Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116832

Edward G. Largo, PhD and Joel D. Schendel, PhD. Youth Smoking Prevention & Corporate Responsibility, Philip Morris USA, 6601 West Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230-1723, (804) 484-8681, edward.g.largo@pmusa.com

The purpose of this presentation is to share general interest research findings from several studies that were carried out during the development of QuitAssist, a free information resource designed to connect smokers who have decided to quit to expert quitting information from public health authorities and others. First we will present results of a national telephone survey conducted in June-July 2003 among 1,171 adults classified as either “Quit Attempters” (current smokers who tried to stop smoking cigarettes in the past year) (n = 871) or “Recent Quitters” (individuals who stopped smoking cigarettes during the previous six months to two years and then remained smokefree) (n = 300). The survey provided insights into the two sample populations' demographic characteristics, awareness and use of various quitting information sources and methods, and knowledge of the quitting process. Next, we will present findings from a series of qualitative studies in which the participants were adult smokers in the “Preparation” (individuals who definitely plan to quit in the next 30 days) and “Action” (individuals who have stopped smoking within the past 6 months and are actively trying to stay smokefree) stages of quitting. The objective of these studies was to inform the development of QuitAssist, which includes a printed resource guide and web site. This portion of the presentation will highlight participant feedback that we received during these studies, especially as it may relate to the development of quitting information resources.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in the session will be able to (
• describe awareness and use of quitting information sources and methods and knowledge of the quitting process among samples of current smokers who tried to stop smoking cigarettes in the past year ("Quit Attempters") and individuals who stopped smoking cigarettes during the past year ("Recent Quitters") and (
• discuss findings from recent qualitative research on the development of a smoking cessation information resource -- QuitAssist.

Related Web page: philipmorrisusa.com or quitassist.com

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF (1)All research reported here was sponsored by Philip Morris USA; (2)QuitAssist is a free information resource offered by Philip Morris USA; (3)The authors (Largo & Schendel) are employees of Philip Morris USA.