A national evaluation of community-based youth cessation programs: end of program and twelve-month outcomes

Am J Community Psychol. 2013 Mar;51(1-2):15-29. doi: 10.1007/s10464-012-9496-8.

Abstract

Most youth cessation treatment research consists of efficacy studies in which treatments are evaluated under optimal conditions of delivery. Less is known about the effectiveness of youth cessation treatments delivered in real-world, community based settings. A national sample of 41 community-based youth cessation programs participated in a longitudinal evaluation to identify site, program, and participant characteristics associated with successful cessation. Validated quit rates were comparable to those in randomized controlled trials; 7-day abstinence at the end of program averaged 14% and 30-day abstinence at 12 months averaged 12%. Multivariate GEE models explored predictors of smoking cessation at the end of the programs and at 12 months. Results showed correlates of both short- and long-term cessation. Findings point to the importance of both individual and community-level variables, including motivation, opportunities for and encouragement to engage in activities outside of academics, having youth participate in treatment before they become highly dependent smokers, and community norms and ordinances that discourage youth purchase, use and possession of tobacco. Providing evidence-based treatment to youth in community-based settings results in successful cessation.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Community Networks*
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / standards*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Models, Organizational
  • Odds Ratio
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Smoking Cessation*
  • United States