Our work with hundreds of clients in New York City has demonstrated many similarities among our food insecure population. Food assistance programs are not geared towards people living with HIV/AIDS who have increased nutritional needs. In addition, there are few supermarkets or places that offer fresh, whole foods in low-income neighborhoods. Markets that do carry these types of foods tend to be very expensive. This makes it difficult for HIV-positive individuals to obtain nutritious foods through food stamps and other supplemental subsidies.
Due to the lack of nutritious foods accessible to low-income HIV-positive individuals, many eat foods that contain a high amount of refined carbohydrates, saturated and trans-fats, and calories with little micronutrient value. Because of this we see many obese clients with diseases characteristic of the general obese population.
Food insecurity in itself is a risk factor for HIV/AIDS transmission. Malnutrition has been shown to increase transmission of HIV from a pregnant woman to her fetus, which remains a major issue in the developing world.29 In addition, because of food insecurity and decreased access to safe water supplies, HIV-positive mothers are forced to breastfeed their children, which further increases the risk of HIV transmission.30
No comments:
Post a Comment