Gender differences in internalized HIV stigma and motivation to quit smoking in a sample of adults living with HIV/AIDS

Background: This study examined gender differences in internalized HIV stigma (IHS), cigarette dependence, and motivation to quit cigarette smoking and whether IHS moderated the relationship between gender and each smoking variable (i.e. cigarette dependence, motivation to quit smoking) in a sample of people with HIV (PWH) in the Bronx. Methods: Two hundred and eighty-seven PWH (44.2% female, M^age = 50.61, 53.3% Black, 50.5% current cigarette use) completed measures of demographics, cigarette smoking, and IHS. Results: Males reported higher levels of IHS compared to females (p < 0.05). Males and females reported similar levels of cigarette dependence; however, females reported lower motivation to quit smoking (p < 0.05). Among PWH who smoke, IHS moderated the relationship between gender and motivation to quit smoking (p < 0.05), but not cigarette dependence. Conclusions: Findings highlight the potential need for gender-responsive HIV interventions that combine smoking cessation, motivational interviewing, and strategies to address stigma surrounding gender, smoking, and HIV.