Racial/ethnic differences in perceived risks and benefits of quitting smoking in a sample of African American and Hispanic adults living with HIV/AIDS: A preliminary study

Persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) report very high prevalences of cigarette smoking, and there are racial/ethnic disparities in smoking consequences and quit outcomes. In this exploratory pilot study, we examined racial/ethnic differences in perceived risks and benefits of quitting cigarette smoking among 97 adult PLWH in the Bronx, New York (Hispanic, 53.6%; African American, 46.4%). Compared to African American PLWH, Hispanic PLWH reported greater endorsement of overall risks and benefits and risks of negative affect, difficulty concentrating, social ostracism, loss of enjoyment, and cravings. It may be useful to incorporate risks and benefits of quitting into smoking treatment for African American and Hispanic PLWH.