Self-Help Smokeless Tobacco Cessation for Teens

DESCRIPTION (Provided by applicant): The primary goal of the project is to
redesign a self-help tobacco cessation program for use with adolescent
smokeless tobacco (ST) users. The program utilizes a hand-held computer, which
prompts users through a scheduled taper while weakening the association to
triggers. Users record the frequency and duration of their ST use during a
seven-day period by pressing a data input button upon initiation and
termination of each dip/chaw. The computer then produces an individualized
scheduled reduction (SGR) program that decreases the frequency and duration of
dips until cessation is achieved. For Phase I, focus groups will be conducted
with teenage ST users from area high schools which will guide the development
of a modified computer and program guide that addresses issues specific to
teenage smokeless tobacco use. The revised product will then be tested in a
small-scale feasibility study with 36 ST users from area high schools.
Development of the program, LifeSign-ST for Teens, will follow a structured
"proof of concept" approach involving several interactive cycles of prototype
development, testing, and refinement. Data from the study and feedback from
subjects will be used to guide further product development and the need to
tailor gradual reduction algorithms for teen ST users.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION: NOT AVAILABLE