Development and evaluation of a smokeless tobacco cessation program: a pilot study

Abstract

A multicomponent, cognitive-behavioral intervention program, offered to 25 chronic, adolescent male users of smokeless tobacco, was divided into three sessions and involved self-monitoring of smokeless tobacco use, awareness of health risks, behavioral coping strategies, frequent phone contact, and relapse prevention training. Biochemical (carbon monoxide and cotinine) verification of self-reports was obtained, information about subject and environmental characteristics collected, and a 3-month follow-up conducted. Twenty-one of the 25 subjects completed treatment; 9 participants were abstinent at the conclusion of the program, and 4 remained successful in quitting at the 3-month follow-up. Participants who did not achieve complete abstinence reported substantial reductions in smokeless tobacco use, and no increase in cigarette consumption occurred as a result of reducing or quitting use of it. Subjects successful in achieving cessation had consumed a smaller amount of smokeless tobacco at baseline and were more likely to be involved in school athletics.