Comparing Internet Assistance for Smoking Cessation
Author Information
Author(s): Vance Rabius, K Joanne Pike, Dawn Wiatrek, Alfred L McAlister
Primary Institution: American Cancer Society
Hypothesis
Interactive and tailored Internet services yield higher long-term quit rates than more static Web-posted assistance.
Conclusion
Tailored, interactive websites may help cigarette smokers who do not report an indicator of depression at baseline to quit and maintain cessation.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants who did not report depression had higher quit rates with interactive sites compared to static sites.
- Only 38% of participants provided follow-up data after 13 months.
- Internet assistance is potentially cost-effective for smoking cessation.
Takeaway
This study looked at different websites that help people quit smoking and found that those who used more interactive sites had better success, especially if they weren't feeling depressed.
Methodology
Participants were randomly assigned to one of six Internet-based cessation services and followed up after 13 months.
Potential Biases
Participants could enroll without making real commitments, which may affect the results.
Limitations
The follow-up response rate was only 38%, and self-reported cessation status was not verified.
Participant Demographics
Participants were mostly women (70%), with a mean age of 41 years, and 30% reported feeling 'sad or blue' every day for the last 2 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = .15
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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