Efficacy of Self-Help Behavior Modification Materials in Smoking Cessation

We evaluated the efficacy of the Stanford Quit Kit, an eight-page self-administered smoking cessation program. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive the Quit Kit (n = 142) or a delayed intervention (n = 65). Confirmed abstinence (p < .05) and reduced smoking among continuing smokers (p < .002) were greater in the Quit Kit group than in the control group at the two-month follow-up. At the six-month followup 10.6 percent of the Quit Kit subjects were confirmed as abstinent. From these results we conclude that well-designed, self-administered behavior change materials can assist chronic smokers in quitting.