Feasibility of computerized scheduled gradual reduction for adolescent smoking cessation.

Full Abstract

The purpose of this project was to modify a smoking cessation program that uses computerized scheduled gradual reduction for use with adolescent smokers and to test the feasibility of this cessation approach in group support and minimal contact modalities. Utilizing a lesson plan approach with high school marketing students in five high schools and student survey feedback, the LifeSign program was modified to be an acceptable smoking cessation program for adolescent smokers. In the first study, 17 adolescent smokers used the modified program with seven associated weekly group support sessions. At the end of treatment, 29% had quit smoking, and over half of those who continued to smoke reduced their smoking rate by 50%. In the second study, the LifeSign for Teens program was evaluated with 18 adolescent smokers in a minimal contact format. At the end of treatment, 17% had quit smoking, and mean smoking rate reductions of 43% were found among those who continued smoking. At 1-year follow-up, all subjects who had quit at posttreatment reported continuous abstinence. The results of these two small trials suggest that a computerized scheduled gradual reduction approach may be an accepted and potentially efficacious approach for smoking cessation among adolescent smokers.

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Author information

Author/s: Riley, William (W); Jerome, Albert (A); Behar, Albert (A); Zack, Sharon (S);

Affiliation: PICS, Inc, Reston, VA, USA. briley(-atsign-)lifesignusa.com

Grants: R43 CA74623 (Agency:United States NCI)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study; Evaluation Studies; Journal Article; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

Journal: Substance use & misuse (Subst Use Misuse), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jan; vol 37 (issue 2) : pp 255-63

Dates: Created 2002/02/26; Completed 2002/09/06; Revised 2007/11/14;

PMID: 11863279, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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