Smoking Cessation within the HIV population

Audience: Students and local/state tobacco control professionals will benefit from this presentation focusing on increasing diversity of populations served, while encouraging partnerships with local and state HIV providers.

Key Points: It’s essential that tobacco prevention providers begin collaborating with the HIV community for tobacco prevention and cessation.  Nationwide, the prevalence of cigarette smoking is estimated to be 50-70% among HIV-infected persons. Smoking is associated with increased incidences of bacterial pneumonia and other AIDS defining illnesses, malignancies, and mortality risk compared to HIV+ non-smokers.  Nationwide there is a system of care in place to address the needs of people with HIV/AIDS.  Tobacco cessation professionals must partner with these systems to bring cessation efforts to this high risk disparate population. 

Educational Experience: This presentation focuses on the relationship between the AIDS Service Organization and the Tobacco Prevention Coordinator in Allen County, Indiana.  It details the cultivation of the relationship, as well as how the needs of the population has been met by both referring to cessation efforts and educating about the increased health risks for those with HIV who use tobacco by the system of care already in place.

Benefits: Participants will leave the presentation with an understanding of the increased risks related to HIV and tobacco, knowledge of what an AIDS Service Organization is and how to find them in their area, best ways to partner with these organizations, and potential next steps that can apply at the state level for interventions with those with HIV/AIDS.