Optimizing behavioral and pharmacological smoking cessation interventions among people with HIV

Perspectives on Clinical Pharmacist-Delivered Contingency Management to Promote Smoking Abstinence Among Individuals with HIV: A Qualitative Study

Contingency management (CM), an evidence-based behavioral strategy that rewards positive behavior change including tobacco cessation, is rarely offered to support people with HIV (PWH) who smoke. In this study, we explored perspectives among patients and research staff engaged in a multi-site randomized clinical trial involving clinical pharmacist-delivered CM within HIV clinics. Between February and September 2023, we conducted 1:1 interviews with 12 PWH randomized to receive CM and one focus group with 8 staff (i.e., clinical pharmacists and research coordinators). Qualitative data collection and analysis were grounded in the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) implementation science framework to understand barriers and facilitators related to evidence (perspectives on CM for smoking cessation), context (HIV clinics), and facilitation (promoting effectiveness and sustainability). Regarding evidence, PWH and staff had limited prior experience with CM and supported the use of exhaled carbon monoxide to promote accountability. PWH and staff thought CM was useful in bolstering internal motivation, but differed on ideal target behaviors (i.e., cessation vs. reduction). Regarding context, clinical pharmacist-delivered tobacco treatment within HIV clinics was viewed favorably, with mixed perspectives regarding optimal visit schedules and utility of remote CM. Regarding facilitation, PWH and research staff discussed strategies to increase participant engagement and retention such as incorporating behavioral counseling services. PWH endorsed application of CM beyond smoking cessation and for people without HIV. Future efforts should consider expanding the use of CM to target smoking cessation and related health behaviors and tailoring the intervention to individual needs and goals.

Efficacy of Smoking Cessation Interventions among People with HIV in Kenya

BACKGROUND

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) smoke at much higher rates than the general population, resulting in higher risk for tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. The efficacy of smoking cessation interventions among people with HIV in lower-middle-income countries remains unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, 2 × 2 factorial design trial based in Nairobi, Kenya, to evaluate the efficacy of bupropion versus placebo, and a culturally tailored behavioral cessation therapy, called Positively Smoke Free (PSF), versus standard of care for people with HIV who smoke. The primary outcome was 7-day point prevalence abstinence confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide <7 ppm at 36 weeks.

RESULTS

Between June 2020 and August 2023, 300 participants were randomly assigned. Most participants were men (71.4%) who were moderately dependent on nicotine (Fagerström Test of Cigarette Dependence, mean [SD]: 4.5 [2.3]; range: 0-10; higher scores represent greater physical dependence on nicotine); nearly all participants (99.7%) were taking antiretroviral medication. At 36 weeks, 31.3% of participants who received bupropion were abstinent from smoking, compared with 13.3% in the placebo group (odds ratio, 2.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-5.32, P<0.001). Among participants randomized to receive PSF therapy, 29.5% were abstinent from smoking, compared with 14.9% in the standard of care group (odds ratio, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.34-4.25, P=0.003). The combination of bupropion+PSF was associated with increased abstinence compared with either bupropion (38.9% vs. 23.6%; odds ratio, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.00-4.23) or PSF (38.9% vs. 20.3%; odds ratio, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.20-5.24) alone. Participants randomized to receive bupropion were significantly more likely to report excessive sweating compared with placebo (50.7% vs. 37.6%; P=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Both bupropion and PSF cessation counseling were effective in promoting abstinence from smoking at 36 weeks. The combined intervention was associated with higher abstinence rates than either therapy alone. (The National Cancer Institute provided support for this trial through grant R01CA225419.).