Barriers and facilitators to delivering tobacco cessation interventions at HIV care clinics in Sub-Saharan Africa: Qualitative application of the consolidated framework forimplementation research
Qualitative study investigates barriers and facilitators to tobacco cessation interventions in PLWH, indicating significant challenges in implementation.
Key Points
This study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing tobacco cessation interventions for people living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Implemented Quit4life+ trial across 16 HIV clinics in Uganda and Zambia from July 2021 to October 2025.
Analyzed qualitative data from quarterly site reports, health systems assessments, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with healthcare providers and PLWH.
Utilized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to evaluate challenges in implementation.
Acceptability of tobacco cessation interventions was enhanced by evidence-based practices and culturally adapted messages.
Challenges to adoption included high costs and external factors like civil unrest and poor access to clinics.
Inner setting barriers such as overcrowded clinics and staff turnover limited the successful implementation of cessation support.