Recruiting

Helping people quit smoking while treating HIV and tuberculosis

Plain-English translation of NCT05842161 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2026 · Translation generated September 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a counseling program called QUIT-AD designed to help people quit smoking while managing HIV and tuberculosis. The program uses cognitive-behavioral therapy — a talk-based approach that helps you understand your smoking habits and develop strategies to quit. Researchers believe this program could improve both smoking cessation and adherence to HIV and TB medications.

Smoking is extremely common among people living with HIV and tuberculosis in South Africa, and it makes both diseases much worse and harder to treat. There is an urgent need for a treatment that addresses smoking while also helping people stay on track with their HIV and TB medications.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you have been diagnosed with HIV and have been taking antiretroviral therapy for at least three months
you have been diagnosed with tuberculosis within the past four months and have a positive test confirming active TB
you smoke at least four days a week
you are motivated to quit smoking (rating your desire to quit as 5 or higher on a scale of 10, or you have tried to quit for at least 24 hours in the past year)
you live in the Khayelitsha area of Cape Town and can attend sessions at one of the two participating clinics

You likely don't qualify if…

you have an untreated or unstable mental health condition such as psychosis or bipolar disorder
you are currently using another medication or treatment to help you quit smoking
you have received cognitive-behavioral therapy for smoking cessation within the past year
you have been diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR or XDR TB) or tuberculosis outside the lungs

What participation looks like

If you are selected for the treatment group, you will attend six counseling sessions where you will learn cognitive-behavioral techniques to manage cravings, handle stress without smoking, and stay motivated to quit. If you are in the comparison group, you will receive one session of education about the health benefits of quitting smoking for HIV and TB treatment. Both groups will continue their regular HIV and TB medical care throughout the trial.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Sep 20, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

South Africa

University of Cape Town, Rondebosch