Competition/cooperation in worksite smoking cessation using nicotine gum

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Worksite smoking cessation programs are effective, but the specific impact of competition as a component is unclear.
• Previous studies suggest competition may improve engagement in health programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the competition component within a worksite smoking cessation program.
• To identify factors influencing smoking cessation success in a worksite setting.

Main Methods:

• A multicomponent behavioral treatment and maintenance program with nicotine gum was implemented at two worksites.
• Participants were assigned to either a competition or no-competition group.
• One-year follow-up included expired carbon monoxide validation for abstinence, with survival analysis used to assess duration.

Main Results:

• Recruitment rates were significantly higher in the competition group (2%) compared to the no-competition group (0.6%).
• While 1-year abstinence rates showed a trend (50% vs. 25%), the difference was not statistically significant.
• Survival analysis revealed significantly more weeks of abstinence in the competition group (35 weeks) versus the no-competition group (22 weeks).
• Nicotine gum use, social support from a "buddy," and fewer pre-program sick days predicted abstinence.

Conclusions:

• Competition may enhance recruitment and duration of abstinence in worksite smoking cessation programs.
• Nicotine gum, social support, and baseline health status (fewer sick days) are important predictors of successful smoking cessation.
• Integrating competition and social support elements could improve the overall effectiveness of workplace smoking cessation initiatives.