Effectiveness of a text message in smoking cessation among male smokers before pregnancy in four cities of Zhejiang

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a text message for smoking cessation among male smokers before their wives' pregnancy, and to provide evidence for smoking cessation strategies. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in four cities of Zhejiang province from April to October 2016. A total of 552 male smokers were assessed using data from structured questionnaires at baseline and were followed up at 1 and 6 months. A total of 307 participants were provided a text message (SMS) for smoking cessation intervention, along with wives' involvement in husbands' quitting programs. The intervention group was compared with the control group without intervention. Outcomes were self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence rates at 1-month and 6-months follow up. Results In the intervention group, the proportion of participants who self-reported to be healthy reduced from 26.4% to 15.3% at 1-month follow-up and increased to 21.8% at 6-month follow-up; in the control group, it was reduced from 19.2% to 11.4% at 1-month follow-up, and increased to 20.4% at 6-month follow-up. The 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate of the intervention group at 1 and 6 months were higher than that of the control group: at 1-month follow-up, 13.0% vs. 8.2%; at 6-month follow-up, 16.3% vs. 8.2%, respectively. Compared to the control group, the intervention group considered determination as the most important support (61.9% at 1 month, 60.9% at 6 months); addiction cycle was the main barrier (47.2% at 1 month, 48.9% at 6 months), and they were less influenced by other smokers (8.1% at 1 month, 5.2% at 6 months). Conclusion SMS smoking cessation intervention, along with wife's involvement in husband's quitting programs had a positive effect on the quitting rates. Key words: Smoking; Smoking cessation; Follow-up studies; Effectiveness