Usage of an Internet smoking cessation resource: The Australian QuitCoach

Introduction and Aims: The QuitCoach (http://www.quitcoach.org.au) is a tailored, Internet-delivered smoking cessation advice program. This paper compares QuitCoach users both with smokers in general, and with callers to a telephone-based smoking cessation service (theVictorian Quitline). It also explores patterns of QuitCoach usage by time of year and day of the week. Design and Methods: Data are from responses to the QuitCoach online assessment collected between 2003 and 2007 (n = 28 247). Comparison data are from theVictorian Quitline service, from the first five waves of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey, the 2004-05 National Health Survey, and from anti-smoking Target Audience Rating Points for Australia. Results: QuitCoach users were more likely to be female and younger than both smokers in general and Quitline users.They were intermediate in nicotine dependence. QuitCoach users are less likely to have just quit than Quitline callers. Half of QuitCoach users first use after setting a quit date. Usage is related to anti-smoking advertising and to day of week, being highest earlier in the week. Discussion and Conclusions: The QuitCoach successfully targets the moderately addicted. Use is sensitive to anti-smoking campaigns.There is a need for greater promotion of the QuitCoach as a resource with the capacity to meet the needs of those already quit and those still uncertain as to whether to try.