Phone and Web-Based Tobacco Cessation Treatment: Real-World Utilization Patterns and Outcomes for 11,000 Tobacco Users
2008

Phone and Web-Based Tobacco Cessation Treatment: Real-World Utilization Patterns and Outcomes

Sample size: 11143 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Scott McIntosh, Cameron Selby, Peter Huerta, Timothy Maharaj, Kumar Zbikowski, Susan M Zbikowski, Jenny Hapgood, Sara Smucker Barnwell, Tim McAfee

Primary Institution: Free & Clear, Inc

Hypothesis

What are the characteristics, experience, and outcomes of smokers enrolled in an integrated phone/Web tobacco cessation program?

Conclusion

Participants who used both phone and Web components of the cessation program had higher quit rates.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants completed an average of 2-2.5 counseling calls and logged in to the online program 1-2 times.
  • Satisfaction with services was high, ranging from 92% to 95%.
  • 30-day quit rates at the 6-month follow-up were 41% using responder analysis and 21% using intent-to-treat analysis.
  • Web utilization was significantly associated with increased call completion and tobacco abstinence rates.

Takeaway

This study shows that using both phone calls and a website can help people quit smoking better than just using one of them.

Methodology

The study tracked program utilization, quit status, satisfaction, and demographics of participants enrolled in the Quit For Life Program.

Potential Biases

Self-selection bias may exist as participants were automatically assigned Web access regardless of interest.

Limitations

The study is observational and relies on self-reported data without biochemical verification.

Participant Demographics

Participants were mostly middle-aged (mean age 43), 54% female, and 83% enrolled through employers.

Statistical Information

P-Value

P = .003

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.2196/jmir.999

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