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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Alain Joffe, MD, MPH¹, Clea McNeely, DrPH², Peilin Sheng, MD, MS², and Gerry Waterfield, RN, CPNP³. (1) Department of Population and Family Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University Student Health and Wellness Center, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21209, 410-516-7746, ajoffe@jhu.edu, (2) Department of Population and Family Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E4546, Baltimore, MD 21205, (3) School-Based Health Centers Program, Baltimore City Health Department, 210 Guilford Avenue, 2nd floor, Baltimore, MD 21202

Purpose: This study examined whether a multi-session (MS) group smoking cessation program is more effective than a single session (SS) in helping adolescents quit smoking. Methods: 407 smokers (from 8 Maryland high schools) interested in quitting were randomized within schools to a MS lunchtime intervention reformatted from previously validated smoking cessation programs or to a SS. Self-reported quitting was measured at end of program (EOP) and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months later. Intention to treat (ITT) analysis (students lost to follow-up classified as smoking) was used to assess outcomes. Results: Participants had a mean age of 15.8 (SD 1.2), were 53 % female, 56% African-American,and 29% Caucasian. SS (n=205) and MS students (n=202) did not differ by age, race/ethnicity, gender, or nicotine dependence score. By ITT analyses, there were no differences in quit rates at EOP (23%-SS vs. 27%-MS), 1 month (18%-SS vs. 24%-MS); 3 mos. (24% vs. 21%); 6 mos. (27% vs.25%); and 12 mos. (21% vs. 25%). Multivariate analyses, controlling for all baseline predictors of attendance (# of cigs in lifetime, nicotine dependence score, self-identtification as a regular smoker, and plans to quit for good, stage of change), showed that MS students attending ≥ 50% of sessions were more likely to report quitting at EOP (OR=2.3), 1 month (OR=2.1), and 12 months (OR=1.96). Of the covariates, only stage of change was predictive of quitting but only at 12 months. Conclusion: The multi-session program increased self-reported quit rates among students attending at least half the sessions.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify the key elements of a smoking cessation program for adolescents.
• Describe the challenges in implementing a smoking cessation program during school hours.
• Discuss the various methods for assessing smoking/nonsmoking status among adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Smoking Cessation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered