Smoking and multiple sclerosis: development and feasibility study of a MS-specific smoking cessation intervention

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Tobacco smoking exacerbates multiple sclerosis (MS) progression and symptoms.
• Existing smoking cessation programs may not address unique barriers faced by people with MS (pwMS).
• No evaluated MS-specific smoking cessation interventions are currently available.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel smoking cessation intervention specifically tailored for people with MS.
• To address MS-specific barriers that hinder smoking cessation attempts in this population.

Main Methods:

• Intervention development informed by the Behavior Change Wheel and digital health frameworks.
• Creation of six MS-specific information videos focusing on education, persuasion, and incentivization.
• Feasibility testing of videos with 11 pwMS and 5 MS experts using a theory-based questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Six videos were developed based on five relevant intervention functions from the Behavior Change Wheel.
• Videos covered the link between smoking and MS, and benefits of quitting.
• Both pwMS and MS experts found the videos understandable and appropriately timed; the intervention was structured into online meetings.

Conclusions:

• The developed video-based approach, guided by the Behavior Change Wheel, shows promise for MS-specific smoking cessation.
• Positive feasibility testing results support the potential of this tailored intervention.
• Further research is needed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the modified intervention for wider implementation.