Alert the public about the devastating effects of smoking on health is a sacred duty, but nothing is more attractive for a large sum of cash to let the vice definitely over. This is demonstrated by a study published in the authoritative New England Journal of Medicine.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have examined a sample of 878 smokers employed in a multinational company. Half of them were thoroughly informed about the effects of smoking on health, while the other half was asked to attend an educational program against smoking in exchange for a cash incentive. The total consisted of: $ 100 to complete the education program, $ 250 in the case of smoking cessation at six months of the year, and 400 dollars for abstinence from smoking within 6 months of completion of the program. Real abstinence from smoking was confirmed by the researchers through a biochemical test.
At 9-12 months after the start of the study, 14.7 per cent of smokers undergoing economic incentives had abandoned the habit, compared to just 5 percent of employees subject to the information campaign. After a period of 15-18 months, those who had permanently abandoned the habit of smoking were 9.4 percent among those who received incentives, and just over 3 percent among the informed.
Number of significant figures that, according to the researchers, should encourage employers to invest sums of money as an incentive to persuade employees to quit smoking. In addition to excellent health benefits of the employee, there would be positive financial implications for the company.
Source: Volpp, K et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Financial Incentives for Smoking Cessation, New England Journal of Medicine 2009; 360:699-709.
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