Reach and uptake of Internet- and phone-based smoking cessation interventions: Results from a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo study whether demographic and smoking-related characteristics are associated with participation (reach) in a smoking cessation trial and subsequent use (uptake) of two specific smoking interventions (Internet-based program and proactive telephone counseling). MethodsWe used data from a four-arm randomized smoking cessation trial (2011). Participants (n=1,809) were recruited among 9,924 smokers who previously participated in two health surveys in Denmark (2007–2008 and 2010). Interventions were as follows: (1) an Internet-based smoking cessation program, (2) proactive telephone counseling, (3) reactive telephone counseling and (4) a self-help booklet. ResultsReach (defined as the proportion accepting to participate in the trial of those invited) was highest among persons aged 40–59years, women, heavy smokers and persons with long education. Among trial participants, uptake (defined as any use of the specific intervention at 1-month follow-up) was 69% for the Internet-based program, 74% and 9% for proactive and reactive telephone counseling, respectively, and 84% for the self-help booklet. Young age was associated with the uptake of the Internet-based program, and short education was associated with using proactive telephone counseling. ConclusionsInternet-based interventions and proactive telephone counseling appeal to different age and educational groups. Further, offering similar intervention content by a proactive and a reactive approach can be associated with different intervention uptake.