Quitline Activity in China

In order to help smokers quit easier, China started to provide a quilting service in 2004. There are two models for the Chinese quitline service - the National Quitline Model, which provides only cessation service to smokers, and the 12320 Hotline Model, which integrates cessation counseling into the public health hotline service and is currently being adopted in public health hotlines in 28 provinces. A protocol of 4 counseling calls is used by 12320 Hotline. The three-month abstinence rate for clients is about 20%. The fact that most smokers who attempt to quit don't seek cessation help or quitline service is a major constraint for quitline services in China. Effective advocating campaigns should be implemented to propagate the quitline. Diverse protocols targeting different subpopulations also need to be developed to provide a better service to the public.