Feasibility of a Spanish/English computerized decision aid to facilitate smoking cessation efforts in underserved communities

Abstract

Introduction: People with poor access to medical care are more likely to smoke but are less likely to receive nicotine dependence treatment.

Objective: To assess preliminary outcomes of a computer-based, bilingual smoking cessation decision-aid to facilitate utilization of resources.

Methods: A computer kiosk with a smoking cessation decision-aid was integrated at three safety-net clinics and two health fairs. The kiosk queries participants about smoking behaviors, guides them to set a quit date and select treatment, provides printed materials, and prompts fax-referral to quitline.

Results: Among the 163 smokers referred to the kiosk, 78.5% participated in the study and 30% completed the kiosk in Spanish. Few had previously used cessation resources. During completion of the decision-aid, 95.3% requested pharmacotherapy, and 70.3% opted for counseling. Among those reached for two-month follow-up (69.5%), 20.2% reported they had quit smoking.

Conclusion: Spanish/English computerized decision aids are feasible and can facilitate the use of effective treatments for smoking cessation among underserved smokers.