Using global positioning systems to explore food insecurity among older adults living with HIV, with and without criminal justice involvement.

Abstract

This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of using global positioning systems (GPS) to evaluate food insecurity among older people living with HIV (PLWH), including those with criminal justice involvement. Approximately 25 PLWH participants were recruited via community engagement from September 2023 to January 2024. Bivariate analyses identified demographic characteristics, and chi-square tests investigated the association between arrest/incarceration history and food security. Spatial analysis examined patterns, calculated distances traveled and determined the frequency of visits to specific locations over seven days. Around 20.8% (n = 5) of participants had a CD4 count of ≤299 cells/mm³, indicating possible advanced HIV status. Food insecurity was higher among participants with lower education levels (61.5%; n = 8) and incomes ≤$20,000 annually (69.2%; n = 9). Those with arrest histories had slightly higher food insecurity rates (54.5%; n = 6) compared to those never arrested (45.5%; n = 5), though differences were not statistically significant. Most participants successfully charged and carried their GPS devices and retained food receipts. GPS compliance was higher at the start and middle of the study period but declined toward the end. Findings support that integrating geospatial technology is both feasible and acceptable for assessing food insecurity among older PLWH.