As a delivery medium for health interventions, the Internet holds great promise for reaching large numbers of people at relatively low costs. In fact, many suggest that the future of health behavior interventions is on the Internet. We developed an Internet-delivered smoking cessation program, theorizing that several factors might make our program attractive to smokers. These include the benefit of repeated access at any time during the quitting process, the ability to remain anonymous, and smokers’ preference for self-help cessation materials. But how many smokers will actually learn about the existence of such a program and then come and use it? This presentation examines recruitment of participants for a clinical trial to evaluate an Internet-delivered smoking cessation program. Large worksites (500+ employees) were targeted for recruitment because of the potential to reach large numbers of adults 18 and over. Additionally, the digital video used in the program is better when viewed via high bandwidth Internet connections (found at most large worksites). Information about the clinical trial was distributed using the methods available to us at each worksite, and interested smokers were referred to the website to register. Despite the perceived advantages of an Internet-based program, and even with a number of large worksites participating, recruitment success was quite limited. Issues impacting recruitment results included evaluation study design, promotional efforts at worksites, and technological obstacles. This presentation will examine these recruitment challenges and discuss the strategies employed to address them. Future directions for Internet-based health interventions will also be discussed. See www.quitcigs.org
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to 1)articulate the strengths and weaknesses of Internet-based health interventions, and 2) identify strategies for increasing the success of program evaluations conducted at worksites.
Keywords: Smoking Cessation, Internet
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Oregon Center for Applied Science, Inc.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by ORCAS