Internet-Based Intervention Compared to Brief Intervention for Smoking Cessation in Brazil: Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death globally.
• Accessible resources are crucial for supporting tobacco users in quitting.
• Evaluating novel interventions is essential for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an internet-based intervention compared to a brief intervention for smoking cessation.
• To assess cessation rates, motivation, and treatment seeking in Brazilian smokers.
• To provide data for improving tobacco cessation programs.

Main Methods:

• A pilot longitudinal study design was employed.
• Participants were randomized into either an internet-based or brief intervention group.
• Cessation rates and motivation were assessed at 1 and 3 months post-intervention, with intention-to-treat analysis.

Main Results:

• Forty-nine smokers (51% brief intervention, 49% internet-based) were enrolled.
• Both groups showed similar smoking cessation and reduction rates.
• Differences observed were not statistically significant, even after intention-to-treat adjustment.

Conclusions:

• The internet-based intervention showed a slight, non-significant trend towards higher cessation rates.
• The brief intervention was slightly more effective in reducing daily cigarette consumption, also non-significantly.
• Results should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size; further research is warranted.