Behavioral Support by Ex-Smoking Peers Using Instant Messaging for Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Peer support is recognized for its potential benefits in smoking cessation.
• There is a need for randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence on mobile-based behavioral support from ex-smokers for community populations.
• This study addresses the gap in evidence for mobile peer support in smoking cessation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile-based behavioral support provided by ex-smoking peers in promoting smoking cessation among daily smokers.
• To determine if this intervention increases biochemically validated smoking abstinence rates at six months.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 1,105 daily smokers in Hong Kong.
• The intervention group received personalized 3-month behavioral support via instant messaging from a trained ex-smoker peer.
• The control group received standard text messages and reminders; primary outcome was biochemically validated abstinence at 6 months.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a nonsignificant increase in smoking abstinence (8.9% vs. 6.7%) compared to the control group.
• Participants in the intervention group had higher usage of smoking cessation services (14.5% vs. 10.0%).
• Individuals actively engaged in the instant messaging support demonstrated significantly higher abstinence rates (22.2% vs. 4.9%).

Conclusions:

• Mobile-based behavioral support from ex-smoking peers shows promise for smoking cessation.
• Further improvements are needed to enhance the effectiveness of this intervention in increasing smoking abstinence.
• Active engagement with peer support is crucial for achieving better cessation outcomes.