437
Views
38
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
MEDIA AND HEALTH COMMUNICATION

Awareness and Use of Tobacco Quitlines: Evidence from the Health Information National Trends Survey

, , &
Pages 264-278 | Published online: 10 Dec 2010
 

Abstract

Smoking quitlines, with their demonstrated efficacy and convenience, have become integral to tobacco control efforts in the United States. However, use of quitlines in smoking cessation remains low relative to their potential. To increase quitline use in the United States, a better understanding of current awareness of quitlines is needed. We analyzed data from the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey (n = 7,674) to identify factors associated with awareness and use of quitlines. Data were weighted to provide representative estimates of the adult U.S. population. Of those surveyed, approximately 50% were aware of quitlines (65% of current smokers) and 3.5% had called a quitline (9% of current smokers). Current and former smokers were significantly more likely to be aware of quitlines than never smokers (p < .01). Age, ethnicity, and education were significantly related to quitline awareness. Looking for health information (OR = 1.40, CI = 1.14–1.73) and having more trust in the government as a source of health information (OR = 1.25, CI = 1.05–1.48) were associated with awareness. Current smoking status was strongly associated with quitline use (OR = 9.25, CI = 3.18–26.85). Respondents who looked for health or medical information from any source, had a personal or family history of cancer, and reported psychological distress were more likely to have called a quitline. While awareness of quitlines appears to be high, quitline utilization is low. Implications and future research directions are discussed.

Acknowledgments

This article is not subject to US copyright law.

Notes

Note. p value based on Wald F p value.

Note. p value based on Wald F p value.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.