Systematic analysis of smoking cessation interventions implemented in worksite settings

Issues: Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Worksites provide the greatest access to the smoking population. The purpose of this investigation was to systematically analyze smoking cessation interventions conducted in worksite settings. Description: A search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC, and CENTRAL databases was conducted independently by three researchers. Eligibility of articles was evaluated by the following criteria: (1) studies in US and abroad, (2) primary research articles, (3) evaluating smoking cessation interventions, (4) conducted in worksite settings, (5) between 2009 and January 2012, (6) employing quantitative design. Time frame for inclusion was based on articles published after a similar review. Lessons Learned: Total of 13 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. The majority of the interventions applied randomized control trial (n=6) and pretest-posttest (n=5) designs. Of the interventions employing smoking cessation as the primary outcome variable (n=11), eight demonstrated significant changes. Seven of the interventions were theory-based with five of these applying the Transtheoretical Model. Five of the programs included pharmacotherapy and five incorporated incentives. Biochemical verification of smoking cessation was applied in four programs. Recommendations: Most of the successful interventions focused on smoking behaviors alone as opposed to including it as a component of a wellness program. The most effective interventions combined pharmacotherapy with behavior modification. The efficacy of financial incentives to motivate behavior change is still unconfirmed; however, programs that measured long-term outcomes demonstrated cost savings for worksites. Targeting of specific occupations and worksite environments has confounded the generalizability of this intervention type.