Facilitators and barriers to smoking cessation support among professionals in social and community service settings: A systematic review and thematic synthesis

Social and community service settings are a promising environment to support individuals with lower socioeconomic positions in quitting smoking. However, there remains a notable lack of support from their professionals in these settings. This study provides an overview of facilitators and barriers to smoking cessation support among these professionals. A systematic review was conducted up to April 2024 using five databases. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis, with themes categorized according to the Social Ecological Model. Eleven studies were included. We found twelve factors that could facilitate professionals in providing support. These factors related to the intrapersonal (i.e. knowledge/skills, self-efficacy, and belief), interpersonal (i.e. trustworthy connection with clients, readiness of clients, and clients’ supportive social environment), organizational (i.e. expertise improvement in smoking cessation, availability of resources, and organizational support), and societal level (i.e. availability of appropriate cessation programmes, supportive healthcare financing, and public awareness). We found that these factors often were not present, which hindered professionals from providing support. Professionals working in social and community service settings could reach many people who smoke. However, there are numerous obstacles to overcome before their full potential can be realized. To harness this potential, organizational changes are necessary, with governments playing a supportive role.