Addressing tobacco use in homeless populations: a survey of health care professionals

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is common among homeless individuals, but little is known about health care providers' practices and attitudes in addressing tobacco use in this vulnerable population. We surveyed members of the Health Care for the Homeless Clinicians' Network, a nationwide multidisciplinary organization, to assess their tobacco screening practices, attitudes toward addressing tobacco use, and experience providing tobacco products to homeless individuals. Of 231 clinicians who completed the survey, 86.5% reported routinely screening for tobacco use. Although 74.4% of respondents viewed tobacco use as one of the most important health issues among homeless people, rates of agreement with this and other attitudes toward tobacco use in the setting of homelessness varied significantly by clinical discipline. Overall, 15.3% of respondents reported having ever given patients tobacco to build trust or promote adherence to care. Addressing providers' attitudinal variations and tobacco distribution practices may foster a more consistent anti-smoking message for this population.