July 07, 2023
In an effort to address the prevalence of tobacco use among people living with HIV/AIDS in Botswana, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), in collaboration with the University of Botswana and Bummhi, launched the Botswana Smoking Abstinence Reinforcement Trial (BSMART) Study. This initiative, a 5-year U.S. National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institutes grant, aims to improve the health outcomes of HIV-positive individuals and reduce the burden of smoking-related co-morbidities.
BSMART’s Overview and Goals
The BSMART Study encompasses several key objectives. Firstly, it aims to assess the reach and effectiveness of the intervention, ensuring its impact on targeted individuals. Secondly, the project aims to evaluate the adoption and implementation of BSMART, focusing on the quality and consistency of intervention delivery. Third, the study seeks to determine whether the intervention can be integrated into routine practices, ensuring long-term sustainability. Lastly, the preliminary cost-effectiveness of BSMART will be analysed to demonstrate the value of this vital initiative.
BSMART focuses on identifying effective interventions for HIV-positive individuals who smoke. The project employs a comprehensive approach, combining the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) methodology with the use of Varenicline, a medication aiding smoking cessation. By implementing SBIRT, BSMART offers early interventions to individuals engaged in HIV care who are struggling with smoking.
The BSMART Study will be rolled out across 15 randomly selected facilities, ensuring a broad and representative sample. Eligible participants for the study include individuals who are living with HIV, self-report as daily smokers, are 18 years and older, have been engaged in HIV care and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for approximately six months, and are willing to provide consent.
Collaboration in Addressing Effects of Smoking
When officially opening the launch on May 23, 2023, Bummhi CEO Dr. Ndwapi Ndwapi emphasized the importance of implementation research in evaluating the feasibility and acceptance of new interventions. “By forging strategic partnerships with academia, the project aims to empower and capacitate communities with knowledge,” he said.
Professor Manhattan Charurat, representing UMB, shed light on the alarming prevalence of tobacco use among individuals living with HIV in Southern Africa, with Botswana being no exception. “There are notable adverse effects of smoking which aggravate HIV-related co-morbidities, leading to increased mortality rates,” he explained. Lung cancer alone accounts for a staggering 20% of the cancer burden in this population.
The launch of the BSMART Study signifies a significant step forward in tackling tobacco use among HIV-positive individuals in Botswana. Through collaborative efforts, the project aims to improve the health outcomes of this vulnerable population, reduce the burden of smoking-related co-morbidities, and ultimately save lives. By harnessing the power of evidence-based interventions and strategic partnerships, BSMART is poised to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of individuals living with HIV in Botswana and beyond.
Contact
Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity
Institute of Human Virology
Anthony Okoth
Regional Communications Specialist
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