A Pilot Study for Linking Adolescent Patients to an Interactive Tobacco Prevention Program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Clinical guidelines recommend tobacco use interventions for adolescents.
• Barriers in healthcare settings hinder consistent tobacco cessation services.
• This study addresses the need for effective referral strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare two referral methods for an evidence-based tobacco prevention and cessation program.
• To assess tobacco use, knowledge, and program evaluation among adolescent participants.
• To evaluate the feasibility of linking adolescents to cessation resources in outpatient settings.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study conducted in a medical and dental clinic.
• 197 adolescents (13-18 years) received tobacco advice and program instructions.
• Participants randomized to receive program link via email or printed referral card.

Main Results:

• 57% of participants accessed the tobacco prevention and cessation program.
• Email and printed card referral methods were equally effective.
• Non-Hispanic adolescents were twice as likely to access the program compared to Hispanics.

Conclusions:

• Linking adolescent patients to evidence-based tobacco cessation programs in clinics is feasible and promising.
• The program effectively increased knowledge and motivation to remain tobacco-free in over 95% of users.
• Future research should explore strategies to improve access for diverse adolescent populations.