Nurses trying to quit smoking using the Internet

Abstract

Nurses QuitNet, an Internet-based smoking cessation program, was created to support nurses' quit attempts. The purposes of this study were to evaluate quit attempts at 3, 6, and 12 months after the use of the program and to determine differences in demographic, professional, and smoking characteristics by smoking status. Differences in the use of quit methods, barriers, and facilitators to quitting also were assessed. Data among 246 smokers who responded to at least 1 follow-up email at 3, 6, or 12 months after registration were analyzed. Quit rates among respondents were 43% (3 months), 45% (6 months), and 53% (12 months). Total time on the website was significantly higher for those who quit. Barriers to quitting included lack of support from colleagues, stress, lack of cessation services, and fear of not getting a work-break. Facilitators included working in a smoke-free facility, support from colleagues, and workplace cessation services. The use of Nurses QuitNet demonstrated promise in supporting quit attempts. Quitting was influenced by workplace factors.