Improving communication with Ontarian smokers through a smokers' registry

Cancer registries have long been recognized as a crucial element of cancer control and surveillance benefiting both the individual and the society. Unfortunately, no such registry exists for smokers in Ontario, Canada, and no research has been done on whether smokers would be interested in being part of a registry.

This paper examines differences between smokers who report being interested in joining a voluntary smokers' registry and those who are not. It identifies characteristics that such a registry should have according to those who are interested in it.

METHODS: A survey with 800 smokers in a Public Health Unit in Ontario was used to identify characteristics of smokers who reported being interested in joining a smoker's registry and those who weren't. Further 13 semi structured interviews provide data on what characteristics the registry should have.

RESULTS: 50% of survey participants said they would be interested in joining a smokers' registry. Logistic regression showed older age, higher education, being heavy smokers; desire to quit and prior quit attempts were all predictors of desire to join the smokers' registry.

Analysis of the semi-structured interviews indicated that the registry should be free, anonymous or confidential, and that communications should emphasize new services and methods that are available to support quit attempts. The registry should avoid sending self-help materials.

CONCLUSIONS: These results show that an investment in a voluntary smokers' registry might create a successful way to communicate with smokers about new services and ultimately to increase quit attempts and successful quits.