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Telephone counseling for population-based smoking cessation
Patricia M Smith1, Roy Cameron, Paul W McDonald
1Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
American Journal of Health Behavior
|May 22, 2004
Summary
This study found that a 50-minute initial counseling session with two follow-up calls was most effective for telephone smoking cessation. Lowering call attempts improved completion rates for this public health service.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Population-based smoking cessation services are crucial for public health.
- Evaluating the structure and effectiveness of telephone-based interventions is essential for optimizing resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utilization, efficiency, and effectiveness of different structural components for a population-based telephone smoking cessation service.
- To identify optimal parameters for delivering telephone-based smoking cessation support.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 632 callers to a smoking cessation hotline.
- A 2x2 factorial design examined 50-minute counseling with either 2 or 6 calls, and the use of pamphlets/booklets versus print-only control.
Main Results:
- Six-month service utilization was 0.6% of adult smokers, with a promotion cost of $31.02 per person.
- Telephone counseling achieved higher continued abstinence (5%) compared to print-only (1%).
- Fewer calls (2) resulted in higher completion rates (56%) than more calls (6) (22%).
Conclusions:
- A 50-minute initial counseling session with two follow-up calls is recommended.
- Minimizing call attempts and utilizing pamphlets are suggested for improved outcomes.
- Planning should consider low utilization rates (1%) and cost-effective promotion strategies.