Mobile Chat Messaging for Preventing Smoking Relapse Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Tzu Tsun Luk1, Yee Tak Derek Cheung1, Helen Ching-Han Chan2
1School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
Summary
Mobile chat messaging shows promise for preventing smoking relapse. This pilot study found personalized WhatsApp messages increased abstinence rates in recent quitters, suggesting a feasible digital intervention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Digital Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic limited access to traditional smoking cessation programs.
- Smoking relapse is a significant challenge in cessation attempts.
- Digital interventions are needed to support sustained abstinence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of mobile chat messaging for smoking relapse prevention.
- To assess the potential effectiveness of personalized chat messaging in maintaining abstinence.
- To explore a digital solution for smoking cessation support during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Pilot randomized controlled trial with 108 adult daily smokers recently abstinent from smoking.
- Intervention group received personalized WhatsApp chat messages for 3 months.
- Control group received generic text messages; primary outcome was carbon monoxide-validated abstinence at 6 months.
Main Results:
- High retention rates (85% at 6 months) and participant engagement (80% responded, 43% continuous engagement).
- Higher validated abstinence rates in the intervention group (31%) versus control (22%) at 6 months (RR=1.72, p=.09).
- Feasibility and acceptability of the mobile chat intervention were demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Mobile chat messaging via WhatsApp is a feasible and acceptable method for smoking relapse prevention.
- Preliminary evidence suggests effectiveness in increasing validated abstinence rates.
- Further large-scale trials are warranted to confirm the intervention's efficacy.
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