Objective
Approximately one in four deaths among people living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States can be attributed to cigarette smoking. Using a nationally representative sample of PLWH, this study examines the prevalence, time-trends, and correlates of current cigarette smoking among PLWH compared to people without HIV.
Design
Secondary analysis of population-based cross-sectional biobehavioral survey.
Methods
Data were pooled from the 1999–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). All adults (20–59 years) who self-reported their smoking status and were tested for HIV (HIV+ = 152; HIV− = 26 305) were included in the analysis. Prevalence with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), trend analysis by year and group (HIV+/HIV−), and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with the complex survey design adjustments.
Results
Overall, 47.0% of PLWH were current smokers compared to 25.5% of those without HIV. From 1999 to 2016, the decline in smoking in PLWH was comparable to those without HIV (10.7% vs. 8.0%). PLWH smokers were more likely than PLWH nonsmokers to be substance users (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 17.52; 95% CI = 2.04 to 27.8). Compared to smokers without HIV, PLWH smokers were more likely to be older (1.10; 1.06 to 1.14), males (7.96; 2.50 to 25.40), non-Hispanic Black (10.45; 4.13 to 26.45), with depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 sum score ≥5) (3.79; 1.22 to 11.79), and less likely to be gay (0.02; 0.00 to 0.07).
Conclusion
Cigarette smoking among PLWH is a major public health problem in the United States. Targeted and tailored smoking cessation interventions that incorporate assessment and treatment of depression and co-occurring substance use are critical for PLWH, especially among those who are disproportionately affected by smoking and HIV (sexual minority).
Implications
This study offers important research implications in four areas:
1. The decline in smoking among PLWH over 18 years has been modest, and half of PLWH are still smokers.
2. More resources and efforts should be allocated to reduce cigarette smoking among PLWH.
3. There is a critical need to develop and test culturally tailored smoking cessation interventions for minority subgroups who are most impacted by HIV infection and smoking (non-Hispanic Blacks and men who have sex with men)
4. Smoking cessation interventions designed for PLWH should incorporate assessment and treatment of depression and substance use.
Limited research has examined barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for Mexican immigrant women, especially those living in the eastern United States. This mixed-method study describes SRH care utilization and barriers experienced by female Mexican immigrants living in New York City. One hundred and fifty-one women completed surveys, and twenty-three also participated in focus groups. Usage of SRH care was low apart from prenatal services. The highest barriers included cost, language differences, child care, and poor service quality. After adjusting for insurance status, barriers were associated with receipt of gynecological care from a clinic or private doctor. Greater SRH knowledge was associated with current contraceptive use and a recent PAP test. Women reported that promotoras could increase information about SRH and decrease barriers. Results suggest that in a context where services are geographically available, health care utilization is impacted by lack of knowledge and structural barriers such as language, cost, and child care. Implications for community outreach are discussed.
Results provide mixed evidence regarding the utility of web-based mobile apps, such as ProSolv to support problem solving following brain injury. Implications for Rehabilitation People with cognitive impairments following brain injury often struggle with problem solving in everyday contexts. Research supports problem solving skills training following brain injury. Assistive technology for cognition (smartphones, selected apps) offers a means of supporting problem solving for this population. This project demonstrated the feasibility of a web-based programme to address this need.
Organizational systems change may create a broader, more sustainable environment for increasing communication between youth and adults and increasing resources to promote sexual health.
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