Rates of enrollment in smoking cessation services following fax referrals from a children's hospital.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe the rates of enrollment in tobacco dependence treatment among smoking adults who accepted a fax referral from health care providers at a children's hospital, and to examine smoker characteristics associated with enrollment.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of the state-sponsored fax referral and treatment program data on all referrals from Arkansas Children's Hospital in 2005 to 2007 was conducted. Enrollment was defined as attendance at 1 or more counseling sessions within 1 year of referral. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify demographic and tobacco-related characteristics associated with enrollment versus nonenrollment in a treatment program among those contacted by the program.


RESULTS
Of the 749 faxed referrals to the program, 157 (21.0%) enrolled in a treatment program and received 1 or more treatment sessions; 505 were contacted by the program, and of these, 147 (29%) enrolled. Women were more likely to enroll than men (odds ratio [OR] 1.81; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.09-3.01). Whites were twice as likely to enroll than African Americans (OR 2.35; 95% CI, 1.28-4.33). Older age (OR 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06) and higher self-efficacy scores (OR 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02-1.26) increased the likelihood of enrollment.


CONCLUSIONS
Approximately 1 in 5 smokers who accepted a fax referral enrolled in and received intensive treatment services for tobacco dependence. Thus, innovative approaches are needed to increase enrollment among younger, African American, and male smokers.
Sisterhen
Laura L
LL
Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202-3591, USA. sisterhenlaural@uams.edu
Sheffer
Christine E
CE
Bursac
Zoran
Z
Fischer
Ellen P
EP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016636:Telefacsimile; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult