Message Framing for Telephone Quitline Callers

This pilot study is meant to be translational (i.e., positive study results could easily translate to the actual practices of the NYS Smokers' Quitline) - as much as possible, the standard practices of the Quitline will be followed. In this context, a randomized pilot clinical trial comparing exclusively "Gain-framed counseling + gain-framed materials" to standard care Quitline counseling + standard print materials will be conducted with individuals calling the NYS Smokers' Quitline for assistance in quitting smoking. Following assessment of eligibility and informed consent, 2,500 smokers will be assisted by Specialists in either the YC or SC experimental conditions.

Consistent with the current practices of the Quitline, following the counseling intervention, participants will be mailed a package containing print materials encouraging smoking cessation, and participants eligible for Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) will receive a 2-week supply of nicotine replacement medication. Consistent with Quitline practices, all callers will be required to set a "quit date" within 2 weeks of their initial call. A Quitline Specialist will initiate a follow-up call approximately 10 to 14 days after the print materials and NRT has been mailed. For callers receiving NRT, the manufacturer's suggested course of therapy (e.g., 8 weeks of NRT) will be recited to callers, and Quitline Specialists will suggest that callers use the money they save from not smoking to purchase additional NRT and/or that they check with their insurance carrier to see if additional NRT would be covered.

Participants will be assessed before receiving the gain-framed counseling + gain-framed materials or standard care counseling, immediately after receiving counseling, approximately 1 week after their quit date for those who receive NRT, and at a 3-month follow-up to see if the gain-framed counseling + gain-framed materials participants, as predicted, are more likely to promote smoking cessation. Several brief measures that assess potential mediator of treatment will be administered.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults (18+ years)
• New York State residents
• English-speaking
• Current smokers who utilize Quitline services seeking quitting assistance for themselves

Exclusion criteria

• Callers who are enrolled in the Proactive Program for Medicaid/uninsured clients, or special programs through their insurance company or county