A cross-sectional study of attitudes and behaviors of snuff use and cessation among people with and without HIV in South Africa

Abstract

Background Despite a high (48%) prevalence of snuff use among women with HIV in South Africa, little is known of the attitudes and behaviors of use, strategies for cessation, and potential health risks. Methods In a cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was administered to adults (≥18 years) with (HIV+) and without HIV (HIV−) who self-reported current snuff use to collect information on demographics, snuff use and cessation attempts, preferred strategies for cessation, other substance use, history of respiratory illness, and mental health. Results 150 (74 HIV+, 76 HIV−) participants were enrolled; 115 (77%) were daily snuff users, 6 (4%) were current smokers, and 17 (11%) former smokers. Top reasons for current snuff use included improving health (n = 48, 32%), reducing stress (n = 26, 16%), and “being a habit” (n = 38, 25%). Participants believed snuff use to have mostly positive (n = 68, 46%) or no (n = 54, 36%) health impacts, and 57 (38%) participants believed snuff cures headaches. 103 (69%) participants reported a previous quit attempt, and 110 (73%) indicated high interest in quitting snuff. Although 105 (70%) participants indicated that advice from a healthcare provider would aid them in quitting snuff, only 30 (20%) reported ever receiving that advice. A majority of participants (n = 141, 94%) suffer from moderate to high levels of perceived stress, and overall few differences were seen by HIV status. Conclusions Education on negative impacts of snuff, advice to quit from healthcare providers, and nicotine replacement therapy should be considered in the development of a snuff cessation program.