iQuit

Smoking and tobacco use results in over 440,000 premature deaths each year in the United States (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2008). Smoking is linked to at least 30% of all cancer deaths, most deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and early cardiovascular disease and death (CDC, 2008). Increased respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, increased breathlessness after exercise, persistent cough, and wheezing are some of the more immediate health effects for young adults (Berg et aI., 2009, Vianna et aI., 2008). For young women, smoking increases the risk for developing high-grade cervical lesions and cervical cancer (Castellsasgue &Munoz, 2003) as well as PMS (Bertrone-Johnson, Hankinson, Johnson, &Manson, 2008). In addition, tobacco use extracts a high financial toll, accounting for $167 billion in health care expenditures and productivity losses annually in the United States (CDC, 2008). Most of the deaths and disease related to smoking and tobacco use can be eliminated with successful cessation before age 30 (Doll, Petro, Boreham & Sullivan,2004). The college years are a critical time in the development of smoking behavior and other tobacco use. In addition to health issues, smoking may also have harmful effects on academic success. College smokers have lower grade point averages (GPA) than non-smokers (DeBarard, Spielmans, & Julka, 2004; Rigotti, Lee & Weschler, 2000). Significant proportions of the young adult population can be reached by offering cessation programs through college health services (Lantz, 2003), providing an opportunity to drastically reduce premature morbidity and mortality while potentially improving academic achievement. Unfortunately, college students and other young adults do not utilize recommended clinical interventions for cessation and have negative opinions about the traditional approaches (Bader, Travis, & Skinner, 2007).