THE GAINS PROJECT - OUTCOME OF SMOKING CESSATION STRATEGIES IN 4 URBAN NATIVE-AMERICAN CLINICS

This study was designed to assess the capability of the Doctors Helpin g Smokers (DHS) model to produce an increase in smoking cessation over controls within four urban Indian Health clinics. A total of 601 Nati ve American smokers were enrolled, surveyed, and measured for cardiova scular risk factors. Of those present in treatment clinics at 1-year f ollow-up, 7.1% reported being abstinent vs. 4.9% in the control group. Of those who made at least one visit to the clinic during the treatme nt year, 9.4% self-reported being abstinent in the treatment sites vs. 3.9% in the control group (p=.04). Cotinine validated quits for all e nrollees, regardless of whether they attended the clinic during the in tervention, are 6.7% (intervention) and 6.8% (control). Number of quit attempts and future quit intentions were greater in the intervention group. Recommendations for future intervention efforts include earlier contact with clinicians, clinic involvement in preplanning, developin g the program around the principles and realities of each site, buildi ng in more extensive components, and utilizing additional community re sources.