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A smoking cessation pilot program
S Serxner1, V G Adams, L S Hundahl
1University of Hawaii, Cancer Research Center, Honolulu 96822.
Hawaii Medical Journal
|October 1, 1993
Summary
A pilot smoking cessation program at Hawaiian Telephone Company achieved a 50% quit rate among heavy smokers. This worksite health promotion initiative proved cost-effective, saving money for the employer.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Rising national healthcare costs place a significant financial burden on employers.
- Worksite health promotion programs are expanding to mitigate these costs.
- Smoking control programs are the most common type due to documented costs associated with smoking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a pilot year-long smoking cessation program at Hawaiian Telephone Company.
- To assess the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention for smoking cessation and maintenance.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month pilot program combining behavioral modification, social support, and incentives.
- Recruitment of 12 multiethnic, long-term, heavy-smoking employee volunteers.
- Post-program survey and cost-benefit analysis at one year.
Main Results:
- A 50% quit rate (4 out of 8 participants who aimed to quit).
- Two participants reduced tobacco intake; two dropped out.
- Four participants in the maintenance group remained smoke-free.
- Conservative cost-benefit analysis indicated the program paid for itself, saving $350 annually per non-smoker.
Conclusions:
- Worksite smoking cessation programs can be effective in reducing smoking rates.
- A combination of behavioral, social, and incentive strategies can support cessation and maintenance.
- Such programs offer a positive return on investment for employers through healthcare cost savings.