Telephone counseling increases cessation rates among young adult smokers

Health Psychol. 2004 Sep;23(5):539-41. doi: 10.1037/0278-6133.23.5.539.

Abstract

During June 2000-May 2001, the American Cancer Society conducted a randomized trial of telephone counseling among more than 3,500 current smokers who called to seek assistance in quitting. All eligible callers were randomized to receive either self-help booklets through the mail or booklets and up to 5 sessions of telephone counseling. Approximately 12% (420/3,522) of study participants were 18-25 years of age. Using intent to treat analyses, 3- and 6-month quit rates among both younger and older smokers were significantly higher among those who received telephone counseling than among those who received self-help booklets only. Three-month rates were 20% versus 9% for 18-25 year olds and 15% versus 10% for older adults. Results indicate that younger smokers can benefit from telephone counseling.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • American Cancer Society
  • Counseling*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Self Care
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Telephone*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States