Food insufficiency among HIV-infected crack-cocaine users in Atlanta and Miami.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the occurrence and correlates of food insufficiency among HIV-infected crack-cocaine users in Atlanta and Miami, USA.


METHODS
Non-probability cross-sectional sample.


METHODS
Inner-city hospitals in Atlanta and Miami.


METHODS
Two hundred and eighty-seven HIV-infected crack users.


RESULTS
One-third (34 %) of respondents experienced food insufficiency within 30 d of interview. Increased odds of food insufficiency was associated with current homelessness (adjusted OR = 3.78, 95 % CI 1.70, 8.41), living alone (adjusted OR = 2.85, 95 % CI 1.36, 5.98), religious service attendance (adjusted OR = 2.34, 95 % CI 1.02, 5.38) and presence of health insurance (adjusted OR = 2.41, 95 % CI 1.06, 5.54). Monthly income greater than $US 600 (adjusted OR = 0.19, 95 % CI 0.06, 0.58) was associated with decreased odds of food insufficiency, and less than weekly crack use was marginally associated with decreased odds of food insufficiency (adjusted OR = 0.39, 95 % CI 0.13, 1.08).


CONCLUSIONS
Food insufficiency is very prevalent among HIV-infected urban crack-cocaine users in Atlanta and Miami. Correlates of food insufficiency confirm the social vulnerability of these individuals. Routine assessment for food insecurity should become a routine component of treatment and prevention programmes in at-risk populations.
Vogenthaler
Nicholas S
NS
Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. nvogent@emory.edu
Hadley
Craig
C
Lewis
Sarah J
SJ
Rodriguez
Allan E
AE
Metsch
Lisa R
LR
del Rio
Carlos
C
D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D005523:Food Supply / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005845:Georgia; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D007182:Income; D007297:Inpatients; D007348:Insurance, Health; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D019562:Viral Load
D016578:Crack Cocaine