Gender Differences among Smokers Living with HIV

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• HIV Research
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Tobacco use is a leading cause of death for people living with HIV (PLWH).
• Unlike the general population, smoking rates are similar between men and women PLWH.
• Understanding gender differences in smoking among PLWH is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender-specific differences in tobacco use behaviors and outcomes among people living with HIV.
• To explore associations between gender, smoking intensity, substance use, and cessation attempts in PLWH.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 267 smokers living with HIV (54% male, 46% female) enrolled in tobacco treatment trials.
• Comparison of smoking rates, substance use, pharmacotherapy use, asthma prevalence, psychobehavioral factors, and cessation rates between male and female PLWH.

Main Results:

• Men with HIV who smoke exhibited higher rates of heavy smoking and co-occurring substance use.
• Women with HIV who smoke were more likely to utilize pharmacotherapy during cessation attempts.
• Asthma prevalence was significantly higher among female smokers living with HIV.
• No significant gender differences were observed in psychobehavioral domains or smoking cessation success rates.

Conclusions:

• Gender influences specific aspects of tobacco use and related health conditions in people living with HIV.
• While men show higher risk behaviors, women utilize specific cessation aids more frequently.
• Interventions should consider gender-specific needs and health profiles for effective smoking cessation in PLWH.