Tobacco harm reduction for people experiencing homelessness: a qualitative study of lived experiences and service provider perspectives
April 16, 2026 by oup.com
Tobacco harm reduction for people experiencing homelessness: a qualitative study of lived experiences and service provider perspectives
Smoking prevalence is disproportionately high among people experiencing homelessness, highlighting a significant public health concern. Despite this, existing interventions often fail to address the complex social and structural barriers faced by this group. Barriers such as limited literacy, poor access to support, and normalisation of smoking within services can reduce engagement with harm reduction strategies. At the same time, both service users and staff may show willingness to reduce harm, but lack adequate resources and consistent support systems. These challenges underline the need for tailored, accessible, and person-centered approaches to tobacco harm reduction in homelessness settings.
