Table 2 Examples of domains added to SmokefreeTXT based on formative research
Domain | Example text(s) |
|---|---|
Basic education about health effects of tobacco use | Whether smoked, chewed, rolled, or sniffed, tobacco contains nicotine. Tobacco is very addictive. When you quit you will break your addiction |
Information on HIV-related effects of tobacco use and quitting | Using tobacco will not improve your CD4 count. In fact, tobacco use is associated with a poorer response to HIV treatment |
Alcohol use is widespread and a trigger for tobacco use | Drinking alcohol makes it more difficult to quit tobacco. For the next few days avoid alcohol and see if that helps reduce tobacco use |
Socioemotional issues related to HIV-status such as boredom/idleness, isolation, loneliness | Think of healthy ways to deal with stress & boredom instead of using tobacco. Engage in a hobby or visit a friend to keep yourself busy Loneliness can make quitting hard, but tobacco-free is the way to go. Reach out to a trusted friend to ask for their company & support |
Tobacco is used to decrease hunger | Using tobacco may decrease your hunger, but it harms your body and can result in sickness and early death |
Community norms support tobacco use (e.g., use is widespread and not considered harmful; not using is a sign of weakness or disrespect; using is linked to friendships; women often hide their tobacco use) | Some might say that not using tobacco shows weakness or disrespect. That’s not true. Quitting shows others that you can do the hard work to improve your health Your community may not be concerned about tobacco, but you now know how harmful it can be. Stay strong for you and your health Even when there is a lot of tobacco around you, it doesn’t mean that it is safe for you. Continue staying tobacco-free Tobacco use will not improve your social status. It affects your health & the health of those around you. Continue staying tobacco-free If you hide your tobacco use, it might help to tell a trusted friend why you are quitting and how they can support you |
Religious guidance may help quitting | Some people get support for quitting by praying to God for guidance, support and strength to overcome tobacco. Try it if you think it will work for you |