Reducing a resistant risk factor: analysis of an antismoking approach

An 'I Quit Club' program was developed as a modification of the standard smoking withdrawal clinic format, to better meet the continuing need for assistance and to improve long term compliance by giving greater emphasis to the risk of relapse. Seventy-one percent of the 233 smokers who participated in the program during a 2-year period responded to a follow-up evaluation survey. At enrollment, data collected on a demographic characteristics, the length and level of the smoking habit, and motivation to quit. Registrants were surveyed subsequently to assess their current smoking status and the utility of the program components. At the time of follow-up 33% of all enrollees responding and 66% of those attending all six sessions were currently non-smokers. Those who completed the program had a significantly higher proportion of non-smokers than those who attended fewer than 6 sessions regardless of the length of time post-program. Success in quitting was also positively associated with non-smoking by family and friends. Seventy-four percent of respondents found the program to be helpful to very helpful. Their assessment of the value of each of the program components in decreasing order to utility was: the psychologist's lecture, group interactions, videotapes, and self-help manual, and relaxation exercises.