Internet-based social networking for quitters: Can peer-based support groups promote cessation and help prevent relapse?

Authors:
Trevor van Mierlo and Peter Selby

Presenter:
Trevor van Mierlo
Chief Executive Officer, Evolution Health Systems Inc., Toronto, Canada

Abstract
Background: Group therapy and peer support are associated with successful cessation. Can 24 hour Internet-based support
groups (social networks) assist quitters who do not have access to other services?

Objectives: Research in the area of online social support is limited. This study aims to gain further understanding for this fast
growing field.

Methods: Demographics, usage data and content were collected from www.StopSmokingCenter.net, a free-access Web-Based Tobacco Intervention (WATI) moderated by trained health experts. Qualitative analyses of 2,652 ‘first posts’ were conducted to explore message themes, content, frequency and patterns.

Results: 16,764 smokers registered between November 6, 2004 and May 15, 2007 (mean age was 38.9; 65.4% female). Mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 20.6 and the mean Fagerstrom score was 5.6. 15.3% (n=2,562) of registered members made at least one post. 25% of first posts received replies within 12 minutes. The most frequent first posts were from recent quitters struggling with quit attempts. Most responses were from members who had quit for a month or more.

Conclusions: Peer-to-peer responses to new quitters were rapid, indicating that online social networks may be a particular benefit to recent quitters. Further research is required in the effectiveness of online support groups.

Source of funding: N/A

Declaration of interest: Trevor van Mierlo is the CEO of Evolution Health Systems Inc. which developed the Stop Smoking Center. Dr. Peter Selby consulted on the Stop Smoking Center program development and content.

About the presenter
Trevor van Mierlo is the Chief Executive Officer of Evolution Health Systems, Inc., an RandD based company that builds evidence-based eHealth programs. In addition to managing the company’s operations in Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Japan, Trevor directs world-class teams of Intellectual Property Law Specialists, Scientific Advisors, Global eHealth Business Development Experts and Software Application Architects and is a co-author on multiple peer-reviewed eHealth studies. While leading the direction of Evolution Health, he is completing his Masters of Science in Community Health (MScCH) at the University of Toronto, focusing on Addictions and Mental Health.