Characteristics of tobacco cigarette consumption among people living with HIV in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of smoking is higher among people living with HIV.  Aim: To describe the characteristics of tobacco cigarette smoking among people living with HIV.

Patients and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted using a survey. The association among the variables studied and current tobacco use and smoking cessation was analyzed using a bivariate analysis (2x2 tables and Fisher’s test) and a multivariate analysis (logistic regression).

Results: 66.9% smoked at some point; 36.9% were current smokers; 79.8% tried to quit; 22.2% recalled receiving medical advice about smoking; 70.4% had low dependence; 41.4% had low motivation to quit. Current cigarette smoking was associated with being female, being under 50 years of age, having an education level below the tertiary level, having used drugs or alcohol excessively, and living with smokers. Smoking cessation was associated with being male, abstaining from alcohol or drugs, and not living with smokers. Smoking intensity increased with age and was higher among those with lower education levels.

Conclusions: We noted a high proportion of smokers among people living with HIV. We identified variables associated with a higher prevalence of smoking. Most people did not recall any medical advice about smoking. Physicians who care for this population must become more involved in addressing tobacco use.