Fiscal Year:
2001
Title:
NETSCHEDULES: INTERNET-BASED GRADUAL SMOKING CESSATION
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
N/A
Award Amount:
$179,688.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION: Behavioral Science Associates proposes to develop and evaluate the
NetSchedules program, an Internet-based self-help program for gradual smoking
cessation. Smokers prefer gradual reduction methods, but are rarely successful
gradual reduction (SGR) a systematic approach to gradual reduction that employs
scheduling of cigarettes, is effective. The Internet provides an ideal vehicle
for distributing an effective, low-cost, simple to use SGR program for smoking
cessation.
During Phase I, a prototype of the website will be developed and evaluated in a
10-week feasibility study with 50 subjects. The primary criteria for
determining feasibility will be a validated abstinence rate of > 20 percent,
statistically significant reductions in smoking rate and statistically
significant reductions in expired air carbon monoxide. Data on changes in
smoking rate throughout treatment, quit attempts, withdrawal symptoms,
adherence to the smoking schedule, and program satisfaction will be evaluated.
Quantitative results and qualitative feedback from subjects will be evaluated
to supplement the primary outcome variables and guide further product
development. During Phase II, a second generation site will be developed and
evaluated in a large-scale trial with extended follow-up.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS:
Despite significant progress, smoking continues to account for 20% of all deaths in the U.S. Continued efforts are needed to develop and evaluate innovative treatment methods for smoking cessation. SGR has been shown to be an effective and desirable method for self-help smoking cessation. NetSchedules will use the Internet to deliver a low-cost, simple to use SGR program that could have broad commercial appeal and a significant public health impact.
Principal Investigator:
Albert Jerome
Small Business Information at Submission:
BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
10901 PONY CLUB CT RESTON, VA 20190
EIN/Tax ID:
541995906
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No