Text Messaging-Based Interventions for Smoking Cessation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death globally, with millions of deaths annually.
• Text messaging interventions offer a scalable method to deliver smoking cessation support and education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of text messaging interventions on smoking cessation outcomes.
• To assess the strength of evidence supporting these interventions.
• To identify factors influencing intervention success.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted.
• Studies were identified through comprehensive database searches.
• Data on participant characteristics, intervention design, and smoking outcomes were analyzed using random-effects models.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis included 22 interventions from 20 manuscripts, involving over 15,000 participants.
• Smokers receiving text message interventions showed higher rates of 7-day point prevalence and continuous abstinence compared to controls.
• These interventions also effectively reduced cigarette consumption.
• Efficacy was robust, with benefits established early in the cumulative meta-analysis and consistent across numerous studies.
• Higher abstinence rates were observed in interventions conducted in Asia, North America, or Europe, those sampling fewer women, and those recruiting participants online.

Conclusions:

• The efficacy of text messaging interventions for smoking cessation is well-established.
• Utilizing text messaging to support smoking cessation should be prioritized in public health initiatives.
• These mobile health tools show significant promise for promoting long-term smoking abstinence.