Effectiveness of self-help smoking cessation guides for firefighters

Most smokers would prefer to quit smoking on their own. However, among specific blue-collar occupations it is not known whether self-help techniques will be effective or even used to help smokers quit smoking. In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of a self-help smoking cessation guide designed specifically for firefighters (FF) and compared it with the American Lung Association (ALA) guide designed for the general public. We hypothesized that a shorter guide (FF), written in the jargon of the fire service, and formatted as a workbook would be more effective. One hundred five firefighters randomly received either the ALA or FF guide after having an annual physical examination. Twelve percent of the ALA group and 11% of the FF group quit smoking after the physical examination but before receiving the guides. We found no relationship between the specific guide that the firefighters received and subsequent smoking status. Few firefighters reported filling out pages of the ALA guide (11.9%) or the FF guide (17.8%). For smokers who have not reached the active stage of quitting smoking, guides may not be a factor in quitting. Screening smokers to determine their "stage of change" at the physical examination may increase the effectiveness of self-help guides.