Challenges of Smoking Cessation Among very Socially Vulnerable

Objectives
Socially vulnerable individuals often face unique social barriers hindering their participation in smoking cessation interventions. This study aims to explore the experience of using of a tailored smoking cessation intervention for very socially vulnerable individuals in Denmark.

Methods
An optimized smoking cessation intervention for very socially vulnerable individuals were implemented in Denmark. Recruitment was primarily through referrals from the social sector including healthcare houses, support persons, job centers, healthcare coordinators, and psychiatric community centers. The program integrated interdisciplinary competencies to address social anxiety and provide comprehensive support. The smoking cessation program was based on an evidence-based standardized intensive smoking cessation intervention (I-SCI) used in primary care.

Results
The very socially vulnerable intervention included 37 participants. Participants in the very socially vulnerable group were heavier smokers and had lower compliance compared to the standardized I-SCI. The successful quit rate at the end of the intervention was 29% for very socially vulnerable, compared to 51% for the general population of smokers being older of age, mainly women without heavy very social vulnerability. For the 6-month follow-up, 5 (14%) participants of the very socially vulnerable participants remained continued abstinent.

Conclusion
It is noteworthy that this very socially vulnerable group participated in smoking cessation interventions and that some successfully quitted, even if temporarily. Further strategies are needed to enhance their engagement to entering the programs and improve the benefits they receive from these programs.