Smoking cessation among sheltered homeless: a pilot
Donna Shelley1, Jennifer Cantrell, Selena Wong
1New York University College of Dentistry and School of Medicine, 423 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010, USA. Ds186@nyu.edu
American Journal of Health Behavior
|June 8, 2010
Summary
This study found that a 12-week smoking cessation program combining group counseling and medication was feasible for homeless individuals. The intervention showed potential effectiveness in helping sheltered homeless smokers quit tobacco use.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Homeless populations exhibit high rates of smoking.
- Smoking cessation interventions are crucial for improving health outcomes in vulnerable groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention tailored for sheltered homeless individuals.
- To evaluate participant engagement and abstinence rates in this population.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week program combining group counseling and pharmacotherapy was implemented.
- Fifty-eight homeless smokers were enrolled, with attendance and medication use tracked.
- Carbon-monoxide-verified abstinence was assessed at 12 and 24 weeks.
Main Results:
- Participants attended an average of 7.2 sessions, and 67% used pharmacotherapy.
- Seventy-five percent completed end-of-treatment surveys, indicating good retention.
- 12-week abstinence rate was 15.5%, and 24-week abstinence rate was 13.6%.
Conclusions:
- The smoking cessation program demonstrated feasibility for enrolling and retaining sheltered homeless individuals.
- Group counseling combined with pharmacotherapy shows promise as an effective strategy for smoking cessation in this population.
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