Efficacy of self-help behavior modification materials in smoking cessation

Abstract

We evaluated the efficacy of the Stanford Quit Kit, an eight-page self-administered smoking cessation program. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive the Quit Kit (n = 142) or a delayed intervention (n = 65). Confirmed abstinence (p less than .05) and reduced smoking among continuing smokers (p less than .002) were greater in the Quit Kit group than in the control group at the two-month follow-up. At the six-month follow-up 10.6 percent of the Quit Kit subjects were confirmed as abstinent. From these results we conclude that well-designed, self-administered behavior change materials can assist chronic smokers in quitting.