Review Article: Impact of Smoking on Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV)

Background: This article examines the pathophysiological processes behind health problems resulting from tobacco use in individuals with HIV, as well as the potential interactions between these mechanisms and HIV infection. HIV-infected persons experience a more pronounced health impact from smoking tobacco in comparison to others who are not infected. Smoking in people living with HIV (PLWH) is influenced by various factors, such as the presence of mental health conditions, alcohol and drug consumption, the quality of their health-related well-being, smoking habits within their social circles, and limited healthcare accessibility. People living with HIV (PLWH) who smoke are more susceptible to many infections connected with HIV and other health issues, such as a diminished response to antiretroviral drugs, a weakened immune system, lower cognitive abilities, poor lung function, and cardiovascular disease. Aim: The objective of the study is to examine the correlation between smoking and the probability of contracting HIV. Smoking is recognized to impair the immune system and heighten susceptibility to infections and chronic illnesses, which can be especially harmful to individuals already impaired by HIV. Methods: The journals were collected using the systematic literature review approach, adhering to the guidelines developed by the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The procedure consists of four phases: identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion for satisfactory outcomes. The literature review was carried out by systematically scanning scientific papers using internet-based databases like Google Scholar, Science Direct, BMJ Open, and Lontar UI. The search was conducted using exact combinations of keywords. The topics of interest are HIV, tobacco usage, and those who have HIV and engage in smoking.