The Effects of Food Support Interventions on Vulnerable Adolescents Girls Affected by HIV and AIDS in Ol-Joroorok Sub County, Kenya

Abstract

Abstract: The global HIV and AIDS pandemic have continued to change the lives of many people especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Both boys and girls have been affected by this menace. However, girls face considerable vulnerabilities and risks than boys that affect their health, food security, education status and general well-being. It is therefore critical to intervene before these challenges that girls face result to outcomes that are irreversible. Many development partners, Non- governmental organizations, Faith based organizations, Community based organizations and the government are taking considerable effort in providing services to the vulnerable adolescent girls in different sectors which includes; educational assistance, health, food aid, material support and other HIV and AIDS mitigation programs. Despite these different interventions in responding to the needs of these children, there is however little evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions in improving the well- being of adolescent girls affected by HIV and AIDS. This study sought to determine the influence of food interventions in reducing the effects of HIV and AIDS among adolescent girls affected by HIV and AIDS in Ol-Joroorok Sub- County of Nyandarua County. The research adopted a descriptive research design to collect primary data to answer questions concerning the status of the issues under investigations. Cluster and purposive sampling was used. A sample population of 123 respondents was selected. Descriptive data was analyzed using percentages, tables and bar graphs. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson product-moment correlations and Pearson Chi-Square tests. Results of the study revealed that food interventions had significant relationship in reducing the effects of HIV and AIDS in adolescent girls. Keywords: HIV and AIDS, intervention, Vulnerable Adolescent girls.