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How food support improves mental health among people living with HIV: A qualitative study

Author

Listed:
  • Koharu Loulou Chayama
  • Emiliano Lemus Hufstedler
  • Henry J Whittle
  • Tessa M Nápoles
  • Hilary Seligman
  • Kimberly Madsen
  • Edward A Frongillo
  • Sheri D Weiser
  • Kartika Palar

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity is associated with poor mental health among people living with HIV (PLHIV). This qualitative study explored the mental health experiences of PLHIV participating in a medically appropriate food support program. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-intervention (n = 34). Interview topics included changes, or lack thereof, in mental health and reasons for changes. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and double-coded. Salient themes were identified using an inductive-deductive method. Results: Positive changes in mental health self-reported by PLHIV included improved mood and reduced stress, worry, and anxiety. Participants attributed these changes to: 1) increased access to sufficient and nutritious foods, 2) increased social support, 3) reduced financial hardship, 4) increased sense of control and self-esteem, and 5) reduced functional barriers to eating. Conclusions: Medically appropriate food support may improve mental health for some PLHIV. Further work is needed to understand and prevent possible adverse consequences on mental health after programs end.

Suggested Citation

  • Koharu Loulou Chayama & Emiliano Lemus Hufstedler & Henry J Whittle & Tessa M Nápoles & Hilary Seligman & Kimberly Madsen & Edward A Frongillo & Sheri D Weiser & Kartika Palar, 2023. "How food support improves mental health among people living with HIV: A qualitative study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(3), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0282857
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282857
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Whittle, Henry J. & Palar, Kartika & Hufstedler, Lee Lemus & Seligman, Hilary K. & Frongillo, Edward A. & Weiser, Sheri D., 2015. "Food insecurity, chronic illness, and gentrification in the San Francisco Bay Area: An example of structural violence in United States public policy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 154-161.
    2. Tsai, Alexander C. & Bangsberg, David R. & Emenyonu, Nneka & Senkungu, Jude K. & Martin, Jeffrey N. & Weiser, Sheri D., 2011. "The social context of food insecurity among persons living with HIV/AIDS in rural Uganda," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(12), pages 1717-1724.
    3. Nanama, Siméon & Frongillo, Edward A., 2012. "Altered social cohesion and adverse psychological experiences with chronic food insecurity in the non-market economy and complex households of Burkina Faso," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(3), pages 444-451.
    4. Whittle, Henry J. & Palar, Kartika & Seligman, Hilary K. & Napoles, Tessa & Frongillo, Edward A. & Weiser, Sheri D., 2016. "How food insecurity contributes to poor HIV health outcomes: Qualitative evidence from the San Francisco Bay Area," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 170(C), pages 228-236.
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