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Comparing computer-tailored, internet-based smoking cessation counseling reports with generic, untailored reports: a
1Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. jean-francois.etter@unige.ch
Journal of Health Communication
|October 24, 2009
Summary
Untailored online smoking cessation reports were as effective as tailored ones for short-term quit attempts. This suggests personalized content may not always outperform generic advice in digital health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health Interventions
Background:
- Smoking cessation remains a significant public health challenge.
- Online interventions offer scalable solutions for smoking cessation.
- The efficacy of tailored versus untailored digital feedback requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of online computer-tailored smoking cessation reports versus untailored reports on quit attempts.
- To evaluate the impact of tailored versus untailored feedback on lapse and relapse rates in recent quitters.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted on a smoking cessation website (2007-2008).
- Participants (current smokers and recent quitters) received either tailored or untailored online reports.
- Follow-up assessed 24-hour quit attempts and lapse/relapse rates using intention-to-treat analysis.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was observed in 24-hour quit attempts between the tailored and untailored report groups (12.1%, P = 1.0).
- Lapse/relapse rates among recent quitters were similar in both groups (tailored: 25.1%, untailored: 23.5%, P = 0.64).
Conclusions:
- In the short term, untailored online reports demonstrated comparable effectiveness to tailored reports for smoking cessation.
- While this specific study found no superior effect of tailored reports, broader meta-analyses confirm the general efficacy of computer-tailored interventions.
