A Pilot Study of Tobacco Screening and Referral for Smoking Cessation Program among HIV-Infected Patients in France

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of tobacco smoking is high among patients living with HIV, supporting the need for effective targeted interventions. Materials and Methods: All current smokers at our outpatient HIV clinic were invited to participate in a smoking cessation program. Results: Of the 716 patients living with HIV, 280 (39%) reported active smoking and were younger, more recently HIV infected and more frequently infected due to intravenous drug use (IDU). One hundred forty-seven (53%) smokers agreed to participate in the smoking cessation program and had a higher Fagerström score and were less likely IDU. During follow-up, 41 (28%) smokers withdrew from the program. After 6 months, 60 (57%) of the 106 smokers who completed the intervention had stopped tobacco smoking and were more likely to use varenicline, adjusting for a history of depression. Conclusion: Our smoking cessation program was feasible. However, strategies to reach and retain in smoking cessation program specific groups such as IDU are needed to improve the smoking cessation cascade.