Page 28 - HKU Nursing 25th Anniversary Booklet

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15 Y E AR S O F Y O U T H QU I T L I N E

Exemplary outcomes and outstanding work in smoking cessation

Evidence shows that smoking accounts for the premature death of two-thirds of all smokers and is especially
hazardous for those who start smoking at a young age. The HKU School of Nursing established the world’s first
peer-led Youth Quitline in Hong Kong in 2005. It was recognised as a Core Partner of the World Health Organization
Collaborating Centre for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence. During its first 15 years,
the Youth Quitline programme has raised the awareness of smoking cessation services among young people in
Hong Kong, provided free Youth Quitline services to 2,739 young smokers, and trained 599 young people to be
smoking cessation peer counsellors. At least 615 smokers have successfully quit smoking and 400 smokers have
reduced their cigarette consumption by more than 50%. These activities were supported by rigorous research and
evaluation to improve the Youth Quitline service and generate evidence related to tobacco control.