Reducing tobacco use in people living with HIV in Switzerland

Reduce Tobacco Use in People Living With HIV in Switzerland: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial Within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06789692

This study is testing if using e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches can help people living with HIV quit smoking for a week after six months.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment972 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Sankt Gallen, Canton of St. Gallen and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06789692 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various tobacco smoking substitution products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, in helping smokers living with HIV achieve a 7-day tobacco cigarette abstinence at 6 months. Participants will be recruited from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and will receive these alternatives alongside usual care. The study addresses the high prevalence of smoking among people living with HIV, focusing on harm reduction strategies to improve health outcomes. By comparing these newer products to traditional nicotine replacement therapies, the trial seeks to identify more effective cessation methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who smoke at least one tobacco cigarette per day and are living with HIV.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently using e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, or nicotine patches, as well as pregnant women, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective approach to smoking cessation for people living with HIV, potentially reducing their risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar harm reduction approaches using e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, indicating potential for this trial's methodology.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signed informed consent for the data collection and participation in the SHCS (Cohort consent).
* Signed informed consent to be randomized to future interventions (Randomization consent).
* Age 18 years or older.
* Smoked one or more tobacco cigarettes per day (smoking status = yes) at the time of enrolment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently using e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches or nicotine patches.
* Pregnant women.

Where this trial is running

Sankt Gallen, Canton of St. Gallen and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HIVSmokingtobacco smokinge-cigarettestobacco-free nicotine pouchesTrials within Cohorts
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.