Effectiveness of a Fully Automated Internet-Based Smoking Cessation Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial (STAMP)

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The internet offers a scalable platform for smoking cessation interventions.
• Personalized and automated programs may enhance engagement and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a personalized, automated internet-based smoking cessation program.
• To compare this e-coaching intervention against a standard cessation booklet.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving French adult smokers aiming to quit.
• Intervention group received 45 e-mails over 3 months (e-coaching).
• Control group received a PDF booklet; outcomes measured at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in smoking abstinence between groups at 6 and 12 months (intention-to-treat).
• E-coaching group showed higher abstinence rates at 3 months (27.5% vs. 23.5%, p = .02).
• Per-protocol analysis revealed significant intervention effects at 3 and 6 months.

Conclusions:

• The internet-based e-coaching program demonstrated short-term superiority over a booklet at 3 months.
• Effectiveness was sustained in the per-protocol population even after the intervention period.