Systematic Review: Internet-Based Program Smoking Prevention and Cessation for Adolescents and Young Adults

Background: As the need for more effective adolescent smoking prevention has increased, internet-based smoking prevention programs for adolescents smoking prevention have proliferated.  We may expect benefits due to adolescents’ engagement in internet and their psycho-social development; however, no systematic review to examine internet based smoking prevention programs for youth has been conducted.

Methods: A systematic review of research focused on internet-based youth smoking prevention and cessation programs published in peer-reviewed journals was conducted. Twelve articles were included based on the following criteria: studies conducted in the last ten years, reported smoking related outcomes after the intervention, and population < 24 years old. The outcomes, study features, and program characteristics were analyzed.

Results: In 12 studies, over 10,000 participants were included. The majority of these programs focused on smoking reduction or cessation, and only one primarily focused prevention, although three programs aimed for both purposes. Most studies used two-armed randomized control trial designs.  Social learning theory was the most frequently used framework. Quit rates range from 4.9% to 16. 2% post intervention, and up to 28.7% at 14 month at the longest follow up. The most commonly used components of internet-based programs were the use of multimedia, a tailored approach, personalized feedback, and interactive features.

Conclusions: The characteristics and effect of the programs vary, but most programs show positive results in youth smoking cessation despite the limitations of some studies. This review provides important information regarding the impact of promising new internet-based smoking prevention programs for health care providers.