Methods: The study is conducted among students in University of Houston in Houston, TX. Smokers were randomly assigned to two treatment conditions: (1) in-person motivational counseling/health feedback plus interactive Internet-based program and personalized newsletters, or (2) self-help manual-based standard care condition.

Results: The baseline sample consisted of 509 students (mean age 23.8 °" 4.0 years) of which 52.7% were males, 70.7% Caucasian, 89.0% single, and 68.3% employed. Over half of the baseline sample (53.5%) smoked 1-10 cig/day; 37.0% smoked 11-20 cig/day; and 9.5% smoked 21+ cig/day. Six percent of students were in the precontemplation stage, 50% were in the contemplation stage, and 44% were in the preparation stage. Eighty-nine percent reported attempting to quit in the past. Twenty-one percent of participants exhibited substantial nicotine dependence (FTND score „d 6); the average withdrawal symptom score was 13.2 (SD=5.5). Nearly every fifth participant (18%) reported heavy alcohol consumption; 71% reported moderate drinking. The participants reported extraordinarily high rates of depression: 50% had a CES-D score of 16+. Respiratory symptoms were prevalent: from a total of 8 respiratory symptoms (morning and daytime cough, phlegm production, tightness in the chest, etc.) measured the mean number was 6.3 (SD=1.9). A total of 247 (49%) participants completed the 3-month follow-up. Dropouts did not differ from completers with respect to age, gender, employment status, alcohol consumption, or smoking-related variables.

Conclusions: The study is in progress.