Tobacco quitline outcomes for priority populations

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tobacco Cessation Research
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Certain populations face higher risks for tobacco-related health issues despite declining overall usage.
• The South Dakota QuitLine targets five priority subgroups: American Indians, Medicaid recipients, youth, pregnant women, and spit tobacco users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze South Dakota QuitLine usage among priority population subgroups.
• To evaluate tobacco cessation rates and service satisfaction within these groups.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of QuitLine data from 2008-2013, including 9,558 participants from priority subgroups.
• A telephone survey assessed tobacco quit status and service satisfaction among 3,094 eligible priority subgroup participants (41.9% response rate).

Main Results:

• Spit tobacco users had the highest quit rate (57.3%).
• Quit rates for other priority subgroups ranged from 35.1% to 42.3%, generally lower than the non-priority group (46.9%).
• All priority subgroups reported high satisfaction with QuitLine services (≥ 3.5/4.0 scale).

Conclusions:

• High-risk and underserved tobacco users utilize the South Dakota QuitLine for cessation support.
• Quit rates are favorable across subgroups, indicating program effectiveness.
• Healthcare providers should actively identify and refer priority populations to the QuitLine for cessation assistance.