FIM Initiative for Persons With HIV May Improve Health Outcomes

Background: For persons with HIV (PWH), food insecurity has been associated with reduced adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and poor health outcomes, including mortality. Food support programs across the United States vary in scope and nutritional value; food is medicine (FIM) programs aim to improve health by aligning food support with medical needs, such as providing nutrition designed to address chronic illness. Objective: To investigate the impact of a medically tailored food support program for PWH on viral load and other health outcomes. Design: Pragmatic, randomized controlled trial, Changing Health through Food Support for HIV (CHEFS-HIV), conducted at an academic institution in partnership with a local nonprofit food organization (Project Open Hand [POH]). Methods: Eligible POH clients included English- or Spanish-speaking PWH aged ≥18 years with household income 20 copies/mL). Additional measures included food security, diet quality, depressive symptoms, ART adher more...