Web-Assisted Tobacco Interventions: Access and Interest Among Smokers
Author Information
Author(s): Scott McIntosh, Cameron Selby, Peter Hollis, Jack Cobb, Nathan Cunningham, John A Cunningham
Primary Institution: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Hypothesis
Are smokers less likely than nonsmokers to have access to the Internet, and how interested are they in Web-assisted tobacco interventions?
Conclusion
Smokers are still marginally less likely to use the Internet than nonsmokers, but there is significant interest in Web-assisted tobacco interventions among smokers, especially those who use the Internet.
Supporting Evidence
- 74% of smokers used the Internet in the last year compared to 81% of nonsmokers.
- 40% of smokers expressed interest in a Web-assisted tobacco intervention.
- Smokers who used the Internet were more interested in WATIs than those who did not.
Takeaway
This study found that while smokers use the Internet less than nonsmokers, many smokers are interested in online programs to help them quit smoking.
Methodology
A random digit dialing telephone survey was conducted with 8467 adult respondents in Ontario, Canada.
Potential Biases
Telephone surveys may over-represent younger respondents and those with more education.
Limitations
Interest in WATIs was assessed through self-report, which may not reflect actual usage.
Participant Demographics
17% daily smokers, 5.8% occasional smokers, 77.2% nonsmokers; mean age of daily smokers was 42.7 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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