Randomized controlled trial of the ACTION smoking cessation curriculum in tobacco-growing communities

Addict Behav. 2009 Sep;34(9):737-43. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2009.04.016. Epub 2009 May 3.

Abstract

We conducted a group randomized trial of an interactive, games-based, tobacco cessation program (ACTION) designed to help adolescents who live in tobacco-growing communities to stop using tobacco. More than 260 high school students participated in this study, in 14 schools across three states. We collected self-reported measures of cigarette and smokeless tobacco use and conducted biochemical validation of self-reported use at three time points (pre-test, immediate post-test, and 90-day follow-up). We used multi-level modeling to account for intraclass clustering at the school and classroom levels, and we analyzed our results using an intent-to-treat approach and a per protocol approach. Using the per protocol analytic approach, ACTION participants were more likely than comparison participants to achieve abstinence at 90-day follow-up. We found no program effects on our secondary outcomes or mediating factors. This study suggests that ACTION has promise as a relatively effective adolescent cessation program, although the overall limited effectiveness of cessation programs for adolescents must be acknowledged.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology
  • Agriculture
  • Curriculum*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Nicotiana
  • School Health Services / organization & administration
  • Schools
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • Smoking Prevention
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / rehabilitation*
  • Treatment Outcome