San Francisco, California-UCSF researchers recently launched a study to further evaluate the use of the Internet as a method to provide assistance to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) smokers. Research indicates that the LGBT community has a higher rate of smoking than the general population. In some parts of the country, LGBT smoking rates can be as much as 50% higher than their heterosexual counterparts.
The study will evaluate LGBT-specific smoking treatment delivered by three methods: mail-based, Internet-based, and telephone-based. Participants will receive one of four treatments:
Mail-based Self-Help Treatment. Participants receive a manual to help them quit smoking. This manual provides information, recommendations, and tools to quit smoking. The manual includes information on smoking in the LGBTcommunity, information on smoking and HIV/AIDS, and information on smoking-related issues specific to LGBT individuals.
Internet-based Smoking Treatment. This treatment includes the self-help manual plus access to a website that provides the information and tools from the self-help manual described above. Participants also have access to a message board that will allow them to gain support and advice from other LGBT smokers as well as professionals from UCSF.
Phone Counseling Treatment. This treatment includes the self-help manual plus 6 counseling sessions conducted over the telephone. The counseling occurs during the first 3 months of participation and focuses on reviewing the information covered in the self help manual and providing support.
Internet plus Phone Counseling Treatment. This treatment includes the self-help manual, access to the internet-based treatment, and 6 telephone counseling sessions.
The study is a unique in offering participants cessation services that are highly convenient and private. To be eligible, individuals must be 18 years of age and identify as LGBT.
For further information about the study, visit www.iquit.medschool.ucsf.edu.
