Nutrition for people living with HIV

A new scoping review comprises the first phase of a 4-phase project called FoodNOW (Food to eNhance Our Wellness). FoodNOW is a community-based nutritional needs assessment of people living with HIV in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Medical nutrition therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of HIV. Through nutrition assessment and with co-developed support, medical nutrition therapy aims to prevent and manage the signs, symptoms, and progression of HIV. Medical nutrition therapy assessment encompasses nutrition-related issues, their causes and significance, medical, physical, social, economic, and dietary history, pharmacotherapy, as well as the recognition and integration of social determinants of health. Following medical nutrition therapy there is no guarantee of ongoing nutrition care, however. 

Food insecurity, characterised by limited access to sufficient and safe nutrition, impacts a significant number of people living with HIV in high-income countries such as Canada. These challenges often have underlying socioeconomic factors. Individuals living with HIV may suffer from nutrient deficiencies, further compromising their well-being.

In Canada, a variety of nutrition and food programs, such as food banks and meal services, aim to address the nutritional needs of people living with HIV. However, the effectiveness of charitable food provision services in addressing food insecurity is limited and may not fully meet the real needs of people living with HIV. 

The data presented in the scoping review provides a valuable resource for those involved in program delivery. It summarises the existing work and identifies the programming requirements.

The findings from the review underscore the importance of centring the voices of individuals living with HIV in discussions regarding available nutrition and food resources in Canada. This inclusivity extends beyond research and into practice. Counselling and communication that acknowledge the diversity of this patient population and their unique needs are critical.

The scoping review also reveals the heavy reliance on grant-funded charitable food provision services in current programming. People living with HIV, especially those with specific requirements, often lack access to equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible specialised resources. These findings emphasise the need for consistent, long-term funding.

The scoping review is open access, and is available in the October issue of JBI Evidence Synthesis
Exploring current nutritional programming and resources available to people living with HIV in Canada: a scoping review

Mannette, Jessica; Zhang, Yingying; Rothfus, Melissa; Purdy, Chelsey; Tesfatsion, Winta; Lynch, Mary; Hamilton-Hinch, Barbara; Williams, Patricia L.; Joy, Phillip; Grant, Shannan

JBI Evidence Synthesis 21(10):p 2022-2081, October 2023. | DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-22-00168