Payroll Contracting for Smoking Cessation: A Worksite Pilot Study

It is concluded that payroll incentives may be effective in helping workers quit smoking and suggestions for ways to promote better maintenance of this important behavior change are offered.

Abstract

Twenty-one men and 38 women participated in a worksite smoking cessation/smoking reduction program that combined financial contracts, organized through payroll deduction, and biweekly group treatment sessions. At the end of the program the smoking cessation rate was 51%, validated by expired air carbon monoxide. Six months later the validated cessation rate was 12%. We conclude that payroll incentives may be effective in helping workers quit smoking and offer suggestions for ways to promote better maintenance of this important behavior change.