The Association of Distinct Social Determinants of Health with Added Sweetener Knowledge and Consumption in a U.S. Sample of People Living with HIV

Prior studies in people living with HIV (PLWH) suggest added sweetener intake exceeds recommendations and associates with cardiometabolic abnormalities. Little is known of factors that associate with increased sweetener consumption in PLWH. This cross-sectional study explored knowledge and consumption of added sweeteners and associations of social determinants of health (SDoH) among 900 PLWH residing in the United States. Demographics, SDoH, and added sweetener knowledge and consumption were assessed via an online survey, multivariable analyses were completed. Results demonstrate that sex, race, and low educational level associated with lower sweetener knowledge. Race, age, body mass index, income, limited access to fresh fruits/vegetables, and low sweetener knowledge associated with higher sweetener consumption. Findings highlight the need for consideration of specific demographics and inequitable social circumstances when developing nutrition lifestyle strategies, inclusive of added sweetener education, that are feasible and sustainable across diverse community settings of PLWH. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10461-021-03508-1.