Why Men with HIV in Vietnam Struggle to Quit Smoking—And How to Help

A new qualitative study has examined the challenges faced by men living with HIV in Vietnam when trying to quit smoking. Researchers Hoang, T.HL., Nguyen, C.V., and Alvarez, G.G. found that systemic barriers, societal stigma, and limited support systems make cessation particularly difficult for this group. The findings highlight gaps in healthcare provision and the need for tailored interventions.

Men with HIV often avoid discussing smoking with healthcare providers due to fear of judgment. Societal stigma around HIV further discourages them from seeking help, creating a significant barrier to cessation. Many participants reported feeling isolated when attempting to quit, as limited access to resources and poorly trained staff reduced their chances of success.

Health literacy, mental health, and cultural attitudes also play a key role in cessation efforts. Researchers noted that integrated care models—addressing both smoking and psychosocial health—could improve long-term outcomes. Peer support and community networks emerged as effective tools, offering encouragement and shared experiences to those trying to quit.

Telehealth was identified as a promising solution, providing flexible access to cessation programmes. This approach may appeal particularly to younger men who prefer digital platforms. Additionally, culturally competent and empathetic healthcare staff were found to enhance trust and engagement, increasing the likelihood of successful quitting.

Vietnam's national HIV and tobacco control programmes operate separately. While general smoking cessation support exists through public health initiatives, there are no specific regional programmes targeting men with HIV. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not provide detailed statistics on smoking prevalence in this group, leaving a gap in data-driven policy development.

The study underscores the need for better-trained healthcare providers and more accessible cessation resources. Addressing stigma and integrating mental health support could improve outcomes for men with HIV attempting to quit smoking. Without targeted interventions, systemic barriers will likely persist, limiting progress in tobacco control for this vulnerable population.