Journal des soins infirmiers et des soins

Food Insecurity Among HIV Sero-Positive Patients

Abstract

Tshililo AR MCur and Mangena-Netshikweta

Due to the uncertainties of job availabilities among rural communities, poverty stricken families find it hard to supply enough food to their family members. However, food insecurity has been defined by Weiser and Bangsberg as the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate, safe foods or the inability to acquire personally acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. South African study by Mashau supported Mills and Bangsberg study by warning that hunger is the most extreme consequence of food insecurity. Tshililo also warned that immune system of a person with HIV and AIDS needs to be boosted with nutritious food. The broader concept encompassed problems with household food supply, quality of diet, feelings about the situation, and what effort was made to maintain household food supplies. The purpose of this study was to explore food insecurity among HI sero-positive patients in rural Vhembe district of Limpopo Province. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was used to select family members who care for HI seropositive patients at home. In-depth interviews were conducted to 20 participants. Data were analyzed according to Tesch’s open-coding method. This study revealed that due to financial constrains; family socio-economic status is affected. Therefore patient’s conditions are deteriorated as well balanced diet cannot be maintained.