartika,
Adams Jayne,
Farias Hugo,
Green Hank,
Wagner Glenn,
Derose Katie
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.780.6
Subject(s) - underweight , environmental health , micronutrient , medicine , overweight , malnutrition , calorie , context (archaeology) , food security , psychological intervention , obesity , gerontology , geography , endocrinology , agriculture , archaeology , pathology , psychiatry
We explored the nutritional status and food security of people with HIV receiving ART in Honduras to develop a nutritional counseling and food assistance intervention aimed at improving ART adherence. Sample 160 male and female adults attending four urban HIV clinics in Honduras. Methods Diet and nutritional intake; household food security; socio‐economic characteristics, and; health and ART status and adherence. Results 87% of households were food insecure (45% = severe). 15% had inadequate ART adherence, all from food‐insecure households. Dietary intake showed minor deficits in total calorie and carbohydrate intake, very low protein intake, and very high fat intake. Micronutrient deficient intake included calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and B12. Percent body fat showed that among women, almost half were overweight and another third were underweight; among men, almost half were underweight and a fifth were overweight. We found a high percentage of household food insecurity and poor nutrition, resulting in obesity or undernutrition. Interventions should be targeted at the household level and focus on significantly increasing protein and selected micronutrients intake, and moderately increasing carbohydrates and overall calories, while drastically reducing fats, all of which may have significant impact on nutrition, adherence and clinical outcomes.