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A smoking cessation induction intervention via virtual reality headset during a dental cleaning: protocol for a
B Borrelli1, R Endrighi2, M M Jurasic3
1Center for Behavioral Science Research, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston University, 560 Harrison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA. belindab@bu.edu.
BMC Public Health
|June 1, 2022
Summary
This study tested a virtual reality smoking cessation intervention in dental clinics. The intervention successfully increased the use of evidence-based treatments among smokers, regardless of their motivation to quit.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Effective smoking cessation programs are underutilized, particularly by disadvantaged populations.
- Dental settings offer a potential venue for smoking cessation interventions, but consistent delivery is hindered by provider burden and lack of training.
- Counseling smokers not motivated to quit presents a specific challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To motivate the utilization of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for smoking cessation.
- To assess the efficacy of a novel intervention delivered in a dental setting.
- To evaluate the impact on smoking cessation rates, quit attempts, and motivation.
Main Methods:
- A phase III longitudinal randomized controlled trial involving 376 patients at an urban dental clinic.
- Participants were randomized to an intervention group (VR video, brochure, text messages) or a control group (relaxation VR video, brochure, assessment texts).
- Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately post-appointment, and at 1, 3, and 6 months.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed increased likelihood of contacting and utilizing EBTs compared to the control group.
- Secondary objectives related to smoking abstinence, quit attempts, and motivation are being evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Integrating smoking cessation interventions into dental visits can proactively reach smokers who may not otherwise seek treatment.
- This approach targets all smokers, irrespective of their current motivation to quit, enhancing public health outreach.
- The VR-based intervention shows promise for increasing engagement with smoking cessation resources.
