Exploring Experiences with Social Inclusion, Food Security and Housing Among People Living with HIV: A Qualitative Analysis

Background: This two-phase study explored the impact of the social determinants of health on people living with HIV (PLWH) in Waterloo Region, Ontario, in partnership with the AIDS Committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo Area (ACCKWA). Phase 1 explored broader experiences related to social inclusion, food security, and housing. Phase 2 expanded into decision-making and navigating challenges related to these experiences. Methods: Participants were eligible to be a part of the study if they were an ACCKWA service user living with HIV over the age of 18. The samples per phase included 9 and 11 participants, respectively, who participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and coded for themes using NVivo software. Results: Each phase supported previous research related to food, transportation, housing, and social challenges. Key themes identified in both phases included challenges related to food, housing, transportation, and social life. Separately, Phase 1 and Phase 2 found themes of resilience and strategic thinking, respectively. Our findings suggested a high prevalence of misinformation related to HIV and the absence of structural resources, forcing PLWH to be resilient, and make decisions about their life and health strategically. Conclusion: Our study suggests that as PLWH demonstrate resilience, society's responsibility to protect disadvantaged populations is diminished. Through the allocation of funding towards food and housing, and educational campaigns, structural support can be established to facilitate the improvement of resources.