ArticlePloS one2023
How food support improves mental health among people living with HIV: A qualitative study.
Article in PloS one, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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The trial behind it
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- A systematic review of qualitative research on HIV and food insecurity in high-income countries.AIDS (London, England) · 2026Pooled it
- Food as medicine, community as medicine: Mental health effects of a social care intervention.Health services research · 2025Article
- Exploring Managers' Insights on Integrating Mental Health into Tuberculosis and HIV Care in the Free State Province, South Africa.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2024Article
- Review
- A retrospective study of tuberculosis prevalence and associated factors among HIV-positive key populations in Nigeria.PLOS global public health · 2024Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundFood 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.
methodsSemi-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.
resultsPositive 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.
conclusionsMedically 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.
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