Arkansas SOSQuitline: A case study demonstrating continuing success

Tobacco cessation Quitlines have become an integral part of the nation's tobacco cessation efforts. In Arkansas the SOSQuitline began providing treatment on August 11, 2005. The SOSQuitline was expected to handle approximately 2400 callers in the first year. The SOSQuitline actually served 5619 unique callers seeking treatment or information in the 2005-2006 fiscal. In fiscal year 2006-2007, the SOSQuitline served 6764 unique callers. Calls came from every county in the state. Approximately 58% of the callers were seeking treatment. The callers were 62% female and 82% Caucasian. Age ranged from 13 to 84 years (mean 40.4)

In fiscal year 2006-2007, the Arkansas SOSQuitline discharged 2162 participants. Those participants were provided 11,452 treatment “events.” Sixty-five percent were available at 3-month followup, 58% were available at 6-month followup, and 48% were available at 1-year followup. Of those participants discharged and interviewed for follow-up, approximately half of those who completed all the content (Steps 1 through 6) and approximately one/fifth of those who did not complete the content were not using tobacco 6-months after discharge.

Satisfaction was measured on a 10-point Likert Scale with 10 representing the highest satisfaction. “Satisfaction with the treatment” had an average score of 8.6 and “Usefulness of the treatment” received an average score of 8.2. Specific outcome results for African-Americans and the chronically mental ill will be presented.

The utilization of our Quitline demonstrates a growing need for continued and expanded resources. Further, the effectiveness of Quitlines makes them an indispensable resource in our national tobacco cessation efforts.