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Poster presentation:
Investigating the effectiveness of sending postcards to people who have quit smoking for 4 weeks
Chris Burton
Abstract
English Stop Smoking Services provide 4 weeks of stop smoking support to smokers. In 2002 the Services in Bristol and North Somerset began sending motivational postcards to clients who quit with the help of these Services, aiming to provide ongoing support and prevent relapse. This study investigates the effect of this intervention.
A retrospective analysis of data collected by the Services for monitoring purposes was carried out to determine the relapse rates between 4 and 52 weeks, before and after postcards had been received by clients. Comparisons were made with similar data from a comparator group that had not received the postcards. Data was also collected using a postal questionnaire sent to Service users who had received postcards, 52 weeks after their quit date.
Of the 38% sample (n=321) that returned the questionnaire, the majority of both those who had remained non-smokers and those who had returned to smoking, liked receiving postcards. 39% of those receiving the cards and returning the questionnaire (n=96) felt that the cards helped prevent relapse. 31% felt encouraged to access more help from the Stop Smoking Services and 21% reported receiving more help.
The reported 52-week quit rates and thus the relapse rates decreased significantly in the period after postcards were received (From 84.0%-77.2% (OR=1.55(95%CI,1.31-1.84)p=0.0000002)). The response rates to 52-week follow-up increased significantly after the postcards in the experimental group. This may have been the cause of the apparent decrease in relapse. There were no significant changes in the comparator group.
The cards have a positive effect, preventing relapse and/or increasing response rates, mainly among men, people over the age of 40 and more vulnerable groups. A cost effectiveness analysis indicates that this effect is sufficient to justify continued use of the cards. Recommendations that may improve this effect are discussed.
Biography
Chris Burton has been working in Tobacco Control for 11 years and as a Stop Smoking Service Coordinator since the instigation of the services. This study was carred out as part of an MSc in Public Health, carried out at the University of the West of England.
Author 1: Chris Burton
Lead for Smoking Cessation and Tobacco Control
The Gables
Rickford Rise,
Burrington
Bristol
BS40 7AN
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