Problem/Objective: Proactive counseling offered by a quitline has been found to be effective in increasing quit rates. However, it is unknown if smokers with mental illness utilize this service and if it is effective for them. We will describe six-month tobacco abstinence outcomes in smokers with mental illness who enrolled in telephone counseling. Methods: New Jersey Quitline is a toll-free telephone counseling service for tobacco users and collects self-reported psychiatric diagnosis from enrollees. As of January 2003, 3314 cases with 6 month abstinence outcome information were available for analyses. Self-reported 7-day point prevalence tobacco abstinence at 6 months was calculated using intent to treat (ITT) approach. Variables of interest include demographics as well as stage of change, daily cigarette consumption, and nicotine dependence at intake. Results: 19.9% of enrollees (n=662) indicated having a mental illness (MI), with 60% of these enrollees (n=399) reporting depression. In addition, 12.3% of enrollees reported past or current drug/alcohol problems. Stage of change did not differ between smokers with or without MI but smokers with MI were more likely to be heavier, more dependent smokers. Yet the ITT quit rate among smokers with MI did not differ from the overall ITT quit rate. However, ITT quit rates did vary by diagnosis.

Conclusions: Smokers with mental illness are using Quitlines and telephone counseling may provide effective smoking cessation for this population although success may vary by severity of mental illness or multiple co-morbidities. However, all Quitlines should collect information on mental health indicators.