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

摘要

BACKGROUND. While the detrimental effects of smoking among HIV-positive patients have been well documented, there is a paucity of dataregarding cigarette smoking prevalence among these patients in South Africa (SA).OBJECTIVES. To establish the frequency, demographics, knowledge of harmful effects, and knowledge of smoking cessation strategies amongHIV-positive patients in Johannesburg, SA.METHODS. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire to interview HIV-positive patients attendingthe HIV Clinic at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between 1 July and 31 October 2011.RESULTS. Of 207 HIV-positive patients attending an antiretroviral therapy (ART) roll-out clinic, 31 (15%) were current smokers (23.2%of males and 7.4% of females) and a further 45 (21.7%) were ex-smokers. Most of the current smokers (30/31 patients) indicated theirwish to quit smoking, and among the group as a whole, most patients were aware of the general (82.1%) and HIV-related (77.8%) risksof smoking and of methods for quitting smoking. Despite this, however, most (62.3%) were not aware of who they could approach forassistance and advice.CONCLUSIONS. Given the relatively high prevalence of current and ex-smokers among HIV-positive patients, there is a need for theintroduction of smoking-cessation strategies and assistance at ART roll-out clinics in SA.