An evaluation of the Freedom From Smoking Online cessation program among Wisconsin residents

Abstract

Objective: To study the effectiveness of the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking Online cessation program in assisting Wisconsin residents to quit smoking.

Methods: Five hundred fifty-three Wisconsin residents who signed up for the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking Online cessation program over a 10-month period were solicited for participation. Of these, 80 individuals completed the initial survey (response rate 14.41%). Follow-up surveys were conducted 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after participants completed the program. Fifty-two participants completed the 3-month follow-up, 43 completed the 6-month follow-up, 38 completed the 9-month follow-up, and 36 completed the 12-month follow-up.

Results: Initial point prevalence rates or whether participants reported that they had smoked in the previous 24-hour period revealed a quit rate of 55%. Sustained abstinence or whether they reported that they had smoked in the previous 3-month period ranged between 28.8% (3 months after program completion) and 16.3% (1 year after program completion).

Conclusion: Quit rates compare favorably to current clinic-based smoking cessation programs. Given the low cost nature of an on-line cessation program and the ability to reach a wide audience, the evaluation undertaken of the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking Online cessation program revealed promising results.