Worksite Phone Counseling for Smoking Cessation

BACKGROUND Given the association of smoking with low socioeconomic status, the potential of telephone counseling for smoking cessation to reach diverse audiences needs evaluation. In addition, different approaches to counseling have not been systematically examined, and may differentially affect reach, retention, and success.

PURPOSE To describe employee participation and outcomes in a trial of two counseling styles for telephone-based smoking cessation support.

APPROACH Employees and spouses of two large organizations are invited to participate in a trial of a telephone quitline. Participants are randomized to one of two coaching styles. A protocol-driven (Directive) coaching approach follows a script for each of seven calls over 9 weeks. A participant-centered (Nondirective) coaching approach allowed smokers to select topics of interest, with prompting by the coach as needed. A computer assisted telephone interview program and database provide topics in correct sequence for directive coaching, allow coaches to indicate topics during nondirective coaching, and track time spent on topics in both conditions.

PREDICTOR VARIABLES Demographics, smoking history and conventional self-reported measures of nicotine dependence, smoking urges, preference for patient-centric care, and depression are collected at baseline.

OUTCOMES The primary outcome measure is self-reported abstinence from smoking for 7 days at the time of last follow up, 6 or 12 months after baseline assessment.

ANALYSES Interactions of Race and Income with coaching approach are analyzed. Based on results with asthma patients, a positive interaction of low income with nondirective coaching is tested.

Inclusion criteria

• Smoking employee or spouse in contemplation, action, or recently entering maintenance stage of change
• English speaking

Exclusion criteria

• Smoker in precontemplation stage of change