National Working Group for ACTTION

July 28, 2010

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is launching a new online study to help people quit smoking. The study, called WebQuit, is enrolling adult smokers nationwide. Participation is free to eligible individuals.

The goal of WebQuit is to improve the effectiveness of online smoking-cessation programs.  Study participants will receive interactive tools for dealing more effectively with urges to smoke. They also will receive step-by-step guides for quitting smoking, personalized plans for quitting and staying quit, and electronic links for reaching one-on-one expert help for quitting.  Participants will be randomly assigned by computer (like the tossing of a coin) to one of two online smoking-cessation programs. The success rates of participants will then be compared. Involvement in the study will entail completing online questionnaires, including several follow-up surveys. Eligible participants must be at least 18 and not currently participating in other smoking-cessation programs, among other requirements.