Design and pilot evaluation of an Internet spit tobacco cessation program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Smokeless tobacco (ST) use is a significant public health concern.
• Cessation programs are crucial for reducing ST-related health risks.
• Internet-based interventions offer scalable solutions for tobacco cessation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an interactive website for smokeless tobacco (ST) cessation.
• To pilot test the website for feasibility, acceptability, and short-term outcomes.
• To assess the impact of the website on ST use behaviors and attitudes.

Main Methods:

• An interactive, multiple-contact Internet ST cessation program was developed and refined.
• The program was pilot-tested with baseball athletes from three California colleges.
• Participants completed baseline questionnaires and were followed up after one month.

Main Results:

• Over 80% found the website helpful, easy to navigate, and appealing.
• 8% achieved self-reported abstinence from ST use.
• Non-quitters showed a 26% mean reduction in daily ST use; motivation and confidence to quit significantly increased.

Conclusions:

• The interactive ST cessation website is feasible and acceptable to users.
• The website shows promise in reducing ST use, increasing quit motivation, and enhancing confidence.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and control groups is needed to confirm efficacy.