The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: The Ohio Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation funds multiple programs providing tobacco cessation services to minority, Appalachian and low-income populations. This presentation discusses effective outreach strategies and program outcomes for two programs which serve large numbers of at-risk persons in Ohio: The Ohio Tobacco Quit Line and the Central Ohio Breathing Association's Mayo-based “Quit for Good” program. It also demonstrates an approach for making cross program outcome and cost-effectiveness comparisons when evaluating cessation services for at-risk communities.

Methods: Program outcome data were collected from approximately 20,000 persons who received cessation counseling through the two programs between September 2004 and October 2005. Quit rates were identified at end of program and 6-month follow-ups. A full range of sociodemographic variables allow the identification of program outcomes for various subpopulations and estimated costs of serving at-risk communities through telephonic and in-person counseling. Recruitment data includes results from a subsidized NRT program for the uninsured launched statewide in early 2006.

Results: Both programs were successful in recruiting minority and low-income populations. For at-risk populations, statewide marketing campaigns and the subsidized NRT program are successful drivers of calls to the Ohio Quit Line. Community outreach and partnerships with local health systems are the most effective recruitment strategies for Quit for Good. Both programs revealed high 6-month quit rates although both experienced high loss to follow-up.