Internet-based smoking cessation programs
1Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, Case Postale, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland. jean-francois.etter@imsp.unige.ch
Objective:
To present a smoking cessation website and a reflection on the use of the Internet as a smoking cessation tool.
Methods:
A literature review and an Internet survey in 1506 current and former smokers.
Results:
The Internet may be the only form of smoking cessation support available to many smokers. There is a competition between hundreds of smoking cessation websites, many of which have a similar content. Smoking cessation websites are popular, but little scientific evidence is available on their efficacy. Neither do we know which components of these websites are most effective in motivating and helping smokers quit smoking and avoid relapse. Groups of current and former smokers form spontaneously in discussion forums on the Internet, this is a new feature in the field of addiction treatment. These discussion forums have not yet been the object of much scientific research.
Conclusion:
Research should be conducted to assess the efficacy of smoking cessation website, to identify which of their components are most effective, and to identify subgroups of current and former smokers for whom websites are most effective.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Drug Dependence
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...