HIV patients’ perceptions of a potential multi-component mindfulness-based smoking cessation smartphone application intervention

Abstract

Objectives Cigarette smoking rates among people living with HIV (PLWH) in the US is triple that of the general population. PLWH smokers are a high-risk group for smoking-related health disparities and should be a prime focus for smoking cessation efforts. Our team has developed a novel evidence-based Mindfulness Training (MT) smoking cessation smartphone application (app), “Craving-to-Quit.” Using qualitative focus groups among PLWH smokers, this study aims to tailor and optimize the app’s content and design to PLWH’s unique psychosocial profile and needs. Methods We conducted 8 focus groups among PLWH smokers (n = 59; 47.5% females; ≥18 years) to gain insight into participants’ perceptions about the app, MT, and the feasibility and acceptability of adding two additional strategies (CM: Contingency Management; self-monitoring of anti-retroviral therapies intake [ART]) to further optimize the app. Participants were asked to practice MTs and watch videos from the app presented on a screen in the conference room to discuss their experience. Sessions were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically using NVivo. Results Most participants were non-Hispanic black (67.8%), on a federal health insurance program (61.0%). Participants considered it easy to learn the app and thought that MT is helpful in reducing stress and motivating quit attempts and were supportive of adding CM and recommended providing $20-$50 weekly cash incentives to help in quitting. Participants felt that adding self-monitoring of ART is helpful but were concerned about confidentiality in case they lost their phone. Participants recommended making the app cost-free and adding information about smoking cessation medications and the negative effects of smoking among PLWH. Conclusions Findings will guide the development of a novel multi-component smoking cessation intervention app integrating MT, CM, and ART self-monitoring strategies. This intervention has the potential to address several barriers to quitting in PLWH. Further clinical research is needed to test this intervention.

A study of the factors influencing HIV-preventive intentions among “hookup” application users

“…According to Liu et al ( 2022a ) and Chen et al ( 2022c ), mobile health overcomes many obstacles associated with traditional mindfulness meditation training. Some studies discussed users' perceptions of HIV prevention using the HBM (Liu H. et al, 2022 ) or health behavior changes based on the intervention of mindfulness (Asfar et al, 2022 ). However, few studies explored the effects of dating apps from a perspective that combines mindfulness with the HBM or the TPB.…”

Technology-based interventions for tobacco smoking prevention and treatment: a 20-year bibliometric analysis (2003–2022)

“… Developing personalized/tailored interventions for smoking cessation [ 66 , 67 ]. Addressing smoking cessation interventions for specific populations such as socioeconomically disadvantaged young adults, people living with HIV, cancer survivors, and veterans [ 68 , 69 ]. Use of technology-based interventions in countries that are not in North America or Western Europe, such as Thailand, South Africa, Brazil, and Japan [ 70 , 71 ].…”

“…Addressing smoking cessation interventions for specific populations such as socioeconomically disadvantaged young adults, people living with HIV, cancer survivors, and veterans [ 68 , 69 ].…”