Successful adolescent smoking cessation pilot in an alternative school setting

Since 2001, Mom's Quit Connection, a program of the Southern NJ Perinatal Cooperative, has provided perinatal smoking cessation education and treatment in NJ. In 2008, MQC expanded their services to tobacco addicted adolescents including those that are pregnant and/or parenting.

The pilot began with an educational series presented to 48 students in an alternative school. Alternative high school students have been unsuccessful in traditional high school and often have psychosocial issues that put them at higher risk for tobacco addiction. This setting, is smaller, more interactive, and close bonds often develop between students and teachers/nurse. The more intimate environment supported cessation intervention. Students received information on topics including: media influence, nicotine addiction and health risks. Use of non-authoritative messages helped to gain the attention and trust of the students. Following the series, 9 students expressed interest in a support group, 3 students and 1 teacher quit; 4 students committed to a 5 session cessation group. Topics included life skills, decisional balance, basic needs, identifying/dealing with triggers, and withdrawal symptoms. At each session, CO level and cigarette consumption was recorded.

All students decreased consumption. Success was measured by decreased consumption proven by lower CO levels, 100% attendance and student engagement in discussions. Pre and Post surveys measured knowledge change and treatment effectiveness. Students identified interactive teaching tools, games, peer led discussion, use of incentives like pizza parties and gift cards as highly effective in helping them engage in the group process and succeed. The program is being expanded to additional audiences.