Learning Objectives: explain the likely value of the innovative components of the adolescent smoking cessation program presented
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To design and test a smoking cessation program tailored to the needs of adolescents as determined through focus groups.
METHODS: Established adolescent smoking cessation programs were presented to students during focus groups at one Connecticut high school. Focus group participants’ feedback was used to modify intervention methods, and develop a tailored program.
RESULTS: Focus group participants strongly supported the development of tailored interventions, including stress reduction training, physician counseling, and use of bupropion. A program was developed based on these and other requests; parental consent was obtained for the use of bupropion and smoking cessation information was made available to parents. Twenty-three students enrolled, a number three times greater than for previously offered programs at this school. Eleven students and 3 parents used bupropion as an aid for quitting; student adherence to bupropion was poor, and no student attributed cessation to its use. Of 23 students initially enrolled, 20 were still involved at study termination, and of this group, 30% quit smoking, and 55% cut down significantly. DISCUSSION: Tailoring interventions, providing bupropion, and concomitant parental cessation programs show promise for enhancing the appeal and efficacy of adolescent smoking cessation programs, and warrant further evaluation.
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