Systematic analysis of tobacco treatment interventions implemented in worksite settings

Introduction: Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The purpose of this investigation was to systematically analyze smoking cessation interventions conducted in worksite settings. Methods: Three researchers conducted a search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, ERIC and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection databases, independently. Eligibility of articles was evaluated by the following criteria: (1) primary research; (2) tobacco/smoking treatment interventions; (3) implemented in worksite settings; (4) conducted in the United States and abroad; (5) used a quantitative design; (6) published between March 2009 and January 2013 (based on articles published after a similar review). Results: A total of 12 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. Nine programs reported a positive effect on tobacco/smoking treatment. Seven of the interventions were theory-based, with six of these applying the transtheoretical stages of change model. Four of the programs included pharmacotherapy and six incorporated incentives. Conclusions: Worksite smoking treatment intervention design can be improved by incorporation of more robust designs with extended follow-up measures, explicit operationalization of theoretical frameworks, inclusion of ecological theory-based frameworks and integration of fidelity process evaluation. Pharmacotherapy in conjunction with behavior modification appears efficacious; however, the ability of financial incentives to motivate behavior change is still unconfirmed.