Internet and cell phone based smoking cessation programs among adolescents

Background: Smoking cessation among adolescents is a salient public health issue, as it can prevent the adoption of risky health behaviors and reduce negative impacts on health. Self-efficacy, household and social support systems, perceived benefits and pharmacological assistance are some important cessation determinants. With the popular use of the Internet and cell phone usage among adolescents, smoking cessation programs are beginning to adopt these new delivery methods. The purpose of the study is to review interventions between 2005 and 2009 that used the Internet or cell phones for smoking cessation among 11 to 19 year olds. . Methods: A systematic search of the CINAHL, ERIC, Google Scholar, and Medline databases was done. Two researchers conducted the search independently in arriving at the chosen studies. Results: A total of 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. Interventions mainly used the Internet as a form of assistance to enhance the effectiveness of the program. Only one intervention used text messaging through cell phones. Outcome measures looked at quit rates, reduction in number of days smoking, and reduction in amount of smoking. Self-efficacy, household and social support systems and perceived benefits were found to be significant predictors. Discussion: Programs with multiple approaches, using the Internet as an adjunct were more effective than programs that solely relied on the Internet. Currently, there are very few studies utilizing the Internet and cell phone as a program delivery method. Future research is needed to verify its success in cessation practices. Recommendations for future research are provided.