Effectiveness of the WeChat-based smoking cessation intervention ('WeChat WeQuit' program) in China: study protocol...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health Interventions
• Public Health
• Smoking Cessation

Background:

• WeChat is a popular social media platform in China with over 300 million smokers.
• The platform offers potential for low-cost, large-scale delivery of health interventions.
• This study protocol outlines an assessment of a WeChat-based smoking cessation program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of the WeChat WeQuit intervention for treatment-seeking smokers in China.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a digital smoking cessation program delivered via a widely used social media application.

Main Methods:

• A two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 2000 Chinese-speaking smokers.
• Intervention group receives the 2-week pre- and 12-week post-quit WeChat WeQuit program.
• Control group receives a digital booklet; both groups followed for 26 weeks.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: 26-week continuous smoking abstinence with biological verification.
• Secondary outcomes include point prevalence abstinence, continuous abstinence at 12 weeks, reduced cigarette consumption, and program completion rates.
• Data collection involves self-report and biological verification (CO levels or cotinine tests).

Conclusions:

• The WeChat WeQuit program, if effective, offers an accessible, affordable, and implementable smoking cessation intervention.
• Potential for significant public health impact, especially in underserved regions.
• Further research is needed to confirm efficacy and scalability.