Telephone counseling for smoking cessation: effects of single-session and multiple-session interventions

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1996 Feb;64(1):202-11. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.64.1.202.

Abstract

Smokers (N = 3,030) were randomized to receive 1 of 3 interventions: (a) a self-help quit kit, (b) a quit kit plus 1 telephone counseling session, or (c) a quit kit plus up to 6 telephone counseling sessions, scheduled according to relapse probability. Both counseling groups achieved significantly higher abstinence rates than the self-help group. The rates for having quit for at least 12 months by intention to treat were 5.4% for self-help, 7.5% for single counseling, and 9.9% for multiple counseling. The 12-month continuous abstinence rates for those who made a quit attempt were 14.7% for self-help, 19.8% for single counseling, and 26.7% for multiple counseling. A dose-response relation was observed, as multiple sessions produced significantly higher abstinence rates than a single session. The first week after quitting seems to be the critical period for intervention.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Counseling*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Self Care / psychology
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • Smoking Cessation / psychology
  • Telephone*
  • Treatment Outcome