Human immunodeficiency virus, smoking and self-rated health in Harare, Zimbabwe.
METHODS
Twenty-two urban factories in Harare.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), smoking and self-rated health in a high HIV prevalence urban workforce.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


RESULTS
Of 7482 employees, 6111 (82%) consented to interview and anonymous HIV serology; 88% were male; median age was 34 years. HIV prevalence was 19%. Current (median 6 cigarettes per day) and former smoking were reported by 17% and 7%, respectively. Smoking (current or former) was more common among HIV-positive (27%) than -negative participants (17%; P < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with being a smoker on multivariate analysis were being HIV-infected (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.4-1.7), older age (P < 0.001), non-Christian (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2) and manual job (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.6). Women (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.03-0.11) and the better educated (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9) were significantly less likely to smoke. HIV-positive smokers had the highest risk of reporting poor health (adjusted OR compared to HIV-negative non-smokers 3.4, 95% CI 2.3-5.0).


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking was significantly more common among HIV-positive than -negative employees in this predominantly male workforce. There was evidence of a combined effect on self-rated poor health, a variable shown to be a strong independent predictor of mortality in industrialised countries. Interventions to encourage smoking cessation may be an important component of HIV care in Southern Africa.
Munyati
S S
SS
National Institute of Health Research (former Blair Research Institute), Harare, Zimbabwe. smunyati@mrczimshared.co.zw
Redzo
N
N
Dauya
E
E
Matambo
R
R
Makamure
B
B
Bandason
T
T
Butterworth
A E
AE
Gwanzura
L
L
Rusakaniko
S
S
Mason
P R
PR
Corbett
E L
EL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014505:Urban Population; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology