The intersection of smoking and HIV/AIDS poses a serious public health threat in Vietnam. Vietnam is dealing with these two challenges with parallel rather than integrated plans. Using a computer-tailored texting intervention, study investigators seek to promote the use of an underused, available, government-funded resource (the Quitline) and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) that the quitline provides, thus, promoting cessation among PLWH.
M2Q2-HIV \[mHealth Messaging to Motivate Quitline Use and Quitting among Persons Living with HIV (PLWH) in Vietnam (M2Q2-HIV)\] is an adaptation of a current computer-tailored smoking cessation intervention in Vietnam. Study investigators seek to promote underused government resources for public health (the Quitline) and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) among PLWH in a sustainable manner. Investigators will test M2Q2-HIV by conducting a randomized control trial with 600 PLWH smokers in two provinces in Northern Vietnam (26 clinics; 9,877 HIV patients). In Aim 1, study investigators will conduct formative work to prepare the M2Q2-HIV system for PLWH smokers. In Aim 2, the study team will randomize and follow smokers for six months. The study's effectiveness hypothesis will evaluate carbon monoxide (CO) verified, six-month, seven-day point prevalence cessation. Process hypotheses will evaluate self-efficacy, Quitline, and NRT use and test our hypothesized model that specific measured processes will partially mediate observed intervention effectiveness. Using qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and PLWH smokers, Aim 3 will support nationwide M2Q2-HIV dissemination assessing acceptability and contextual factors guided by the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM). This project builds upon a long-standing, successful collaboration between institutions in Vietnam (Ministry of Health, Bach Mai Quitline, Institute of Population Health and Development, Hanoi Medical University) and UMass Chan Medical School. The study team has expertise in smoking cessation, HIV intervention, including stigma related to concomitant substance use, and implementation of complex interventions. If proven effective, the Vietnam Ministry of Health is committed to incorporating M2Q2-HIV as a permanent part of the national infrastructure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
600
Participants in the intervention group will be exposed to the texting intervention through a series of culturally tailored assessments and motivational text messages from the text messaging system sent throughout the 6 months of duration of the study.
Participants in the comparison group will be exposed to a brief set of five texts with facts about smoking risks and assessment messages that are not culturally tailored from the text messaging system.
UMass Chan Medical School
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Institute of Population, Health, and Development (PHAD)
Hanoi, Vietnam
Smoking Cessation Rate
At six months, we will assess 7-day point prevalence cessation, based on the following question: "Do you currently smoke tobacco (smoked even 1 puff in the last 7 days)?" The Society of Nicotine and Tobacco Research has recommended this measure.
Time frame: At 6 months post-randomization
Self-Efficacy
Self-Efficacy, as measured by the Smoking Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SEQ-12) questionnaire. The score for each question ranges on a 4-point Likert scale from 0-3. SEQ-12 score ranges from 0-36, with higher values indicating higher self-efficacy for smoking cessation. The aggregate score will only be computed if no more than 2 out of the 12 questionnaire items had missing or 'not applicable' responses.
Time frame: 0-month (baseline) and 6-months post-randomization
HIV-Related Stigma
HIV-related stigma, measured using a survey assessing five indicators of HIV/AIDS-related stigma according to USAID: (1) blame, judgment; (2) shame; (3) enacted stigma/discrimination; (4) disclosure; and (5) fear of casual transmission and refusal of contact. Survey response options include (1) Yes, (2) No, and (3) No answer. A response of "yes" to one or more survey questions will indicate the presence of HIV-related stigma.
Time frame: 0-month (baseline) and 6-months post-randomization
Quitline Use
The quitline staff will record details of intake assessment (time on call, readiness to quit, quit date, and goal-setting) and fidelity of follow-up call completion.
Time frame: 6-months post-randomization
NRT Use
The quitline staff will document the distribution of NRT lozenge and smoker use of NRT during follow-up.
Time frame: 6-months post-randomization
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