HIV affected households in Western Kenya experience greater food insecurity

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the ?rst Millennium Village in Western Kenya. We com- pared the food security status of households affected by HIV/AIDS to households not affected by HIV/ AIDS. We also identi?ed coping strategies adopted by members of food insecure households.315 Households were included in the study, consisting of 169 HIV affected households, (44 households with self-identi?ed HIV positive adults, 80 households with orphans, and 45 households with both orphans and self-identi?ed HIV positive adults). These households were compared to 146 HIV unaffected households.Food security status was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale Indicator (HFIAS) guide. Coping strategies were measured using the Coping Strategies Index (CSI).HIV affected households had a signi?cantly higher food insecurity score 11.11, compared to 9.53 in HIV unaffected households (p = 0.037). Female headed households had the worst food security, regardless of household type. There were also signi?cant difference in the coping strategies scores between HIV affected (64.48) and unaffected households (50.31) (p = 0.004). HIV affected households were associated with more severe coping strategies. The food security of HIV affected households is compromised by a variety of factors including the synergy generated by hosting a HIV positive family member and orphans. The gender of the household head is also an important consideration. Households headed by women tend to be more vulnerable, predisposing households to greater food insecurity

Oxidative balance score and oxidative stress biomarkers in a study of Whites, African Americans, and African immigrants

Context—Oxidative balance score (OBS) is a composite measure of multiple pro- and antioxidant exposures. Objective—To investigate associations of OBS with F2-isoprostanes (FIP), mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA), and fluorescent oxidative products (FOP), and assess inter-relationships among the biomarkers.Methods—In a cross-sectional study, associations of a thirteen-component OBS with biomarker levels were assessed using multivariable regression models.Results—Association of OBS with FIP, but not with FOP, was in the hypothesized direction. The results for mtDNA were unstable and analysis-dependent. The three biomarkers were not inter-correlated.Conclusions—Different biomarkers of oxidative stress may reflect different biological processes

Community—Academia Partnerships to Promote Nutrition in the Lower Mississippi Delta: Community Members\u27 Perceptions of Effectiveness, Barriers, and Factors Related to Success

This study examined the perceptions of community members\u27 engaged in community—academia partnerships involved in developing nutrition interventions in three communities in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Perceptions on effectiveness of the partnerships were investigated. Six focus group interviews were conducted, with 33 participants that included 27 females and 6 males. The data were analyzed by content coding. Emerging themes were identified and related to accomplishments, barriers to success, and factors related to success of the partnerships. Accomplishments included the establishment of active committees, positive changes in health behavior related to food choices, and participation in community events. Barriers to success included the slow pace of intervention implementation, difficulties with understanding the role of the community in the participatory research process, the decision-making processes, and project name recognition. Factors related to success were tangible benefits to the community, participation that was representative, simplification of the research process, and the decision-making processes. © 2008, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved

Compliance and Acceptability of Maintaining a 6-Month Pedometer Diary in a Rural, African American Community-Based Walking Intervention

Background: Limited research has been done on the compliance and acceptability of maintaining pedometer diaries for an extensive time frame in community-based interventions targeting minority populations. Methods: Community coaches led participants in a 6-month community-based walking intervention that included wearing pedometers and maintaining pedometer diaries for the study duration. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA tests were used to evaluate compliance rates for maintaining diaries and daily step counts. After the intervention, focus groups were used to explore opinions regarding pedometers. Audiotapes were transcribed and evaluated using systematic content analysis. Results: The 8 coaches and 75 enrolled walking participants were primarily African American (98%) women (94%). Overall, the group (N = 83) submitted 85% of all possible pedometer diaries and recorded 73% of all possible daily step counts. Walking-group members were significantly (P \u3c .01) more compliant if their coach was also compliant. Identified benefits of wearing pedometers and maintaining diaries outnumbered the barriers. Participants were enthusiastic about wearing the pedometers and indicated that the weekly diaries provided a source of motivation. Conclusions: This research suggests pedometer diaries are a viable intervention tool and research method for community-based physical activity interventions targeting African Americans and highlights the need for social support to promote pedometer diary compliance

Perceptions of food-insecure HIV-positive adults participating in a food supplementation program in central Kenya.

Malnutrition coexists with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Food supplementation is recommended for food-insecure, HIV-positive individuals. This study was part of a larger six-month food supplementation program for adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in central Kenya. We conducted 10 focus group interviews with program participants to examine the perceptions of participants regarding the food supplementation program. Focus group transcripts were analyzed for themes and six were identified. These were perception of food insecurity and the health of the participants, the benefits of participating, use of the food, coping strategies after the program ended, suggestions for improving the program, and sustainability of the benefits. Participants perceived that the food improved their health and ART adherence, and reduced stigma. The improvements were not always sustained. Sharing with people beyond the immediate family was very common, depleting the food available to the participants. Interventions with sustainable effects for food-insecure, HIV-positive individuals and their families are needed

Perceptions of Factors Influencing Healthful Food Consumption Behavior in the Lower Mississippi Delta: Focus Group Findings

Objective: To identify perceptions of Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) residents regarding factors that influence a change in healthful food consumption behavior to assist in planning sustainable nutrition interventions in the LMD. Design: Nine focus groups were conducted with LMD residents in 9 counties in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. One focus group was held in each county on the topical area of behavioral change. Setting: Nine counties in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Participants: The study population included 91 persons, 85 females and 6 males (18-60+ years of age), of whom 71 were African Americans, 17 were Caucasians, and 3 were Hispanics, who participated in the focus group discussions. Analysis: Data analyses were completed by general and specific content coding. Data were reviewed for emerging themes for each topic. The Social Cognitive Theory served as the framework for understanding the determinants of a change in healthful food consumption behavior. Results: The study showed considerable variability in perceptions that are influenced by both personal and external factors. These factors include health concerns, family influence, and need for and availability of nutrition information. Participants were interested in learning about healthful eating, food preparation skills, and portion control. Conclusions: Focus groups in the LMD identified many important themes relevant to the development of nutrition interventions in these communities. These data will be used to guide the community-based participatory interventions that will be developed and implemented in the LMD. The findings could be applicable to other researchers designing interventions for similar populations