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. 2013 Sep 30;103(11):858-60.
doi: 10.7196/samj.7388.

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

Peter Waweru  1 , Ronald Anderson, Helen Steel, W D Francois Venter, David Murdoch, Charles Feldman
Affiliations

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

Peter Waweru et al. S Afr Med J. .

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 (SA).

Objectives: To establish the frequency, demographics, knowledge of harmful effects, and knowledge of smoking cessation strategies among HIV-positive patients in Johannesburg, SA.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire to interview HIV-positive patients attending the 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 their wish to quit smoking, and among the group as a whole, most patients were aware of the general (82.1%) and HIV-related (77.8%) risks of smoking and of methods for quitting smoking. Despite this, however, most (62.3%) were not aware of who they could approach for assistance and advice.

Conclusions: Given the relatively high prevalence of current and ex-smokers among HIV-positive patients, there is a need for the introduction of smoking-cessation strategies and assistance at ART roll-out clinics in SA.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None of the authors have a conflict of interest to declare

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