Towards Improving the Health Outcome of Hivaids Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Drugs in Low-Income Communities: Will Incorporating Food Supplementation Make a Difference?

Authors: Timiun GA*

DOI: 10.23880/jqhe-16000132

Volume 2, Issue 4

Abstract

The benefits of ART in assisting patients recover from debilitating health conditions and assuming their social responsibilities have been reported in Haiti, South Africa and Tanzania. However, lack of food may be a factor influencing the recovery of those on ART from debilitating health conditions. This paper discusses the possible impact of incorporating food supplementation in the care of individuals on ART in low income communities and health outcome in Nigeria. A sample of 1,621 respondents was collected using multi-stage and purposive sampling methods. Structured and in-depth interviews were used for data collection. SPSS (version 21) was used for quantitative data analysis while the qualitative data was analysed thematically. There are 46.3% maen and 53.7% women. Generally, their income is low, 70.7% are earning less than N25, 000 (approximately $125 USD) per month. It is evident that some low income HIV/AIDS patients receiving treatment in Nigeria, and perhaps in other low income communities lack food. Those who are unable to adequately feed themselves would experience longer period of recuperation from debilitating health conditions; thereby hiking the possibility of stigmatisation and tendency to avoid nearby treatment centres where they (HIV patients) would be sighted collecting drugs, which may sometimes lead to the inability to replenish exhausted stock of drugs, and treatment failure among low income earners. Food supplementation may assist in improving the health outcomes of HIV/AIDS patients if it is incorporated in the overall treatment package. It would also enhance sustainable fight against HIV/AIDS pandemic, given that effective preventive measures are in place against its continuous spread and those already infected are adequately cared for. Incorporating food supplementation in the overall treatment package of HIV/AIDS patients in low income communities who not able to adequately feed themselves would make a difference in their health outcomes. Keywords: HIV/AIDS; Antiretroviral; Health outcome; Low income; Food supplementation.

Keywords: HIV; Data Collection; Physical Exercise; Disease

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