The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective:

This study systematically reviewed and synthesized the evidence regarding effective strategies for smoking cessation with young adults aged 18-24 years who are employed or unemployed. This age group has the highest rate of smoking in Canada and the U.S. (and several other countries) and an increased vulnerability to marketing efforts by the tobacco industry. Yet, there is a deficiency of data to guide decision-making for effective interventions for this age group.

Methods:

A knowledge synthesis was conducted using three main sources of information: 1. systematic review of the literature, 2. expert opinion through a Delphi process, 3. focus groups involving 18-24 year old young adult smokers.

Results:

A scarcity of studies was found on 18 to 24 year olds: only 12 intervention studies, 11 natural history, 5 on health beliefs and only 1 study on engaging this population. Through the Delphi process, 27 experts reached consensus on priorities for research, practice and policy. Overall priorities included engagement, recruitment, and innovative interventions. Examples of themes that emerged from the six focus groups included: interventions being relevant to young adults, not “forced” and highlighting positive aspects of quitting, rather than “scare tactics” regarding the negative consequences of smoking.

This study illustrates the value of using different and complementary approaches (literature review, expert opinion, target population), especially in an area of high importance, but with limited empirical studies to date. The findings help set the agenda for targeting research, improving practice and informing policy for smoking cessation among young adult smokers.