Randomized controlled trial of the ACTION smoking cessation curriculum in tobacco-growing communities.
We conducted a group randomized trial of an interactive, games-based, tobacco cessation program (ACTION) designed to help adolescents who live in tobacco-growing communities to stop using tobacco. More than 260 high school students participated in this study, in 14 schools across three states. We collected self-reported measures of cigarette and smokeless tobacco use and conducted biochemical validation of self-reported use at three time points (pre-test, immediate post-test, and 90-day follow-up). We used multi-level modeling to account for intraclass clustering at the school and classroom levels, and we analyzed our results using an intent-to-treat approach and a per protocol approach. Using the per protocol analytic approach, ACTION participants were more likely than comparison participants to achieve abstinence at 90-day follow-up. We found no program effects on our secondary outcomes or mediating factors. This study suggests that ACTION has promise as a relatively effective adolescent cessation program, although the overall limited effectiveness of cessation programs for adolescents must be acknowledged.
Stein-Seroussi
Al
A
Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 1516 E. Franklin Street, Suite 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-2812, USA. stein@pire.org
Stockton
Laurie
L
Brodish
Paul
P
Meyer
Michael
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000383:Agriculture; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D012574:Schools; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014026:Nicotiana