Randomized controlled trial of the Tobacco Tactics website versus 1-800-QUIT-NOW telephone line among Operating Engineers

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and usage of the Tobacco Tactics website compared to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW telephone line among Operating Engineers (heavy equipment operators). Methods: Smokers attending workplace safety training groups were randomized to either the Tobacco Tactics website with nurse phone counseling and access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW telephone line which provided an equal number of phone calls and NRT. Participating Operating Engineers completed a baseline survey as well as mailed surveys at 30-days and 6-months. Urinary cotinine tests were used to verify 6-month smoking status. The outcomes were compared using χ2 tests, t-tests, mixed models, generalized mixed models, and logistic regression models. Results: Compared to participants in the 1-800-QUIT-NOW group, significantly more of those in the Tobacco Tactics website group participated in the intervention, received phone calls and found the intervention helpful (p< 0.05). Seventy percent of the website group received NRT compared to 5.1% of the quitline group (p< 0.001). At 30-day follow-up, the Tobacco Tactics website group showed significantly higher quit rates (26.9%) than the 1-800-QUIT-NOW group (7.7%) (p< 0.05), but this difference was no longer significant at 6-month follow-up. There were significantly more positive changes in harm reduction measures (quit attempts, number of cigarettes smoked per day, and nicotine dependence) at both 30-day and 6-month follow-up in the Tobacco Tactics website group compared to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW group (p< 0.05). Conclusions: The Tobacco Tactics website showed higher efficacy and reach than the 1-800-QUIT-NOW intervention. Longer counseling sessions may be needed to improve 6-month cessation rates. This intervention has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality among Operating Engineers.