Patterns and Correlates of Multiple tobacco Product use Among people With HIV in India

Introduction: Multiple tobacco product (MTP) use may intensify nicotine dependence and reduce the chances of quitting success. Characterizing MTP use in people with HIV (PWH) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is needed to guide cessation approaches in this group. This study aimed to identify patterns and correlates of MTP use among PWH in a single clinic. Methods: This study was conducted among PWH at a clinic in Chennai, India. Participants completed an in-person survey providing information on tobacco use, demographics, and cessation-related factors. This analysis focused on PWH who reported current tobacco use. We used Fisher's exact test (categorical variables) and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test (continuous variables) to assess statistical differences in demographics and cessation-related factors between PWH who used single vs multiple tobacco products. Results: Of 154 PWH adults surveyed, 58 (37.7%) reported current tobacco use. Most PWH currently using tobacco were male (n = 49/58, 84%), with a median age of 21 years (IQR: 10). Forty-six percent (n = 27/58; 95% CI: 33% - 60%) reported MTP use, combining three products (IQR: 3) on average. Those who used multiple products were more likely to have a higher education level (n = 12/27, 44%; 95% CI: 25% - 65%) compared to those who used a single product (n = 2/16, 12%; 95% CI: 1% - 38%) (P-value = 0.03). A lower proportion of participants who reported MTP use were unemployed (n = 1/27, 97%; 95% CI: 0% - 19%) compared to those who used a single product (n = 5/16, 31%; 95% CI: 11% - 59%) (P-value = 0.04). All other factors, including gender, primary language, marital status, and cessation-related factors, were comparable between PWH who used a single tobacco product and those who used multiple products. Conclusion: Among PWH who currently smoke, almost half use tobacco combined multiple products. MTP use in PWH was linked to higher education levels and employment in this single clinical setting.