Tobacco quitline use - Enhancing benefit and increasing abstinence

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the impact on the quitline utilization and abstinence rates of increasing a free nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) benefit from 4 weeks to 6 weeks. Methods: Intake data were utilized to assess the number of callers to the quitline during the time period in which 4 weeks of free NRT was provided (January-November 2006) and the time period of the enhanced NRT benefit (December 2006-June 2007). Abstinence rates at 3 and 6 months were calculated for people utilizing the quitline program during both time periods. Results: The mean number of intake calls to the quitline increased from 397 (range 326-509) prior to the enhanced NRT benefit to 712 (range 592-1227) during the 6-week NRT benefit period. The 6-month tobacco abstinence rates were significantly higher among people receiving the 6-week NRT benefit compared to those receiving the 4-week benefit (OR=1.51; 95% CI=1.07, 1.66). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the promotion of an expanded NRT benefit can increase quitline utilization and abstinence rates.