Better ways to help people with HIV in Kenya quit smoking and reduce drinking
Official title: Optimizing Treatment of Co-occurring Smoking and Unhealthy Alcohol use among PWH in Nairobi, Kenya
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11400982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests a plan to help people living with HIV in Nairobi quit smoking and cut back on alcohol by using cytisine and counseling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $323,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA288235-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400982 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living with HIV in Nairobi who currently smoke and drink alcohol heavily.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not currently smoking or not drinking heavily may not benefit from this specific intervention.
What this research studies
If funded, researchers will run a randomized trial in Kenya to see if cytisine plus targeted counseling helps people who smoke and drink more while living with HIV. The study compares a strong counseling approach with standard care, and cytisine versus placebo, to see which combination works best. The aim is to reduce tobacco and alcohol use together, with potential downstream effects on cancer risk and overall health. Kenyan participants who smoke and drink heavily would be invited to join, with careful monitoring and support throughout the trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially fewer cancers and better health for people with HIV who smoke or drink, especially in low-resource settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous tobacco treatment studies in people with HIV show promise, but this exact combination in Kenya is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Himelhoch, Seth S — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Himelhoch, Seth S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving treatment for people with HIV who smoke and drink in Nairobi, Kenya
A study tests a new plan to help people with HIV in Nairobi quit smoking and reduce heavy drinking, using a low-cost medicine and counseling.
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This project tests a combination of counseling and medication to help people with HIV in Nairobi who both smoke and drink cut down or quit.
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This project tries counseling plus or minus the medication bupropion to help people with HIV in Nairobi who smoke and misuse alcohol cut back or stop.
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Improving treatment for people with HIV who smoke and drink alcohol in Kenya
This study is looking for ways to help people living with HIV in Nairobi, Kenya, cut down or quit smoking and drinking alcohol by combining counseling and medication, so they can live healthier lives and lower their risk of serious diseases.
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Biomarkers to detect recent heavy drinking in veterans
A doctor-scientist team is testing blood biomarkers to better identify recent excessive alcohol use in veterans so clinicians can screen, counsel, and care for those at risk.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.