Grant: Catalyst Grant: HIV/AIDS and Co-morbidities - Hlth Svs/Pop Hlth

This proposal addresses important complex HIV co-morbidity issues, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and depression among people living with HIV (PHAs) who smoke. Research shows very high rates of smoking (35-70%), depression (40-60%) and CVD among PHAs. Smoking results in high rates of CVD, and depression increases the risk of smoking and relapse. To date, little research has examined potential solutions to these problems. Clinicians and researchers are very eager for evidence-based quit smoking strategies tailored to the needs of PHAs. We have three goals for this CIHR catalyst grant. The first goal is to create innovative multi-disciplinary research partnerships across Canada to address the links between HIV, smoking, depression and CVD. The second goal is to assess the feasibility of conducting a RCT of the HIV Quit Smoking Intervention Program at partnering HIV clinics across Canada. Smoking rates, interest in quitting among PHAs, and staffing needs will be evaluated at partnering HIV clinics. The third goal is to design a multi-site RCT for the HIV Quit Smoking Intervention Program. First, focus groups will be conducted across Canada with PHA smokers from diverse groups (e.g. gay youth, longterm survivors, aboriginals, women) and this will ensure that diverse needs are addressed. Second, national meetings of partnering sites and collaborators will result in a RCT proposal. These meetings will be informed by results of a pilot study of the HIV Quit Smoking Program currently underway at our centre. This catalyst funding will provide the opportunity for Canadian clinical researchers to partner together, transfer knowledge, and become leaders in specialized treatment for HIV+ smokers in order to improve the health and functioning of PHAs across Canada. We believe that our proposed HIV Quit Smoking Program has tremendous potential to have a high impact, and address the important co-morbidities of CVD depression, and smoking among PHAs across Canada.