Randomized controlled trial of an interactive internet smoking cessation program with long-term follow-up.
BACKGROUND
Internet programs for smoking cessation are widely available but few controlled studies demonstrate long-term efficacy.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the 13-month effectiveness of an Internet program presenting a set sequence of interactive steps, and the role of depressed affect.


METHODS
In a randomized controlled trial sponsored by the American Cancer Society, a treatment condition (n = 1,106) was compared to a control site (n = 1,047).


RESULTS
More treatment condition participants were abstinent (30-day point prevalence) than control site participants (12.9% vs. 10.1%, p < .05) at 13 months. This effect was greater among participants not reporting depressed affect (15.0% vs. 10.1%, p < .01). Among smokers who reported depressed affect, there was no difference in abstinence between the treatment and control conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
Data support the long-term efficacy of an Internet intervention for cessation modeled on a structured, in-person treatment approach, especially for participants not experiencing daily depressed affect.
Seidman
Daniel F
DF
Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. dfs2@columbia.edu
Westmaas
J Lee
JL
Goldband
Steve
S
Rabius
Vance
V
Katkin
Edward S
ES
Pike
K Joanne
KJ
Wiatrek
Dawn
D
Sloan
Richard P
RP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000570:American Cancer Society; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult