Background

Tobacco use is associated with many health conditions including several types of cancer.[1] The average smoker dies 10 years earlier[2] and starts to suffer disability 12 years earlier than the general population.[3] As of 2016, there were about 7 million people living with HIV (PLWH) in South Africa, with 56%  having access to antiretroviral therapy (ART).[4] PLWH already have a compromised immune system due to their HIV status but this is worsened by the use of tobacco products thus increasing morbidity and mortality rates among this subpopulation.[5, 6] Tobacco userelated conditions such as lung and  oropharyngeal cancers,[7] chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease now account for a growing proportion of morbidity and mortality in this population.[8] PLWH who are heavy drinkers are at an increased risk of a worsened course of HIV/AIDS and are less likely to adhere to their  medication.[9, 10] This policy brief highlights tobacco use behavior among PLWH who are heavy drinkers. We also provide recommendations to promote tobacco use cessation among PLWH.

View the complete Tobacco use and nicotine dependence among people living with HIV who drink heavily in South Africa: A cross-sectional baseline study Policy Brief