The prevalence of smoking and the knowledge of smoking hazards and smoking cessation strategies among HIV- positive patients in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background While the detrimental effects of smoking among HIV positive patients have been well documented, there is a paucity of data regarding cigarette smoking prevalence among these patients in South Africa. Objectives To establish the frequency, demographics, and knowledge of harmful effects and of smoking cessation strategies among HIV-positive patients in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods A prospective cross-sectional survey, using a structured questionnaire interview, of HIV-positive patients attending the HIV Clinic at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between 1 July 2011 and 31 October 2011. Results Of 207 HIV positive patients attending an ARV roll-out clinic, 31 (15%) were current smokers (23% of the males and 7.5% of the females) and a further 45 (21.7%) were ex-smokers. Most of the current smokers (30/31 patients) indicated their wish to quit smoking, and among the group as a whole most patients were aware of the general (82.5%) and HIV-related (77.8%) risks of smoking and of methods of quitting smoking. Despite this, however, most (61.8%) were not aware of whom they could approach for assistance and advice. Conclusions Given the relatively high prevalence of current and ex-smokers amongst HIV positive patients there is a need for the introduction of smoking cessation strategies and assistance at HIV-rollout clinics in South Africa.

Prevalence and factors associated with tobacco use among adults attending selected healthcare facilities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

“…5 The prevalence found in this study was slightly lower than the reported national prevalence for tobacco use: 18.1%, 16.9% and 17.6% in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. 16,21,22 However, our result was similar to a report by Waweru et al, 28 which found a smoking prevalence of 15% among adults in Johannesburg, South Africa. In South Africa, the prevalence of smoking was reported to have modestly reduced between 2004 and 2014, from 24% to 20%; however, there was no reduction in the number of smokers, due to population growth.…”

Sex Differences in Select Non-communicable HIV-Associated Comorbidities: Exploring the Role of Systemic Immune Activation/Inflammation

“…By contrast, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of cigarette smoking appears to be much lower among MLHIV and especially among WLHIV. A smoking prevalence study out of South African suggests 23.2% of MLHIV in the region and 7.4% of WLHIV in the region report active cigarette smoking (89). Among PLHIV, smoking is known to enhance systemic immune activation(83) and augment the risk of select CVD and NADC(90) .…”

Substance Use and Associated Factors among Retro Viral Infected (RVI) Patients on Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) at Assela Teaching Hospital

“…However, it was lower in this study which is 0.7%. The prevalence of current smoker is 1.2% which is not significant compared to similar studies done in South Africa (15%), in Vietnam (36.1%), in Birmingham University (39%), Uruguay (42.4%) and China (62%) [18,[22][23][24]. Thus the prevalence of current smoking among HIV infected person is considerably higher worldwide due to urbanization, civilization and higher educational level.…”