Perceived risk of developing smoking-related disease among persons living with HIV

Factors Influencing Tobacco Smoking and Cessation Among People Living with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Tobacco smoking is highly prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH), yet there is a lack of data on smoking behaviours and effective treatments in this population. Understanding factors influencing tobacco smoking and cessation is crucial to guide the design of effective interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted in both high-income (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) synthesised existing evidence on associated factors of smoking and cessation behaviour among PLWH. Male gender, substance use, and loneliness were positively associated with current smoking and negatively associated with smoking abstinence. The association of depression with current smoking and lower abstinence rates were observed only in HICs. The review did not identify randomised controlled trials conducted in LMICs. Findings indicate the need to integrate smoking cessation interventions with mental health and substance use services, provide greater social support, and address other comorbid conditions as part of a comprehensive approach to treating tobacco use in this population. Consistent support from health providers trained to provide advice and treatment options is also an important component of treatment for PLWH engaged in care, especially in LMICs.

Cigarette Smoking and Cessation-Related Interactions With Health Care Providers in the Context of Living With HIV: Focus Group Study Findings

ABSTRACT

Smoking is disproportionately prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH) compared with the general population. We conducted five focus groups (n = 24) using semi-structured interview guides to explore perceptions and experiences of smoking and cessation-related interactions with health care providers among smokers with HIV. Major themes included a limited understanding of how smoking affects illness among PLWH and minimal discussion about cessation with providers. Findings highlight the need to educate smokers with HIV about the known impacts of smoking on illness among PLWH and to facilitate greater discussion of cessation between providers and smokers with HIV. Prior experiences with smoking cessation medications and desire for additional information regarding these medications should be considered when implementing medication regimens in research and clinical settings.

Graphic Warning Labels Affect Hypothetical Cigarette Purchasing Behavior among Smokers Living with HIV

Cigarette pack graphic warning labels (GWLs) are associated with increased knowledge of tobacco-related harms; scant research has evaluated their effects on behavior among vulnerable populations. We used a behavioral economic approach to measure the effects of GWLs and price on hypothetical cigarette purchasing behavior among HIV-positive smokers. Participants (n = 222) completed a cigarette valuation task by making hypothetical choices between GWL cigarette packs at a fixed price ($7.00) and text-only warning label cigarette packs at increasing prices ($3.50 to $14.00; $0.25 increments). More than one-quarter (28.8%) of participants paid more to avoid GWLs. The remaining participants’ purchasing decisions appear to have been driven by price: 69.8% of participants chose the cheaper pack. Across all participants, overall monetary choice value observed for GWL cigarette packs (mean = $7.75) was greater than if choice was driven exclusively by price ($7.00). Most (87.4%) preferred the text-only warning label when GWL and text-only cigarette packs were equally priced. Correlation analysis indicated GWL pack preference was associated with agreement with statements that GWLs would stop individuals from having a cigarette or facilitate thoughts about quitting. These data suggest that GWLs may influence some HIV-positive smokers in such a way that they are willing to pay more to avoid seeing GWLs.