Within the HIV-positive population, an estimated 50-70%[1-3] of individuals smoke. Despite this alarmingly high rate, HIV-positive smokers have not been targeted for intervention due to the poor prognosis of their disease. However, with new antiretroviral regimens, HIV-positive individuals are now living longer. As longevity increases, HIV-positive individuals are more vulnerable to both the long- and short-term impact of cigarette smoking. Smoking is a significant factor in the course, management, and quality of life for patients with HIV/AIDS. Preliminary research suggests that 62% of HIV-positive smokers are considering quitting smoking [3]. Currently no published studies have explored the efficacy of a smoking cessation intervention for HIV-positive smokers who are interested in quitting smoking. Our goal is cto assess a smoking cessation intervention targeted to an HIV/AIDS patient population.
1. To compare a Cell Phone Intervention (CPI) - a targeted, proactive cellular telephone delivered smoking cessation treatment focused on the special needs and concerns of a low income, multi-ethnic, HIV-positive population - to a Recommended Standard of Care (RSOC) treatment in a randomized controlled trial.2. To evaluate the association of self-efficacy, negative affect, coping behavior, and quality of life with smoking status. |