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Long-term effectiveness of two Dutch work site smoking cessation programs
M C Willemsen1, H de Vries, G van Breukelen
1Dutch Foundation on Smoking and Health, Stivoro, Hague, The Netherlands. m.willemsen@stivoro.nl
Summary
A comprehensive smoking cessation intervention proved more effective for heavy smokers than a minimal approach. This work site study highlights tailored programs for employees with higher nicotine dependency.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Public Health Interventions
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Workplace smoking cessation programs are crucial for public health.
- Limited experimental data exists on comprehensive versus minimal interventions in European work settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of a comprehensive smoking cessation intervention against a minimal intervention in a work site setting.
- To investigate the influence of nicotine dependency levels on intervention success.
Main Methods:
- Eight work sites participated in a study comparing comprehensive (manuals, group courses, media, policies, follow-up) and minimal (manuals only) interventions.
- Smoking cessation was assessed based on quit rates and prolonged abstinence.
Main Results:
- Heavy smokers showed significantly better outcomes (14-month quit rate, 6-month prolonged abstinence) with the comprehensive intervention.
- Exposure to mass media or group courses positively impacted prolonged abstinence in heavy smokers.
- Intervention effectiveness varied by nicotine dependency levels.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive smoking cessation interventions are more effective for heavily nicotine-dependent smokers in work sites.
- Tailoring workplace programs to employee nicotine dependency levels is recommended.
- Dutch work sites with a high proportion of heavily addicted smokers may benefit most from comprehensive programs.