Overview: The QuitNowTXT text messaging program is designed as a resource that can be adapted to specific contexts including those outside the United States and in languages other than English. Based on evidence-based practices, this program is a smoking cessation intervention for smokers who are ready to quit smoking. Although evidence supports the use of text messaging as a platform to deliver cessation interventions, it is expected that the maximum effect of the program will be demonstrated when it is integrated into other elements of a national tobacco control strategy. The QuitNowTXT program is designed to deliver tips, motivation, encouragement and fact-based information via unidirectional and interactive bidirectional message formats. The core of the program consists of messages sent to the user based on a scheduled quit day identified by the user. Messages are sent for up to four weeks pre-quit date and up to six weeks post quit date. Messages assessing mood, craving, and smoking status are also sent at various intervals, and the user receives messages back based on the response they have submitted. In addition, users can request assistance in dealing with craving, stress/mood, and responding to slips/relapses by texting specific key words to the QuitNow. Rotating automated messages are then returned to the user based on the keyword. Details of the program are provided below. Texting STOP to the service discontinues further texts being sent. This option is provided every few messages as required by the United States cell phone providers. It is not an option to remove this feature if the program is used within the US. If a web-based registration is used, it is suggested that users provide demographic information such as age, gender, and smoking frequency (daily or almost every day, most days, only a few days a week, only on weekends, a few times a month or less) in addition to their mobile phone number and quit date. This information will be useful for assessing the reach of the program, as well as identifying possible need to develop libraries to specific groups. The use of only a mobile phone-based registration system reduces barriers for participant entry into the program but limits the collection of additional data. At bare minimum, quit date must be collected. At sign up, participants will have the option to choose a quit date up to one month out. Text messages will start up to 14 days before their specified quit date. Users also have the option of changing their quit date at any time if desired. The program can also be modified to provide texts to users who have already quit within the last month. One possible adaptation of the program is to include a QuitNowTXT "light" version. This adaptation would allow individuals who do not have unlimited text messaging capabilities but would still like to receive support to participate by controlling the number of messages they receive. In the light program, users can text any of the programmed keywords without fully opting in to the program. Program Design: The program is designed as a 14-day countdown to quit date, with subsequent six weeks of daily messages. Each day within the program is identified as either a pre-quit date (Q- # days) or a post-quit date (Q+#). If a user opts into the program fewer than 14 days before their quit date, the system will begin sending messages on that day. For example, if they opt in four days prior to their quit date, the system will send a welcome message and recognize that they are at Q-4 (or four days before their quit date), and they will receive the message that everyone else receives four days before their quit date. As the user progresses throughout the program, they will receive messages outlined in the text message library. Throughout the program, users will receive texts that cover a variety of content areas including tips, informational content, motivational messaging, and keyword responses. The frequency of messages in

The DC Metropolitan Area Drug Study (DCMADS) was

conducted in 1991, and included special analyses of homeless and

transient populations and of women delivering live births in the DC

hospitals. DCMADS was undertaken to assess the full extent of the

drug problem in one metropolitan area. The study was comprised of 16

separate studies that focused on different sub-groups, many of which

are typically not included or are under-represented in household

surveys.The DCMADS: Household and Non-household Populations

examines the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use among

members of household and non-household populations aged 12 and older

in the District of Columbia Metropolitan Statistical Area (DC

MSA). The study also examines the characteristics of three

drug-abusing sub-groups: crack-cocaine, heroin, and needle users. The

household sample was drawn from the 1991 National Household Survey on

Drug Abuse (NHSDA). The non-household sample was drawn from the

DCMADS Institutionalized and Homeless and Transient Population

Studies. Data include demographics, needle use, needle-sharing, and

use of tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, crack, inhalants, marijuana, hallucinogens, heroin, sedatives, stimulants, psychotherapeutics (non-medical use), tranquilizers, and analgesics.This study has 1 Data Set.

The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) series

measures the prevalence and correlates of drug use in the United

States. The surveys are designed to provide quarterly, as well as

annual, estimates. Information is provided on the use of illicit

drugs, alcohol, and tobacco among members of United States households

aged 12 and older. Questions include age at first use as well as

lifetime, annual, and past-month usage for the following drug classes:

marijuana, cocaine (and crack), hallucinogens, heroin, inhalants,

alcohol, tobacco, and nonmedical use of prescription drugs, including

pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives. The survey

covers substance abuse treatment history and perceived need for

treatment, and includes questions from the Diagnostic and Statistical

Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders that allow diagnostic criteria to be

applied. Respondents are also asked about personal and family income

sources and amounts, health care access and coverage, illegal

activities and arrest record, problems resulting from the use of

drugs, and needle-sharing. Questions introduced in previous NHSDA

administrations were retained in the 1999 survey, including questions

asked only of respondents aged 12 to 17. These "youth experiences"

items covered a variety of topics, such as neighborhood environment,

illegal activities, gang involvement, drug use by friends, social

support, extracurricular activities, exposure to substance abuse

prevention and education programs, and perceived adult attitudes

toward drug use and activities such as school work. Also retained were

questions on mental health and access to care, perceived risk of using

drugs, perceived availability of drugs, driving behavior and personal

behavior, and cigar smoking. Questions on the tobacco brand used most

often were introduced with the 1999 survey. Demographic data include

gender, race, age, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, job

status, veteran status, and current household composition.This study has 1 Data Set.

This series measures the prevalence and correlates of drug

use in the United States. The surveys are designed to provide

quarterly, as well as annual, estimates. Information is provided on

the use of illicit drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, and tobacco

among members of United States households aged 12 and older. Data are

also provided on treatment for drug use and on illegal activities

related to drug use. Questions include age at first use, as well as

lifetime, annual, and past-month usage for the following drug classes:

marijuana, inhalants, cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, alcohol, tobacco,

and nonmedical use of psychotherapeutics. Respondents were also asked

about problems resulting from their use of drugs, alcohol, and

tobacco, their perceptions of the risks involved, insurance coverage,

and personal and family income sources and amounts. Demographic data

include gender, race, ethnicity, educational level, job status, income

level, household composition, and population density.This study has 1 Data Set.