Quit and win Wales: an evaluation of the 1990 pilot contest

Institute for Health Promotion, Ffynnon las, Ty Glas Avenue, Llanishen, Cardiff CF4 5DZ Wales, UK J Catford Abstract Objective To assess the effectiveness of the 1990 pilot Quit and Win contest held in South East Wales (UK) in reducing smoking prevalence. Methods Follow-up surveys of the 687 entrants were conducted after four months and one year through postal self completion questionnaires. The question naires covered demographic background, smoking history, the methods used to quit, and the role of the contest in the quitting process. In addition, a short questionnaire was sent to a sample of those who did not enter the contest despite requesting an entry form. Results The data indicate a quit rate among participants of 30 % at one year, and that other smokers were stimulated to quit, even though they did not formally enter the contest. Analysis of significant differences (p < 0.01) between successful and unsuccessful participants showed that the quitters tended to be older, to be heavier smokers, to have made fewer previous attempts to quit, to have stopped smoking straight away rather than to have cut down gradually, and to have received more support from their family and friends. Four-fifths of the non-quitters expressed an interest in a future contest. Conclusions Quit and Win contests ap pear to be a cost-effective approach to smoking cessation initiatives in Wales, though they need to be supported by more intensive methods to help the most resistant group of smokers who would like to give up. A number of refinements are recommended to improve impact in any future contest. (Tobacco Control 1993; 2: 114-119)