Continuous individual support of smoking cessation using text messaging: a pilot experimental study
Severin Haug1, Christian Meyer, Gudrun Schorr
1Institute of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald, Walther-Rathenau-Strasse 48, Greifswald D-17487, Germany. severin.haug@uni-greifswald.de
Summary
Young adults found text messaging (short message service [SMS]) interventions for smoking cessation appealing, with high participation and retention. However, the study found no significant short-term efficacy differences between varying feedback frequencies.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Smoking cessation interventions are crucial for young adults.
- Text messaging (short message service [SMS]) offers a feasible platform for continuous support.
- Investigating optimal feedback intensity is key for intervention effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptance of an SMS-based smoking cessation intervention for young adults.
- To determine the optimal feedback intensity for such interventions.
- To explore the short-term efficacy of SMS-based smoking cessation support.
Main Methods:
- 174 daily smokers using SMS were randomized into three groups: control, one weekly SMS feedback (1SMS), or three weekly SMS feedbacks (3SMS).
- Interventions utilized individualized SMS feedback based on transtheoretical model stages of change.
- Program use, acceptance, and short-term smoking variables were compared across groups.
Main Results:
- High participation (90%) and retention rates were observed.
- No significant differences in acceptance or program use between 1SMS and 3SMS groups.
- No significant differences in smoking variables were found between the three groups at the 3-month post-assessment.
Conclusions:
- SMS-based smoking cessation interventions are attractive and feasible for young adults.
- Support intensity did not impact program acceptance.
- Further research with longer follow-up and larger samples is needed to confirm efficacy.
