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An estimated 45% to 70% of people living with HIV infection smoke cigarettes, which increases all-cause mortality more than fourfold and non-AIDS-related mortality more than fivefold (NEJM JW AIDS Clin Care Jan 28 2013). To address this problem, researchers at an HIV clinic in Houston, Texas, assessed the effectiveness of cell phone–delivered smoking-cessation therapy.
A total of 474 HIV-infected smokers (70% male, 76% black, 79% unemployed) were randomized to one of two treatment groups. The usual care group received written materials on smoking cessation and instructions to obtain nicotine replacement therapy; the intervention group received usual care plus 3 months of proactive phone counseling, access to a support hotline, and pre-paid c…