Use of buddy support in a minimal-contact smoking cessation program using a manual and television segments was assessed among 313 participants aged 50 and older. Almost one fourth engaged a buddy, and those aged 50 to 59 were more likely to have engaged a buddy than those 60 and older. Having a buddy was associated with better use of the manual among both age groups. Participants who needed help from others to quit smoking were less likely to have quit than those who did not need help from others. Overall, participants with a buddy were almost twice as likely to quit as those without a buddy, but with age controlled, the association held only for those aged 50 to 59. Among participants who made at least one attempt to quit during the previous year, those who engaged a buddy were more than twice as likely to quit smoking than were those without a buddy.
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