Helping Smokers to Quit Via the Smoke-free Teen Contest 2011: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of deaths in Hong Kong and the smoking prevalence was about 11.8% (20.5% in males and 3.6% in females) in 2008. It was estimated that smoking accounts for about one fifth of all deaths and kills about 5,700 people per year. Smoking has been associated with serious damage to health at all ages, leading to cancers, heart diseases, stroke, chronic lung diseases, and many other health problems. It was estimated in 1998 that a total of US$688 million medical cost were attributed to smoking-related diseases annually, with active smoking accounted for 77% and passive smoking 23% of the total cost. However, it is difficult for smokers to quit smoking without assistance because smoking is addictive, and most smokers prefer to try and quit on their own rather than seeking treatment, thus it is hard to reach those smokers who do not present themselves for treatment. On the other hand, a previous study also indicated that high quit rate (38%) could be achieved for those smokers who received a 6-week supply of free NRT plus telephone counselling and self-help materials.

Consistent findings from previous studies demonstrated that social support appears to be one of the strongest determinants of success at quitting smoking and remaining abstinent. Ward and Klesges showed that social (family) support affects smoking outcome and may influence readiness to quit. In a US study, family support was reported to be the most significant predictor, compared to peer and significant-other support, on the experiential and behavioral processes of change in a smoking cessation program for adult smokers. Similar results were also found in a local study on the motivation to reduce smoking among smokers who are not willing to quit. It is therefore imperative to involve a family member as the first point of contact in the health care system regarding supporting their smoking family members in the quitting process.

In Hong Kong, 33.6% of fathers and 2.6% of mothers smoke. Nevertheless, only 1.8% male smokers had tried smoking cessation service and among those who had not tried any, 86.1% reported that they would not try the service. Establishing rapport with schools and building capacity in tobacco control in students could be a feasible way to engage smokers in tobacco control advocacy. This could also help smokers who may not have access to services which assists them in quitting smoking.

To fill those aforementioned gaps, in this proposed project, all primary school students and junior forms of secondary school students are mobilized for the establishment of smoke-free homes. They play an active role in advocating for a 'Smoke-free Environment' in their home by nominating, encouraging and supporting their family members and relatives to quit smoking.