Helping people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa quit smoking and reduce harm from tobacco use
Official title: Evaluating Smoking Cessation and Harm Reduction Approaches among People Living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10653226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help people with HIV/AIDS in South Africa quit smoking by using a telehealth program that offers support through texting, comparing e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement options to see which works better for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $209,650 |
| NIH project number | 5R21TW012365-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10653226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa who currently smoke combustible cigarettes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke or are not living with HIV/AIDS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing effective strategies to help individuals living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa quit smoking combustible cigarettes and reduce harm from tobacco use. It employs a telehealth program that compares the use of e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy, enhanced by real-time texting support. The study aims to improve health outcomes and survival rates for smokers within this vulnerable population by utilizing a comprehensive approach based on behavioral science. Participants will engage in a mixed methods evaluation to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health and longer lives for people living with HIV/AIDS who smoke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using telehealth and behavioral interventions for smoking cessation, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Shahawy, Omar — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: El-Shahawy, Omar
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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.