Implementation of a peer-led smoking cessation hotline for youth: a pilot study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Telephone hotline is effective in helping adults quit smoking, but little is known on its efficacy towards younger smokers. OBJECTIVE: To describe the establishment of the first peer-led telephone hotline for youth in Hong Kong, and the baseline characteristics of young smokers who utilized the service. METHODS: A youth quitline was piloted in August 2005 and managed by 20 trained student volunteers. The service targets youngsters aged 12 to 25, who have smoked in the past 30 days. For those who called the Youth Quitline and agreed to leave a telephone number for follow-up, peer-counselling using a motivational approach is offered in multiple telephone sessions (Baseline, 1 week and 1 month). Moreover, telephone follow up was made at 3 and 6 months to assess the quit rate, cigarette consumption and stages of readiness to quit. RESULTS: The service is ongoing. During the first 3 months, of 186 relevant calls retrieved, 72 (39%) were young smokers and 49 completed the baseline intervention. About 60% smoked 10 cigarettes or less per day, while 66% had a moderate to high level of nicotine dependency. About one-third were not ready to quit. CONCLUSION: Although young smokers had a lower daily cigarette consumption, the level of nicotine dependency was comparable to adult smokers who used telephone quitline. Intervention should focus on assessing and alleviating withdrawal symptoms, and promoting their readiness to quit smoking.