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Health Effects of the Standardized Research E-Cigarette in Smokers With HIV Smokers With HIV

Health Effects of the Standardized Research E-Cigarette for Harm Reduction in Smokers With HIV

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosed with and engaged in care for HIV (defined as at least one HIV clinic medical appointment within the past six month period)
* at least 18 years of age
* smoke at least 5 cigarettes per day for longer than one year
* exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) level greater than 5 at BL

Exclusion Criteria:

* intention to quit smoking in the next 30 days
* currently using pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation
* currently using electronic cigarettes more than 2 days/week
* unstable medical or psychiatric condition (defined as hospitalization)
* medical contraindications to nicotine (unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, or recent cardiovascular event, including hospitalization)
* psychotic symptoms
* substance use disorder other than nicotine dependence
* past-month suicidal ideation or past-year suicide attempt
* pregnant or nursing.

About the study

Cigarette smoking is more prevalent (50-70%) in persons living with HIV in the U.S. when compared with the general population and is linked to increased rates of heart disease, lung diseases and infections, and lung cancers. Because of their high levels of nicotine dependence, low quit rates, and familiarity with harm reduction, HIV-positive smokers may view the use of alternative nicotine delivery products, such as electronic cigarettes (ECs), as an attractive option for reducing and eventually stopping combustible cigarette use. However, little is known about the health effects of electronic cigarette use in HIV-positive smokers. Some studies have shown that electronic cigarette use was associated with increased confidence to quit smoking in the general population. The primary objectives of this project are to examine whether HIV-positive smokers, who are unwilling or unable to quit smoking, will substitute an electronic cigarette for regular cigarettes, and to examine whether there are any changes in heart and lung health in HIV-positive smokers who switch from regular cigarettes to electronic cigarettes.

What is being tested

• Standardized Research Electronic Cigarette (device)

Sponsor: Brown University · Participants: 72 · Started: Mar 1, 2022

Contact the study team

• PATRICIA A CIOE, PhD · Phone: 401-863-6638
• Jasmine DiLorenzo, BA · Phone: 401-863-6645

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT03862924

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Smoking and Youth

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 2, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.