A pilot study assessing the addition of a Quit and Win program to pharmacist-led intensive smoking cessation therapy in a predominantly underserved, minority population

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Quit and Win programs (Q&W) have been shown to improve smoking cessation rates by offering potential rewards to encourage smoking cessation. However, few studies have combined Q&W with intensive smoking cessation programs including behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy, or studied Q&W in underserved, minority populations. This study was conducted to assess the impact on smoking cessation rates of adding a Q&W to intensive smoking cessation therapy in a largely underserved, minority population. METHODS This was a single-center, prospective, open-label controlled study. Current smokers received pharmacist-led behavioral counseling and smoking cessation pharmacotherapy. Intervention group patients who successfully quit (verified by self-report and exhaled carbon monoxide) at 1 month and 3 months post-quit date were entered into a draw for $1000. The control group received the same smoking cessation services, but without a monetary incentive. RESULTS Enrollment was 111 patients (N=85 in the intervention group), made up of predominantly underserved (82% had annual household income <0.01) were significant predictors of quitting. CONCLUSIONS The addition of Q&W to intensive smoking cessation services increased clinic referrals and numerically improved cessation rates, although this difference was not statistically significant, possibly due to high attrition of the study