Evaluation of an adolescent smoking-cessation media campaign: GottaQuit.com.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of a smoking-cessation media campaign for teens on utilization of a cessation Web site, GottaQuit.com.


METHODS
Telephone surveys were conducted before and after the implementation of a countywide media campaign to promote the use of a smoking-cessation Web site for youths. The surveys were designed to assess teen awareness and utilization of the Web site, as well as tobacco use and cessation attempts. Supplemental 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey items also assessed use of the Web site.


RESULTS
Most teen smokers reported that they wanted to quit smoking. Almost all teens reported exposure to GottaQuit.com ads and accurately identified GottaQuit.com as a Web site that offers cessation help for youths. Nearly 1 in 4 smokers who were trying to quit had visited GottaQuit.com or another Web site for cessation assistance.


CONCLUSIONS
The GottaQuit.com campaign effectively reached almost all teens, regardless of smoking status. Smokers were more likely than nonsmokers to have visited the Web site for help with quitting. Web adjuncts are likely to be used by adolescents who seek assistance in quitting.
Klein
Jonathan D
JD
Division of Adolescent Medicine, Strong Children's Research Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA. jonathan_klein@urmc.rochester.edu
Havens
Caryn Graff
CG
Carlson
Erika J
EJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000329:Advertising; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D040241:Social Marketing