The Arizona Smokers’ Helpline (ASH) offers free telephone-based tobacco use cessation counseling and self-help materials. ASH data reveals that 42% of its clients prefer anonymity; they call for help and receive a brief intervention but don’t give personal contact information. Their anonymity precludes them from receiving the mailed self-help guide and tailored materials. The ASH Website (www.ASHLine.org) offers an anonymous method for tobacco users to access the Helpline’s self-help materials. It includes the interactive ASH Quit Guide and other interactive self-help and decision-making tools; tailored fact sheets; a list of community cessation services; and E-mail to ASH counselors. Online data collection gives insights into Website user patterns. It provides information on Web surfing behavior; popular days and time periods; popular Web pages in the site; and average site browsing time. Data analysis from April through Dec. 1999 indicates that 24% of the visitors are repeat users; average browsing time is 10 minutes; and coping hints and withdrawal symptoms are among the most popular pages. Further data analysis will investigate potential monthly, quarterly, or annual trends in Website access. ASH is a service of the University of Arizona and is funded by the Arizona Department of Health Services Tobacco Education and Prevention Program.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1) identify methods to evaluate health-related World Wide Websites; 2) identify Website components that attract repeat Website users; and 3) learn how to gather and interpret Website data
Keywords: World Wide Web, Tobacco
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Arizona Smokers' Helpline at the University of Arizona
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.