Effects of short-term cash and food incentives on food insecurity and nutrition among HIV-infected adults in Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Food insecurity impedes antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. We previously demonstrated that short-term cash and food incentives increased ART possession and retention in HIV services in Tanzania. To elucidate potential pathways that led to these achievements, we examined whether incentives also improved food insecurity.

Design

Three-arm randomized controlled trial.

Methods

From 2013 to 2015, 805 food-insecure adult ART initiates (≤90 days) at three clinics were randomized to receive cash or food transfers (∼$11 per month for ≤6 months, conditional on visit attendance) or standard-of-care (SOC) services. We assessed changes from baseline to 6 and 12 months in: food insecurity (severe; access; dietary diversity), nutritional status (body weight; BMI), and

SUBMITTER: Fahey CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6511258 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature