Quitline Activity in China

Abstract

In order to help smokers quit easier, China has started to provide quitline service since 2004. There are two models for Chinese quitline service-the National Quitline Model, which provides only cessation service to smokers, and the 12320 Hotline Model, which integrates cessation counseling into public health hotline service and is currently adapted in public health hotlines in 28 provinces. A protocol of 4 counseling calls is used by 12320 Hotline. Three-month abstinence rate for clients is about 20%. The fact that most smokers who attempted quit don't seek cessation help or quitline service is not well known by the public are major constraints for quitline service in China. Effective advocating campaign should be implemented to propagate quitline. Diverse protocols targeting different subpopulation will also need to be developed to better service the public.