Given the high prevalence of smoking among HIV-infected populations, research focusing on the potential interaction of HIV infection and smoking is important in understanding the etiology of chronic diseases in HIV-positive individuals. Of significant public health importance is the need to understand smoking behaviors and barriers to cessation faced by individuals infected with HIV. Presently, little is known about the triggers of smoking and relapse, or of intentions to quit smoking within HIV-positive populations. This level of understanding is vital in developing smoking cessation interventions that are effective in HIV- infected populations facing the complex interplay of physical, social, economic and psychological challenges unique to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In the proposed study, we seek to analyze smoking-related data spanning twenty years of follow-up among participants in the ALIVE study, a cohort of HIV infected and HIV uninfected individuals with a history of drug use, in order to characterize the smoking and cessation-seeking behaviors of individuals at high-risk for HIV. We also aim to characterize smoking-related behaviors and assess the utilization of smoking cessation aids among participants in the ALIVE study. Overall, this research will expand the knowledge base regarding smoking-related behaviors in high-risk HIV populations. Insight gained from this study will be useful in designing smoking cessation interventions targeted at HIV-infected individuals.
Reducing smoking among persons living with HIV/AIDS is crucial for continued gains in survival and quality of life.
We aim to expand the knowledge base regarding smoking and cessation-seeking behaviors, as well as identify the barriers to tobacco cessation, in HIV-infected and HIV uninfected individuals with a history of drug use. This research will help advance the development of smoking cessation interventions tailored to the needs of populations who are at high risk of HIV and are heavily exposed to tobacco.
