Telephone counseling increases cessation rates among young adult smokers.
During June 2000-May 2001, the American Cancer Society conducted a randomized trial of telephone counseling among more than 3,500 current smokers who called to seek assistance in quitting. All eligible callers were randomized to receive either self-help booklets through the mail or booklets and up to 5 sessions of telephone counseling. Approximately 12% (420/3,522) of study participants were 18-25 years of age. Using intent to treat analyses, 3- and 6-month quit rates among both younger and older smokers were significantly higher among those who received telephone counseling than among those who received self-help booklets only. Three-month rates were 20% versus 9% for 18-25 year olds and 15% versus 10% for older adults. Results indicate that younger smokers can benefit from telephone counseling.
Rabius
Vance
V
American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, USA. vrabius@cancer.org
McAlister
Alfred L
AL
Geiger
Angela
A
Huang
Philip
P
Todd
Ronald
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000570:American Cancer Society; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012648:Self Care; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013689:Telephone; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States