The Role of Community Health Workers in Tobacco Cessation: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective

To review literature on Community Health Workers’ (CHW) role in providing tobacco cessation programming and offer recommendations for future research and programming based on findings.

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, and Academic Search Complete.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

The first author screened and selected articles that (1) were published after 2000; (2) used CHWs; (3) included tobacco cessation as a primary objective; and (4) were conducted in the United States. Twenty articles met the criteria and were analyzed.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted and organized in a table that included: author, title, publication year, study design, intervention characteristics (type, length, setting, and description), primary outcome, summary of outcomes, and strengths/limitations.

Data Synthesis

Data were analyzed based on study characteristics and grouped thematically.

Results

Twenty studies demonstrated positive associations between CHW engagement and improved cessation outcomes across populations, including public housing residents and racial/ethnic minorities. CHWs contribute to successful cessation through four mechanisms: repetitive/consistent interactions, provision of medical therapies, wraparound services addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH), and psychosocial support to improve mental health and well-being.

Conclusion

This study highlights the ability of CHWs to reach diverse populations and establish trust through shared experiences and understanding of barriers to cessation. Key recommendations include expanding research to engage underrepresented populations such as sexual and gender minorities, veterans, and unhoused people; prioritizing sustained CHW-patient engagement; incorporating medical therapies and culturally tailored cessation aids; and developing comprehensive programming that addresses the SDOH along with cessation.