Document Type
Article
Department
Internal Medicine (East 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.
Publication (Name of Journal)
S Afr Med J
Recommended Citation
Waweru, P.,
Anderson, R.,
Steel, H.,
Venter, W.,
Murdoch, D.,
Feldman, C.
(2013). The prevalence of smoking and the knowledge of smoking hazards and smoking cessation strategies among hiv positive patients in johannesburg, south africa. S Afr Med J, 103(11), 858-860.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_intern_med/26
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