title: Feasibility of using E-mail counseling as part of a smoking-cessation program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The need for more effective smoking-cessation interventions is firmly established. However, access to these services can be problematic in real life. E-mail messages may be a convenient alternative to deliver smoking-cessation interventions. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of incorporating tailored e-mail consultation messages in a smoking-cessation program for smokers willing to quit.
  
  
  METHODS
  This pilot study examined the feasibility of integrating e-mail consultation messages in a smoking-cessation program for smokers willing to quit and with Internet access. At baseline, demographic data, smoking history and expired carbon monoxide (CO) levels were collected at a clinic visit. The subjects were provided with the specialist's e-mail address and instructed to prepare e-mail messages containing simple and clear information about their quitting progress. The counselor offered e-mail counseling throughout the smoking-cessation program. A 6-month follow-up visit was arranged, at which abstinence was reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 30 participants initially enrolled in the study, 21 (70%) attended the follow-up 6-month visit. E-mail counseling was more frequently offered (4-8 times) to the participants who completed the study, compared to those lost to follow-up (1-4 times). Comparisons with baseline exhaled CO values showed a significant within-group reduction at 6 months after smoking-cessation (P < .001) in the quitters, compared to smoking-cessation failures. Sustained smoking abstinence at 6 months was 37%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The integration of e-mail consultation counseling in a smoking-cessation intervention is feasible and effective. E-mail counseling as part of a smoking-cessation program warrants further evaluation.
authors: Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, Centro Antifumo Universitario, Università di Catania, Via Passo Gravina 187, 95125 Catania, Italy. polosa@unict.it
authors: Riccardo
authors: R
authors: Polosa
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Russo
authors: Annalisa
authors: A
authors: Di Maria
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Arcidiacono
authors: Jaymin B
authors: JB
authors: Morjaria
authors: Giovita A
authors: GA
authors: Piccillo
mesh_terms: D037001:Directive Counseling; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*