Awareness and use of tobacco quitlines: evidence from the Health Information National Trends Survey

Kaufman A, Augustson E, Davis K, Finney Rutten LJ. J Health Commun. 2010;15 Suppl 3:264-78.

This study examined factors associated with the awareness and use of quitlines. Secondary analysis was conducted on data from the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey. Of the 7,674 adults surveyed, about 50% reported an awareness of quitlines (65% of current smokers), while 3.5% (9% of current smokers) had called a quitline. Current and former smokers were more likely to report an awareness of quitlines than those who reported never having smoked. Age, ethnicity, and education were related to quitline awareness. Looking for health information (OR = 1.40, CI = 1.14-1.73) and having more trust in the government as a source of health information (OR = 1.25, CI = 1.05-1.48) were associated with awareness. Current smoking status was strongly associate with quitline use (OR = 9.25, CI = 3.18-26.85). Respondents who looked for health or medical information from any source, had a personal or family history of cancer, and reported psychological distress were more likely to have called a quitline. The authors conclude that while awareness of quitlines appears to be high, quitline utilization is low.