Evaluation of an Internet-Based Smoking Cessation Program
Author Information
Author(s): Norman Cameron, Edward G. Feil
Primary Institution: Centre for Global eHealth Innovation
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate a strategy for online study recruitment and retention, the influence of incentives on follow-up response, and the impact of the Quit Smoking Network site on smoking behavior.
Conclusion
The pilot study found that 38% of participants reported abstinence at 3-month follow-up, indicating potential effectiveness of the online smoking cessation program.
Supporting Evidence
- 209 participants completed the 3-month follow-up, with 38% reporting abstinence.
- The study evaluated the impact of incentives on follow-up response rates.
- The intervention included structured support and a variety of cessation resources.
Takeaway
This study tested a website to help people stop smoking, and many people who used it reported that they had quit after three months.
Methodology
Participants were recruited through various media and randomly assigned to follow-up conditions after completing a pretest survey online.
Potential Biases
Participants were self-selected based on interest in smoking cessation, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study did not account for alternative explanations for cessation and lacked detailed descriptions of the instruments used to assess smoking variables.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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