Eligible smokers (N = 6,451) visiting the American Cancer Society's Internet site offering cessation assistance were, with informed consent, randomized to receive access either to a static Internet site with quitting advice or to one of five interactive sites provided by cooperating research partners. Three-month follow-up surveys were conducted via online survey with E-mail prompts, or telephone calls, to assess quitting success; 54% of participants provided follow-up data. Results showed no significant overall difference in cessation rates among participants assigned to the interactive or static sites. We found large differences in the utilization of the five interactive sites. When sites were grouped by level of use, a significantly higher reported 3-month cessation rate was observed among participants assigned to the more highly utilized sites than among those assigned to the less utilized sites (12.2% vs. 10.2% of all randomized participants, 26.0% vs. 22.1% of followed participants). These findings show that interactive Internet sites yielding high levels of utilization can increase quitting success among smokers seeking assistance via the Internet.

Inclusion of stakeholder voices in the allocation of research funding can increase the relevance of results and improve community engagement in research. We describe the results of an online survey that gathered input from community stakeholders regarding autism research priorities. A demographically diverse sample of respondents (N = 6004; 79.1% female; 72.5% ages 30-59; 86.4% USA) completed the survey. Results indicated a preference for applied relative to basic science topics, though both basic and applied science areas were rated as important. Respondents gave their highest ratings to research focused on co-occurring conditions, health and well-being, adult transition, and lifespan issues. These results can guide decision-making by public and private funders when developing science funding priorities and engaging in science dissemination activities.

A randomised trial evaluated the American Cancer Society’s telephone counselling service to assist smoking cessation. Counselling nearly doubles a smokers’ odds of quitting and maintaining cessation for one year. The estimated cost for each case of maintained smoking cessation attributable to counselling availability is approximately $1300.

During June 2000-May 2001, the American Cancer Society conducted a randomized trial of telephone counseling among more than 3,500 current smokers who called to seek assistance in quitting. All eligible callers were randomized to receive either self-help booklets through the mail or booklets and up to 5 sessions of telephone counseling. Approximately 12% (420/3,522) of study participants were 18-25 years of age. Using intent to treat analyses, 3- and 6-month quit rates among both younger and older smokers were significantly higher among those who received telephone counseling than among those who received self-help booklets only. Three-month rates were 20% versus 9% for 18-25 year olds and 15% versus 10% for older adults. Results indicate that younger smokers can benefit from telephone counseling.

To advance the implementation of the U.S. national Alzheimer's plan, the U.S. government should adopt these recommended milestones, or develop similar milestones, to be incorporated into the national plan.