Advancements in HIV treatment have enabled people living with the virus to lead longer, healthier lives. However, smoking remains a significant health risk that can nearly eliminate the survival benefits of modern antiretroviral therapy. Recognizing this, researchers are investigating the most effective ways to help individuals with HIV quit smoking, aiming to reduce tobacco-related deaths and improve overall well-being.
A recent study led by Dr. Seth Himelhoch, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago Medicine, highlights a promising approach. The research, conducted in Kenya, found that a combination of medication and a specialized counseling program significantly increased long-term smoking cessation rates among people with HIV. The study, published in NEJM Evidence in October 2024, underscores the urgent need for targeted smoking cessation interventions in this vulnerable population.
The Deadly Intersection of HIV and Smoking
People living with HIV are two to three times more likely to smoke than the general population. Worse, they appear to be disproportionately affected by smoking-related diseases such as cardiovascular complications and lung cancer. Dr. Himelhoch and his team conducted their research in Kenya, where both HIV prevalence and smoking rates are high. Their goal was to develop an effective, culturally relevant intervention tailored to the unique needs of this community.
Testing Effective Interventions
The study enrolled 300 adults with HIV in Nairobi who wanted to quit smoking. Participants were divided into four groups: one received a placebo with brief smoking cessation advice, another took bupropion (a medication that reduces nicotine cravings), a third participated in the Positively Smoke-Free behavioral program, and the last group received both bupropion and behavioral counseling.
After 36 weeks, the findings were striking. Only 6.6% of those who received the placebo and brief advice managed to quit smoking. However, quit rates increased to 20-25% for those who received either bupropion or behavioral counseling alone. Most notably, nearly 40% of participants who received both bupropion and Positively Smoke-Free successfully quit smoking long-term.
A Step Toward a Healthier Future
These findings provide strong evidence that a combined approach medication plus behavioral support can significantly improve smoking cessation rates among people with HIV. Encouraged by these results, the researchers are now exploring how alcohol use affects smoking cessation efforts, aiming to develop even more comprehensive interventions.
Dr. Himelhoch emphasizes that smoking cessation is possible with the right tools and resources. His study offers hope that targeted interventions can help people with HIV quit smoking, ultimately extending and improving their lives.
(Newswise/DN)