The Effects of Text Message and Infographic on Reducing the Number Cigarettes Consumption: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nirun Intarut,Ranee Wongkongdech,Chollada Thronsao

doi:10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.11.3413

Nirun Intarut, Ranee Wongkongdech + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.11.3413

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Abstract

Objective:To test the effect of a text-message and infographic to promote smokers quit smoking. Methods:A randomized control trial was conducted in two provinces of northeast Thailand. Three hundred and ninety-six participants were allocated to either a text-message and infographic group or a control group. We assessed the primary outcome by self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence. Multiple logistic regression was used to test the effect of quitting smoking. Results:At 3-month follow-up, lost to follow-up 16 participants, 380 participants were included for analysis. The difference in the rate of quitting smoking between the intervention and control groups was not found a statistical significance (17.8% versus 11.6%). However, we found a statistically significant difference in the number of cigarettes smokes (the difference: -1.74; 95%CI: -2.63, -0.84). Conclusion:No effect of text message and infographic for help smokers to quit smoking. However, the intervention showed a decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked.

Highlights

Estimation of the prevalence of cigarettes smoking showed a decline from 33.3% in 2000 to 20.9% in 2025 (World Health Organization, 2019). This effect might be due to various strategies for tobacco prevention programs, promoting smoking cessation, and enhanced public awareness concerning the harmful effects of smoking and SHS exposure (Levy et al, 2020)
The aims of increasing smoking cessation rate are to reduce morbidity and mortality related to cigarettes smoking
Reports shown the effectiveness of using mHealth technologies for health promotion, disease prevention, and smoking cessation (Cole-Lewis and Kershaw, 2010; Head et al, 2013; Scott-Sheldon et al, 2016b)

Summary

Introduction

Estimation of the prevalence of cigarettes smoking showed a decline from 33.3% in 2000 to 20.9% in 2025 (World Health Organization, 2019) This effect might be due to various strategies for tobacco prevention programs, promoting smoking cessation, and enhanced public awareness concerning the harmful effects of smoking and SHS exposure (Levy et al, 2020). Fah Sai Clinic was to help smokers who would like to quit smoking by walking to a primary car unit in each sub-district or a psychological clinic for smoking cessation consultation. With those strategies, report shows the rate of quit smoking at 1, 3, and 6 months follow-up was 49.9%, 38.0% and 33.1%, respectively. Infographics that contains the information of health is easy to understanding and recognizing, and the evidences show the effect of text messaging for motivation a smoker quit smoking (Mussener et al, 2016; Scott-Sheldon et al, 2016a)

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Conclusion