Veterans Living with HIV: A High-Risk Group for Cigarette Smoking

Abstract

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest U.S. medical provider for persons living with HIV (PLHIV). Although HIV and veteran status are known risk factors for smoking, there are no population estimates of smoking prevalence among veteran PLHIV. Using data from a national random sample (National Survey on Drug Use and Health; 2005–2014), smoking prevalence was estimated by self-reported veteran and HIV status (N = 376,620). Results indicated 42% of veteran PLHIV smoked daily, compared to 18% of veterans without HIV and 30% of non-veteran PLHIV. Findings suggest that veteran PLHIV have high risk for smoking and consequent poor health.