Objective: To validate a two-item food security questionnaire (FSQ) for use in a clinical setting to screen HIV-1 infected patients for food insecurity. Design: The present study was a questionnaire-based survey of forty-nine subjects attending an HIV clinic. Subjects completed a two-item questionnaire and a six-item validated FSQ contemporaneously. Results: A strong correlation was found between the two-item and six-item FSQ (r 5 0?895; 95 % CI 0?821, 0?940; P , 0?0001). Cronbach's a coefficient was found to be 0?94 and 0?90 for the two-item and six-item FSQ, respectively. The two-item FSQ yielded a sensitivity of 100 % (95 % CI 75, 100) and a specificity of 78 % (95 % CI 61, 90). The negative predictive value was found to be 100 % (95 % CI 88, 100). Conclusions:The results of the present study suggest that the two-item FSQ is a valid, reliable and sensitive screening tool of food insecurity in people living with HIV in a clinical setting.

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a three‐item oral health questionnaire for use by dietitians in an ambulatory care setting to screen human immunodeficiency virus‐1‐infected patients at risk of oral diseases to facilitate dental referral. Methods:  The study was a questionnaire‐based survey of 273 participants attending a human immunodeficiency virus clinic in Sydney, Australia. Subjects completed the oral health questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 contemporaneously. Results:  A statistically significant correlation (rho = 0.617 (95% CI 0.54, 0.69), P < 0.0001) was found between the oral health questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 indicating adequate validity. Sensitivity for the three‐question oral health questionnaire was found to be 84% (95% CI 76, 89) with a specificity of 55% (95% CI 46, 63). The negative predictive value was 77 % (95% CI 68, 85). A single screening question performed less well compared with overall sensitivity of the three‐item oral health questionnaire. Conclusion:  The present study found the three‐item oral health questionnaire to be a valid and sensitive screening tool to ‘trigger’ for further oral health assessment and referral to dental professionals. This is a useful tool for dietitians and other health‐care workers involved in the multidisciplinary preventative care of people living with human immunodeficiency virus.

Objective: To examine predictors of oral health quality of life (OHQoL) in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected population undergoing routine HIV care in the era of antiretroviral therapy. Method: The study was an anonymous self‐administered survey of 273 patients. Subjects completed the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 and questionnaires on sociodemographics, HIV, and dental issues. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of OHQoL. Results: The study found smoking [odds ratio (OR) = 2.44], time to last dental visit (OR = 2.63), denture use (OR = 2.83), and income level (OR = 0.27) were significantly associated with OHQoL. No HIV‐related variables predicted OHQoL. Conclusion: Smoking, not consulting a dentist in the last year, denture use, and low income were identified as significant predictors which could be targeted to improve quality of life among people living with HIV. Preventing dental diseases may also reduce the risk of activation of latent HIV by oral pathogens.