CATCH-IT Report: Evaluation of an Internet-Based Smoking Cessation Program: Lessons Learned From a Pilot Study
2004
Response to CATCH-IT Report on Smoking Cessation Program
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Edward G Feil, Cameron Norman
Primary Institution: Oregon Research Institute
Conclusion
The study highlights the challenges of evaluating Internet-based smoking cessation programs and the need for rigorous randomized controlled trials.
Supporting Evidence
- The study noted high attrition rates at follow-up assessments.
- Participants logged in to the website 24,252 times, indicating varying levels of engagement.
- The lack of a control condition limits the ability to attribute quitting to the website.
Takeaway
This study looks at how well online programs help people stop smoking and says we need to be careful when judging their success.
Methodology
The study used a tracking system to measure participant engagement through log-ins to the website.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may inflate quit rates, but the extent of this inflation is likely small.
Limitations
The study was a small pilot and lacked a control condition, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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