Recombinant HIV-2 Gp160 Protein (CAM2)

Rationale People with HIV (PWH) smoke cigarettes at much higher rates than the general population and evidence-based cessation methods are less effective, putting PWH at greater risk for negative health outcomes. It is critical to identify the factors that underlie this health disparity. Delay discounting-the decline in the value of a reward when it is delayed-may explain this disparity. Objectives This study aimed to (1) compare delay discounting between adult smokers with HIV and without HIV and (2) evaluate whether acute smoking abstinence disproportionately increases delay discounting among smokers with HIV. Methods This sub-study was part of a larger study (NCT03169101) examining predictors of smoking cessation outcomes among smokers with HIV (n = 34) and smokers without HIV (n = 46) at two counterbalanced laboratory sessions (once smoking-as-usual and once following 24-h biochemically confirmed abstinence) then again, after 8 weeks of smoking cessation treatment. Results There were no significant differences in delay discounting rates between HIV status groups (p = 0.49) or within-subject abstinence effects (p = 0.70). However, smokers without HIV exhibited a significant increase in delay discounting following smoking cessation treatment compared to baseline (p = 0.02), whereas the change among smokers with HIV did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.09). Conclusions These findings do not support differences in delay discounting as a reason for the lower success rates of HIV+ smokers at quitting. Although delay discounting may not explain the disparity in smoking rates between people with and without HIV, future work should focus on additional correlates of higher smoking rates and lower quit rates among people with HIV.

Objectives: Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent among persons with HIV (PWH), which is concerning due to their increased risk of developing smoking-related cancers compared to those without HIV. Smoking cessation rates are substantially lower among PWH compared to the general population and less than half report a goal of total abstinence. Given these factors, a switch to electronic cigarettes (ECs), as a form of tobacco harm reduction, may be a viable approach to decreasing tobacco-related morbidity and mortality in PWH. The US Food and Drug Administration has the authority to implement product standards for cigarettes, including ECs and flavors. Methods: This qualitative study enrolled 19 HIV-positive smokers into an EC switch study. At Week 12, qualitative interviews were conducted to examine EC perceptions and flavor preferences. Results: ECs were viewed as a less harmful, cost-effective method of reducing or eliminating CC smoking, and non-tobacco flavors were an essential part of EC appeal and use. Conclusions: Flavored EC liquid seems to enhance the user experience and may influence the user's ability to make a complete switch. Tobacco harm reduction, as a strategy, will only be effective if current evidence guides tobacco regulatory decisions.