ISMH, with colleagues at London South Bank University, have conducted the first study in the UK to engage smokers accessing homeless services in smoking cessation support, and the first study worldwide to explore the feasibility of supplying free e-cigarette starter kits at homeless centres. Smoking prevalence amongst adults experiencing homelessness is four times higher than the UK national average. Evidence shows that although many homeless smokers would like to quit, they are less likely to engage with traditional stop smoking services, make fewer quit attempts and are less likely to stop smoking. The study team worked with four homeless centres across Scotland and England. Participants in two centres received advice to quit and signposting to the local Stop Smoking Service. In another two centres they received a free e-cigarette starter kit and 4-weeks supply of e-liquid. We found that offering stop smoking interventions within homeless support centres overcame some of the barriers this vulnerable population faces when engaging with traditional cessation approaches. As the study results were promising in terms of recruitment and follow-up of participants, and effectiveness of providing an e-cigarette starter kit to homeless smokers, these findings will now inform a possible future larger trial. Dr Allison Ford at ISMH led the Scottish arm of the study, supported by Dr Isabelle Uny and Dr Catherine Best.
A lay summary of the findings from our study can now be found here: https://spark.adobe.com/page/lk6yaCQILAsJY/ and the academic publication here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240968
Findings from the feasibility study will be presented by Dr Allison Ford (ISMH) and Prof Lynne Dawkins (feasibility study PI, LSBU) at the Leaving no Smoker Behind event on 19th January 2021. Find further details including how to sign up here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leaving-no-smoker-behind-tickets-90789857909