Learning Objectives: Better assess the effectiveness of Quitline programs as a function of amount of time since initial client call.
Abstract: Objective:
Characteristics of people who call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline are examined and compared with those who do not call to measure the effectiveness of Quitline advertising. A previous follow-up study found that approximately 12% of Quitline callers had not smoked one week prior to the follow-up call. Prevalence of smoking cessation by the amount of time since calling the Quitline will be mapped.
METHODS:
The Quitline intake interviews and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were used to identify characteristics of people who do and do not choose to call the Quitline. A random sample of 500 Quitline callers was surveyed to ascertain their smoking status.
RESULTS:
Last year the Quitline received nearly 65 thousand calls (approximately 1% of all NYS smokers). The proportion of calls from smokers with no health insurance or on Medicaid was higher than found in the general population. The call rate was higher in urban compared to rural communities. The Quitline appears to attract a higher percentage of heavy smokers and females. Preliminary review of the data from the follow-up survey suggests that quit rates increase over time from 10-12% after 3-4 months to over 20% at 12 months.
Discussion:
The NYS Smokers’ Quitline has been successful in reaching uninsured and underinsured smokers. However, the proportion of smokers calling the Quitline is still relatively low, suggesting that more proactive approaches to reach smokers are required. In contrast to a clinical cessation program where quit rates decrease over time, the non-smoking prevalence rate for Quitline callers starts out low and may increase over time among a committed subset of smokers.
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