Effectiveness of an intensive E-mail based intervention in smoking cessation (TABATIC study): study protocol for a
Laura Díaz-Gete1, Elisa Puigdomènech, Elena Mercedes Briones
1Centre d'Atenció Primària-CAP La Sagrera, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain.
BMC Public Health
|April 20, 2013
Summary
This study tested an intensive email-based smoking cessation intervention for primary care patients. Results could show higher abstinence rates, aiding smokers in Spain and beyond.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- Intensive smoking cessation interventions improve abstinence rates.
- Few intensive, email-based interventions exist, especially in primary care.
- This study evaluates an intensive email intervention for primary care smokers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of an intensive email-based intervention for smoking cessation.
- To determine if this intervention increases short- and long-term abstinence rates in primary care smokers.
- To provide a scalable smoking cessation tool for healthcare services.
Main Methods:
- Randomized Controlled Multicentric Trial involving 1060 smokers (18-70 years) in Spain.
- Intervention group received a six-phase intensive program with face-to-face and email support.
- Control group received brief advice; outcomes measured at 6 and 12 months.
Main Results:
- Continuous and point prevalence abstinence rates will be assessed.
- Changes in tobacco consumption and Stages of Change will be measured.
- Costs and length of visits will be analyzed.
Conclusions:
- The intensive email intervention is designed for primary care smokers using email.
- Positive results could demonstrate higher abstinence rates in Spanish primary care patients.
- This intervention may offer a valuable tool for smoking cessation in various health settings.
