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Recruiting adolescents into smoking cessation programs has been challenging, and there is a lack of effective smoking cessation interventions for this age group. We aimed to assess whether the approach of using aging images can be used to recruit young, female smokers for a smoking cessation course. In this study, 853 14- to 18-year-old subjects were photographed (2006-2007). After software-aided aging, the images evoked strong emotions, especially in subjects with an advanced motivational stage to quit. Twenty-four percent of current smokers reported that the aging images increased their motivation to quit smoking (pre-contemplation: 8%; contemplation: 32%; and preparation: 71%). In multivariate analyses, the aged images had a high motivational impact to quit smoking that was associated with an increased readiness to stop smoking and the individual's assessment of the aging images as shocking, but not with the number of previous attempts to quit and the assessment of the pictures as realistic. However, it was not possible to recruit the study population for a smoking cessation course. We concluded that aging images are a promising intervention for reaching young women and increasing their motivation to stop smoking. However, smoking cessation courses may not be appropriate for this age group: none of the recruits agreed to take a cessation course.

In June 1991 the city of Basel established the first low threshold centre (LTC) subsidized by the government after various private initiatives of "Live & Survive" aids. This low threshold facility which was supplemented in 1992 by two additional LTCs aimed at harm and risk reduction. The evaluation of LTCs was conducted by the institute for Social and Preventive Medicine of the University of Basel on behalf of the Federal Office of Health. Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods its structure was evaluated regarding the realization of its own objectives. The LTCs reached a great variety of drug addicts which were characterized by a remarkable heterogeneity. The majority of users were aged between 20 and 30, a quarter of them were female. Differences were found in housing conditions, subsistence and the degree of social integration. The facilities of the institutions were extensively used. In 1993 and 1994 a daily average of 250 to 300 visits was recorded in the injecting rooms only. the clientele were mainly residents of the Basel area. This lead to the conclusion that there was no attractive effect on more remote regions. As a consequence of the extensive use of the facilities a movement of the drug scene away from the street into the LTCs could be observed. In general, a stabilization or even an improvement of the physical condition of its users could be noticed. Another important feature was the improvement of the drug addicts' social integration. The main reason for this was the relationship between users and staff. Due to the shortage of personnel this promising base for further psychosocial work could not be adequately developed. The investigators not only concluded that there is a need for continuing maintenance of these facilities but also that additional efforts to improve the psychosocial services would be justified.

"16, Wallstrasse, Common House for homeless and indigent People" in Basel is a new kind of facility in the range of already existing low threshold institutions of common kitchen, low threshold centre and night's lodging. This daycenter has the objective to offer homeless and indigent persons a place of tranquility rest where they can make new acquaintances and feel at home. In addition, its various facilities meet the sanitary needs of its clientele. The evaluation of the "Wallstrasse" was conducted by the Institute for Social and Preventive Medicine of the Basel University on behalf of the Federal Office of Health. Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods it inquired 1.) to what extent the institution realized its own objectives and 2.) if and how it met the needs of its target group. The evaluation revealed that its clientele mainly consisted of marginalized consumers of illegal drugs exclusively coming from that very area and often living in unstable housing conditions. Thus, the intended target group was reached. Within a year's time the attendance increased from 10 to 80 visitors a day to a high frequency of use. All of the various facilities of the house were used and appreciated. The evaluation stressed the significance as a place of tranquility and rest offering shelter not found in the street. The daycenter fills a gap in the range of low threshold services and contributes to the drug scene remove from the street. It establishes the base for extended social work which however cannot be properly realized due to the shortage of personnel. The evaluation found a good acceptance among the residents as well as a conflict free relationship with the police and a good cooperation with other institutions.