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Comparison of two self-help smoking cessation booklets.
K P Balanda1, J B Lowe, M L O'Connor-Fleming
1Centre for Health Promotion and Cancer Prevention Research, University of Queensland Medical School, Herston, Australia. K.Balanda@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Tobacco Control
|August 31, 1999
Summary
Two self-help smoking cessation booklets were compared for Quitline callers. Neither booklet showed a significant difference in quit rates, suggesting a need for improved materials to enhance smoking cessation success.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Quitline telephone services are crucial for public health interventions.
- Smoking cessation support materials need continuous evaluation for effectiveness.
- Heavier smokers often require tailored cessation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of two distinct self-help smoking cessation booklets.
- To assess quit rates among callers to a telephone-based Quitline service.
- To identify factors influencing smoking cessation success in this population.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial comparing two self-help booklets: 'Time to quit' and 'Can quit'.
- Telephone interviews conducted approximately one month post-randomization.
- Data collected on self-reported smoking status, quit attempts, and booklet usage.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in one-month self-reported quit rates between the two booklets (17.0% vs 16.1%).
- High proportions of participants did not initiate or complete booklet use (50.5-82.3%).
- Higher daily cigarette consumption was significantly associated with smoking status at one month.
Conclusions:
- Quitline callers are often heavy smokers with a history of cessation attempts.
- Standard self-help booklets yield moderate success rates but have room for improvement.
- Offering a variety of materials and encouraging serious quit attempts may enhance effectiveness.