The establishment and promotion of the first Youth Quitline in Hong Kong: challenges and opportunities

Eval Health Prof. 2008 Sep;31(3):258-71. doi: 10.1177/0163278708320156. Epub 2008 Jun 19.

Abstract

This study describes the establishment, promotion, and preliminary findings of a peer-led smoking cessation quitline for Chinese youth smokers in Hong Kong. The Youth Quitline targeted Chinese smokers aged 12 to 25, who smoked at least one cigarette in the past 30 days and were willing to leave telephone numbers for follow up. The protocol was translated from the California Smoker's Helpline and we provided toll-free telephone counseling based on motivational intervention with multiple follow-up sessions for smokers who called the service. By intention-to-treat analysis, 55% reported at least one quit attempt, and the quit rate was 22.1% (self-reported 7-day point prevalence) or 17.5% (self-reported 30-day point prevalence). The Hong Kong Youth Quitline, along with enforcement of the antismoking legislation for both youth and adults, advocacy to de-normalize smoking in the society, and appropriate publicity, could help to promote quitting among youth smokers in Hong Kong.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Health Promotion*
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Hotlines*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Social Marketing*