Usability testing and outcomes of an interactive computer program to promote smoking cessation in low income women.

The purpose of this study was to develop and test an interactive computer-mediated smoking cessation program for inner-city women. A non-probability sample of 100 women who receive care at an inner-city community health center in Indianapolis participated in the usability study. Women completed the computer program in the clinic following baseline data collection. Next, participants completed a brief satisfaction instrument. Data on cognitive and behavioral outcomes of the program were obtained by telephone interview one week later. Satisfaction with the program was high (mean satisfaction score was 60.2 with 70 indicating highest possible satisfaction). Average time for completing the computer program was 13.6 minutes. Overall, 79% of the participants reported at least one behavioral change related to smoking. The results indicate that interactive computer technology may be useful for promoting smoking cessation in low-income women.