Learning Objectives: Describe the quitting behavior of the treatment-seeking ST users in this study.
Abstract: While telephone counseling for smoking cessation is an effective intervention, its efficacy with ST users is largely unexplored. In 1997 the California Smokers’ Helpline (CSH) established a separate quitline specifically for ST users. The smoking cessation protocol was adapted for ST users with the same CSH procedures, number of counseling sessions, evaluations, etc., applied to ST callers. This study was conducted to examine the appropriateness of this ST cessation protocol.
ST users electing to receive counseling and available for follow-up were included in this study. Of the 462 callers opting for counseling, 407 were evaluated at 2, 4, 7 or 13 months to assess quit attempts and cessation. Fifty-two percent made a quit attempt of more than 24 hours. Continuous abstinence at 13 month follow-up was 41%, for an overall abstinence rate of 21%. No difference in abstinence rates were found for users of nicotine replacement therapy versus non-users, after controlling for consumption and various demographics. Of evaluated subjects, 221 (54%) received counseling, averaging 3 counseling sessions each.
The level of involvement in counseling indicates that the intervention protocol was acceptable to most callers. Relatively high levels of quitting and abstinence were noted among these treatment-seekers. Results suggest that telephone counseling for ST users is a promising intervention for cessation.
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