The association of HIV and cocaine use to cigarette smoking in the context of depression and perceived stress

Abstract

Mental well-being can contribute to cigarette smoking and negatively impact disease progression among people living with HIV (PLWH). This study examined potential associations between cocaine use (COC), depression, and HIV status in predicting cigarette smoking; hypothesizing that depression would be highest in cocaine users and predict cigarette smoking. An exploratory analysis including stress was also examined as a potential predictor of cigarette use. A series of generalized linear models (GLMs) were conducted examining potential differences in smoking behaviors among the different groups (composed of the different combinations of HIV status and cocaine use) from a community sample (N = 512). More than half of the sample (65%) endorsed smoking at some point in the past, and 52% endorsed being current smokers at the time of the study. Smokers were most likely to be cocaine users (87.1%), cocaine using PLWH (74.3%), or PLWH (36.6%). Neither HIV status (χ 2 (1) = 1.5, p = .221), perceived stress (χ 2 (1) = 0.75 p = .386), nor depressive symptomatology (χ 2 (1) = 1.2, p = .274) were related to smoking. Noncocaine users were approximately 95.4% less likely to smoke than cocaine users, controlling for all other variables. Overall, cocaine use was the greatest predictor of cigarette smoking and quantity of cigarettes smoked. Perceived stress and depression were not associated with cigarette smoking in the sample. Future interventions targeting cigarette use should include a cocainerelated component to encourage smoking cessation among this high-risk group.

Vaporized Nicotine (E-Cigarette) and Tobacco Smoking Among People With HIV: Use Patterns and Associations With Depression and Panic Symptoms

“…32 Furthermore, findings have been mixed regarding the association between mental health and CC use among PWH and the general population, ranging from no association to worse depression and anxiety symptoms. 33–37 Emerging evidence among the general population has suggested a dose-dependent association between VN use and depressive symptoms, 38 further highlighting the importance of examining VN use patterns and associations with mental health symptoms among PWH who are at higher risk for these outcomes. 39…”

“…32 Furthermore, findings have been mixed regarding the association between mental health and CC use among PWH and the general population, ranging from no association to worse depression and anxiety symptoms. [33][34][35][36][37] Emerging evidence among the general population has suggested a dosedependent association between VN use and depressive symptoms, 38 further highlighting the importance of examining VN use patterns and associations with mental health symptoms among PWH who are at higher risk for these outcomes. 39 To address the dearth of knowledge in this area, we examined patterns of VN and CC use among PWH engaged in care in the United States and evaluated associations with demographic characteristics as well as symptoms of depression and panic.…”