Keller PA, Beyer EJ, Baker TB, Bailey LA, Fiore MC.Int J Environ Res Public

Tobacco Cessation Quitline Spending in 2005 and 2006: What State-Level Factors Matter?

Purpose: Quitlines have been established as an effective strategy for smoking cessation;
however state funding for this service varies widely. This study explores state-level
factors that most heavily influence quitline spending levels.

Overall Findings: The variables that were significant included master settlement
agreement securitization, per capita tobacco control expenditures, and political ideology.
Whether a state securitized any or all of its MSA (master settlement agreement) payment
had a negative relation with per capita quitline spending. Well-funded tobacco control
programs generally fund their quitlines at higher levels per capita. This is consistent with
prior research. It was also found that per capita quitline service budgets were predicted by
a state's political ideology. More liberal states spent more per capita on quitline services
than states with a more conservative ideology. The literature in this last area is mixed and
warrants additional research.

How it can be used: Results indicate that state-level factors appear to influence per capita
quitline spending. Findings may aid advocates and policymakers in understanding how to
more successfully advocate for quitline budgets and other related programs. Per capita
tobacco control spending data can be used in comparison with other states' spending
levels to help argue for increased funds to enhance quitline services - or conversely, (if
compared to states spending less on quitlines and other tobacco control programs) to
maintain existing levels of investment. This research could also be referenced to
demonstrate the potential negative impact of MSA securitization.