HIV and Quitting Smoking — The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded nearly $3.7 million over five years to Dr. Jonathan Shuter, to study the efficacy of group cessation therapy for HIV-infected smokers. It’s estimated that approximately 60 percent of individuals living with HIV in the United States are smokers, the majority of who are interested in quitting. However, there are unique psychosocial characteristics among many HIV-infected smokers, who are not effectively reached through traditional smoking cessation programs. The grant supports study of Positively Smoke Free (PSF), an intensive group cessation program designed specifically for HIV-infected smokers. Dr. Shuter’s trial will investigate the efficacy and cost analysis of PSF, while also assessing specific behaviors that may be linked to successful cessation among this population. Dr. Shuter is professor of clinical medicine.
Posted on: Monday, March 17, 2014