Improving the Future of Youth Smoking Cessation.

Cathy L. Backinger, Health Scientist, Tobacco Control Research Branch, Behavioral Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD. Paul McDonald, Assistant Professor, Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Deborah J. Ossip-Klein, Associate Professor, Community and Preventive Medicine and Oncology, Chief, Social and Behavioral Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY. Suzanne M. Colby, Assistant Professor (Research) of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, RI. Catherine O. Maule, Manager, Canadian Tobacco Control Research Initiative, CCS/NCIC National Office, Toronto, ON, Objectives: To provide recommendations that will build a better foundation for research on youth smoking cessation. Methods: The Youth Tobacco Collaborative Cessation panel evaluated youth tobacco cessation literature and convened meetings to reach consensus. Results: Methodological issues include design, recruitment and retention, follow-up, measurement, and youth vernacular. Research gaps include youth characteristics, theoretical approaches, delivery settings, and type of provider. Thirteen key research components for reporting are addressed. Conclusions: Given the dearth of studies on youth smoking cessation, scientifically rigorous studies need to be conducted with attention to methodological issues, research gaps, and reporting of key research components.