Grant: Operating Grant - HIV/AIDS CBR Program - General

The Principal Aims of the proposed study are to examine and isolate the primary causes, context-specific risk factors (social, economic, and environmental) and the access barriers affecting food insecurity at the individual and population levels, and how food insecurity affects the clinical course of HIV disease, health outcomes and health-related quality of life, and survival. To achieve these aims, we have assembled an expert community-academic team from Ontario, BC and Quebec that is well positioned to conduct this CBR initiative, and to mobilize the critical research evidence generated to inform and influence: (1) best practices in food and support programs and services in the community; and (2) policies that limit the availability and access to appropriate food sources and nutrition for people living with HIV in Canada. This will be the first time in the history and evolution of the CIHR HIV/AIDS CBR program that clinical and community cohort data from three major regions in Canada will be brought together to address the health needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Major Objectives: (1) To assess the prevalence of general and various sub-types of food insecurity (i.e. food insufficiency, poor food quality/diversity, and range of methods of food acquisition) among individuals with HIV in BC, ON and QC; (2) To examine the socio-demographic and determinants of health correlates of general food insecurity and sub-types of food insecurity among individuals with HIV in BC, ON and QC; (3) To examine whether having adequate, appropriate and stable food security is associated with improved access to medical care among individuals with HIV in BC, ON and QC; and (4) To examine the clinical and health-related quality of life outcomes and survival benefits associated with having adequate, appropriate and stable food security and access to food programs in individuals with HIV in BC, ON and QC.