A text messaging-based smoking cessation program for adult smokers: randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Smoking Cessation

Background:

• Limited research exists on text messaging smoking cessation programs outside Western countries.
• Smoking prevalence is notably high in the Middle East, necessitating culturally relevant interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the SMS Turkey text messaging program for smoking cessation in Ankara, Turkey.
• To report observed cessation rates in a randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• A parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 151 adult smokers in Ankara, Turkey.
• Intervention group received 6 weeks of daily text messages (SMS Turkey); control group received a brochure.
• Primary outcome was self-reported 3-month sustained abstinence, verified by carbon monoxide (CO) readings.

Main Results:

• No significant overall difference in 3-month cessation rates between the SMS Turkey group (11%) and the brochure group (5%).
• Female participants in the intervention group showed significantly higher quit rates (14%) compared to the control group (0%).
• Light smokers (≤19 cigarettes/day) in the intervention group had significantly higher quit rates (17%) versus the control group (0%).

Conclusions:

• SMS Turkey shows potential for impacting quitting rates in high-prevalence settings, particularly for women and light smokers.
• Technical issues with message delivery were noted.
• The program requires software updates to ensure compatibility with evolving technology.