Mindfulness-Based Smoking Cessation Delivered Through Telehealth and Text Messaging for Low-Income Smokers: Protocol...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease.
• Low-income individuals and minority groups face significant disparities in smoking cessation success.
• Mindfulness training, telehealth, and text messaging show promise for accessible smoking cessation support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the efficacy of mindfulness-based smoking cessation treatment delivered via text messaging (iQuit Mindfully) and telehealth (group videoconferencing).
• To evaluate stand-alone and combined intervention effects.
• To examine the mechanisms underlying mindfulness treatment for smoking cessation.

Main Methods:

• A 2x2 randomized controlled trial design.
• Participants assigned to receive iQuit Mindfully text messages (yes/no) and mindfulness videoconference groups (yes/no).
• Primary outcomes: biochemically verified smoking abstinence at 8, 12, and 24 weeks; secondary outcomes: mindfulness practice, psychological factors, and social support.

Main Results:

• Recruitment and treatment commenced in 2021, with data collection ongoing until 2024.
• Specific efficacy data and mechanism findings are pending completion of data collection.

Conclusions:

• This project aims to enhance smoking cessation for underserved populations using accessible digital interventions.
• The study seeks to advance understanding of mindfulness treatment mechanisms to reduce tobacco-related health disparities.