Self-reported 7-day Point Prevalence Research Articles

Effectiveness of a self-determination theory-based smoking cessation intervention plus instant messaging via mobile application for smokers with cancer: Protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

Despite evidence that patients living with cancer who continue to smoke after diagnosis are at higher risk for all-cause mortality and reduced treatment efficacy, many cancer patients continue to smoke. This protocol is for a study to test the effectiveness of a self-determination theory-based intervention (quit immediately or progressively) plus instant messaging (WhatsApp or WeChat) to help smokers with cancer to quit smoking. This will be a multi-centre, two-arm (1:1), single-blind, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial. Taking part will be specialist outpatient clinics in five major hospitals in different location-based clusters in Hong Kong. The sample will include 1448 Chinese smokers living with cancer attending medical follow-ups at outpatient clinics. The intervention group will receive brief advice (approximately 5-8 minutes) from research nurses in the outpatient clinics and then be invited to choose their own quit schedules (immediate or progressive). During the first 6-month follow-up period they will receive instant messaging with smoking cessation advice once per week for the first 3months, and thereafter approximately once per month. They will also receive four videos, and those opting to quit progressively will receive a smoking reduction leaflet. The control group will also receive brief advice but be advised to quit immediately, and instant messaging with general health advice during the first 6-month follow-up period using the same schedule as the intervention group. Participants in both groups will receive smoking cessation leaflets. The primary outcome is biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 6months, as confirmed by saliva cotinine level and carbon monoxide level in expired air. Secondary outcomes include biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 12 months, self-reported 7-day point prevalence of smoking abstinence at 6 and 12 months, self-reported ≥ 50% reduction of cigarette consumption at 6 and 12 months and quality of life at 6 and 12 months. All time-points for outcomes measures are set after randomization. The results could inform research, policymaking and health-care professionals regarding smoking cessation for patients living with cancer, and therefore have important implications for clinical practice and health enhancement.

Abstract 2154: Actívatexto:Feasibility and acceptability of a mobile intervention that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity among Latinos

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile intervention that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity among Latinos. Twenty Latino adults who smoked and did not meet recommended levels of physical activity were recruited using community-based recruitment strategies. Participants received Actívatexto, a theory-based, culturally accommodated, 12-week text messaging intervention (available in English and Spanish) that promotes both smoking cessation and physical activity. Actívatexto integrates four components: 1) a text messaging program that promotes both smoking cessation and physical activity, 2) a wearable device to monitor physical activity, 3) an online dashboard where the research team manages participants’ incoming and outgoing data from both the text messaging program and wearable devices, and 4) smoking cessation pharmacotherapy (i.e., nicotine replacement therapies). We assessed self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence (not smoking any cigarettes in the past seven days) at Month 3, weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), pharmacotherapy adherence, self-efficacy, and satisfaction. At baseline, participants’ mean age was 47.3 years old (SD 16.0), 55% of participants were female, 80% had completed high school or lower educational level, and 60% indicated that Spanish was their language of preference. Most participants (75%) smoked 1-10 cigarettes daily, 35% smoked their first cigarette within five minutes after waking up, and 60% used menthol cigarettes. At Month 3, 14 participants (70%) self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence (90% follow-up rate). Fitbit-assessed mean minutes of MVPA per week increased from 113 (SD 127; range 0-399) at Week 1 to 177 (SD 163; range 0-513) at Month 3, although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.15). Sixteen participants (88.9%, 16/18) reported NRT use in the past 90 days. Mean scores of self-efficacy for smoking cessation increased from 31.2 (SD 10.6) at baseline to 47.8 (SD 13.0) at Month 3 (p<0.01). Mean scores of self-efficacy for physical activity increased from 12.3 (SD 3.9) at baseline to 14.6 (SD 4.4) at Month 3 (p=0.2). Most participants reported being satisfied or extremely satisfied with the intervention (88.9%, 16/18). In conclusion, Actívatexto resulted in a noteworthy cessation rate at Month 3 (70%), increased mean minutes of MVPA per week, produced high use of NRT, increased self-efficacy for smoking cessation and physical activity, and was well received by participants. Additional testing in a formal randomized clinical trial is warranted to assess the efficacy of the intervention. Citation Format: Daimarelys Lara, Edgar I. Alaniz-Cantu, Arlette Chávez-Iñiguez, Daniel Fuller, Scott McIntosh, Deborah J. Ossip, Ana Paula Cupertino, Francisco Cartujano-Barrera. Actívatexto:Feasibility and acceptability of a mobile intervention that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity among Latinos [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2154.

Preliminary Efficacy of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Smartphone App for Smoking Cessation in China: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

The overall prevalence of cigarette smokers in China is very high, and China's total cigarette consumption makes up more than 40% of the world's consumption. In view of the lack of smoking cessation services and social support in China and the effectiveness of mobile phone apps for quitting smoking in other countries, we carried out a smartphone app-based smoking cessation trial in China. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based smoking cessation smartphone app among smokers seeking treatment in China. We conducted a randomized controlled, web-based pilot clinical trial in China between February 23 and June 27, 2021. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to the smoking cessation app intervention group or the control group in a ratio of 1:1. The intervention group received the CBT smoking cessation intervention using a smartphone app, and the control group received a "thank you" message. The intervention was 4 weeks long, and the patients were followed up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was self-reported continuous smoking abstinence at week 4 after the quit date. The secondary outcomes included self-reported 7-day point prevalence of smoking abstinence; reduction of the number of cigarettes smoked per day at weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4; and program acceptability. A total of 973 people were recruited to quit smoking, of whom 262 completed basic information, 56 were excluded, and 206 were randomized and included in the final analysis. There were 189 (91.7%) men and 17 (8.3%) women, with an average age of 34.46 (SD 7.53) years and an average daily smoking rate of 15.93 (SD 7.10) cigarettes/day. We found 30 (29.7%) of the 101 participants in the intervention group and 7 (6.7%) of the 105 participants in the control group reported continuous smoking cessation after the quit date at week 4 (odds ratio 5.92, 95% CI 3.78-9.26; P<.001). The 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate of the intervention group varied from 42.6% (43/101) to 46.5% (47/101) after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks, while the control group varied from 18.1% (19/105) to 26.7% (28/105). Compared to the control group, continued smokers consumed 1.5-3.0 fewer cigarettes per day in the intervention group. The overall program got positive user feedback with a high satisfaction rate (66/87, 76%) and an average Mobile Application Rating Scale user version score of 3.46. Our pilot study provided preliminary evidence that the CBT-based smoking cessation smartphone app led to improved smoking quit rates versus control in Chinese smokers. The study demonstrated the CBT-based smartphone app may be an effective and feasible digital treatment model to help smokers quit, which may improve smoking cessation service quality and accessibility in China. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04421170; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04421170. RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041985.

Efficacy of an individual-tailored smoking cessation intervention APP among Chinese smokers: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background and aimsTobacco use has posed a tremendous public health problem for China. The Chinese government has taken great efforts to curb the tobacco epidemic. However, the existing smoking cessation services available in China are underused and have some limitations. Our research team intends to develop a smartphone smoking cessation application (SSC APP) and integrate it with the existing smoking cessation services. This study aims to assess the efficacy of the SSC APP developed by our research team through a randomized controlled trial (RCT).MethodsCurrent smokers who are motivated to quit within 1 month (n = 1000) will be recruited both online and offline, and all potential participants will register and complete the prescreening assessment online. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (receiving the SSC APP and a self-help smoking cessation manual) or the control group (receiving a self-help smoking cessation manual only) using a block randomization method. This study will be a two-arm, single-blind, parallel-group RCT. Participants will be followed up after enrollment through online questionnaires or by phone call. The primary outcome is self-reported 6-month continuous abstinence. The main secondary outcomes include self-reported 7-day point-prevalence abstinence at each follow-up; self-reported 3-month continuous abstinence; reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked per day; and the number of recent quit attempts.DiscussionIf this SSC APP proves to be effective, it could be integrated with the existing smoking cessation services and further facilitate smoking cessation at the population level in China.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200062097, Registered July 22, 2022.

Do medications increase the efficacy of digital interventions for smoking cessation? Secondary results from the iCanQuit randomized trial.

iCanQuit is a smartphone application (app) proven efficacious for smoking cessation in a Phase III randomized controlled trial (RCT). This study aimed to measure whether medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for smoking cessation would further enhance the efficacy of iCanQuit, relative to its parent trial comparator-the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) QuitGuide app. Secondary analysis of the entire parent trial sample of a two-group (iCanQuit and QuitGuide), stratified, doubled-blind RCT. United States. Participants who reported using an FDA-approved cessation medication on their own (n= 619) and those who reported no use of cessation medications (n= 1469). Participants were randomized to receive iCanQuit app or NCI's QuitGuide app. Use of FDA-approved medications was measured at 3 months post-randomization. Smoking cessation outcomes were measured at 3, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome was 12-month self-reported 30-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA). The data retention rate at the 12-month follow-up was 94.0%. Participants were aged 38.5 years, 71.0% female, 36.6% minority race/ethnicity, 40.6% high school or less education, residing in all 50 US States and smoking 19.2 cigarettes/day. The 29.6% of all participants who used medications were more likely to choose nicotine replacement therapy (NRT; 78.8%) than other cessation medications (i.e. varenicline or bupropion; 18.3 and 10.5%, respectively) and use did not differ by app treatment assignment (all P> 0.05). There was a significant (P= 0.049) interaction between medication use and app treatment assignment on PPA. Specifically, 12-month quit rates were 34% for iCanQuit versus 20% for QuitGuide [odds ratio (OR) = 2.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.59, 3.49] among participants reporting any medication use, whereas among participants reporting no medication use, quit rates were 28% for iCanQuit versus 22% for QuitGuide (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.82). Results were stronger for those using only NRT: 40% quit rates for iCanQuit versus 18% quit rates for QuitGuide (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 2.20, 5.79). The iCanQuit smartphone app for smoking cessation was more efficacious than the QuitGuide smartphone app, regardless of whether participants used medications to aid cessation. Smoking cessation medications, especially nicotine replacement therapy, might enhance the efficacy of the iCanQuit app.

Immediate smoking cessation support during lung cancer screening: long-term outcomes from two randomised controlled trials

BackgroundImmediate smoking cessation interventions delivered alongside targeted lung health checks (TLHCs) to screen for lung cancer increase self-reported abstinence at 3 months. The impact on longer term, objectively confirmed quit...

Effect of unguided e-cigarette provision on uptake, use, and smoking cessation among adults who smoke in the USA: a naturalistic, randomised, controlled clinical trial

As summarised in the most recent Cochrane review, the few clinical trials on e-cigarettes are largely focused on smoking cessation. We aimed to determine the naturalistic uptake, use, and impact of e-cigarettes among adults who may or may not want to stop smoking. In this naturalistic, randomised, controlled clinical trial, adult smokers, across the motivational spectrum and with minimal history of e-cigarette use, were recruited online from the general community within 11 cities across the USA. Participants were randomly assigned (2:1) to either receive either a free 4-week supply of flavoured, tank-style e-cigarette, or not. E-cigarette group participants received a battery and device with up to 30 pre-filled tanks, offered among five flavours, with minimal instructions on use. The study's primary purpose was to descriptively assess naturalistic uptake and usage of the e-cigarette, and to secondarily assess its impact on smoking behavior. The latter, assessed through six months of follow-up, included: a) self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence, b) incidence of quit attempts, and c) smoking reduction. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03453385. Between 5/2018 and 3/2022, 638 adult smokers were enrolled and randomly assigned (427 in the e-cigarette group and 211 in the no-product control group). Uptake of e-cigarettes was robust: approximately 70% of participants used the product, with average usage exceeding 4 days per week during the initial 30 days. Based on an intent-to-treat approach where missing data is imputed as smoking, almost all behavioral outcomes favored the e-cigarette group relative to no-product control, including point prevalence abstinence at six months (Odds Ratio [OR]=1.8; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=1.0-3.1), cumulative incidence of 24-hr quit attempts (OR=1.5; 95% CI=1.0-2.2), and having reduced smoking by at least 50% since baseline (OR=1.8; 95% CI=1.2-2.7). Results were similar under an alternative imputation. Complementing cessation-focused trials, results suggest that unguided e-cigarette use also leads tosmoking cessation, allaying the notion that causal effects of e-cigarettes on cessation are not reflective of real-world scenario of self-determined use. For smokers who may not be able to quit using existing pharmacologic approaches, e-cigarettes may be considered to achive that purpose. National Cancer Institute.

Is self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence an useful measure for smoking cessation effectiveness among individuals with mental disorders?

Smoking rates among individuals with mental disorders are higher compared to general population. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a smoking cessation treatment among individuals with and without mental disorders. Self-report 7-day point prevalence was used to assess abstinence status among ‘intention to treat’ (n = 1,213) and ‘completers-only’ (n = 578) samples. Participants were distributed in (1) ND-only; (2) ND and other substance use disorder (ND-SUD); (3) ND associated with mental disorder but no other SUD (ND-MD); and (4) co-morbid ND, SUD and MD (ND-SUMD). The treatment program was composed by six weeks of group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medical consultations. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied. Rates of abstinence between ND-only and both ND-MD and ND-SUMD differed in the ‘intention-to-treat’ sample, with the former group showing the best rate (62.5%, 48% and 45.4% respectively). ND-SUD had the second-best rate of abstinence (56.1%). Differences between groups were not observed among ‘completers-only’. Self-report 7-day point prevalence abstinence is economical and reliable to be used in low to middle-income countries. In this study, it showed that the 6-week smoking cessation treatment had a positive effect among completers, which supports the importance of investing in treatment to decrease smoking prevalence in this population.

Testing the Efficacy of a Scalable Telephone-Delivered Guided Imagery Tobacco Cessation Treatment: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Tobacco use continues to be a leading preventable cause of death and disease in the United States, accounting for >480,000 deaths each year. Although treatments for tobacco use are effective for many, there is substantial variability in outcomes, and these approaches are not effective for all individuals seeking to quit smoking cigarettes. New, effective therapeutic approaches are needed to meet the preferences of people who want to stop smoking. Guided imagery (GI) is a mind-body technique that involves the guided visualization of specific mental images, which is enhanced with other sensory modalities and emotions. Preliminary evidence provides initial support for the use of GI as a treatment for cigarette smoking. Meta-analyses have shown that standard treatment for cigarette smoking delivered over the telephone via quitlines is effective. A telephone-based intervention that uses GI might provide another effective treatment option and increase the reach and effectiveness of quitlines. This study aims to test the efficacy of Be Smoke Free, a telephone-delivered GI treatment for smoking cessation. This multisite randomized clinical trial (RCT) will compare a novel telephone-delivered GI tobacco cessation treatment with a standard evidence-based behavioral treatment. The study will be conducted over 5 years. In phase 1, we refined protocols and procedures for the New York State and West Virginia sites for use in the RCT. During phase 2, we will conduct an RCT with 1200 participants: 600 (50%) recruited via quitlines and 600 (50%) recruited via population-based methods. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the GI condition or the behavioral condition; both treatments will be delivered by trained study coaches located at the University of Arizona. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and 3 and 6 months after enrollment by University of Arizona research staff. The primary outcome will be self-reported 30-day point prevalence abstinence 6 months after enrollment. Secondary outcomes include biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence 6 months after enrollment. Recruitment in West Virginia and New York began in October 2022. As of March 31, 2023, a total of 242 participants had been enrolled. Follow-up assessments began in November 2022. As of March 31, 2023, of the 118 eligible participants, 97 (82.2%) had completed the 3-month assessment, and 93% (26/28) of eligible participants had completed the 6-month assessment. Biochemical verification and qualitative interviews began in April 2023. Recruitment will continue through 2025 and follow-up assessments through 2026. Primary results are expected to be published in 2027. The Be Smoke Free study is a first-of-its-kind RCT that incorporates GI into telephone-based tobacco cessation treatment. If successful, Be Smoke Free will have substantial benefits for the long-term health of people who use tobacco across the United States. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05277831; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05277831. PRR1-10.2196/48898.

Enhancing Tobacco Quitline Outcomes for African American Adults: An RCT of a Culturally Specific Intervention

This study tested the effectiveness of a culturally specific tobacco cessation video intervention among African American quitline enrollees. This was a 3-arm semipragmatic RCT. African American adults (N=1,053) were recruited from the North Carolina tobacco quitline and data were collected between 2017 and 2020. Participants were randomized to receive (1) quitline services only; (2) quitline services plus a standard, general audience video intervention; or (3) quitline services plus Pathways to Freedom (PTF), a culturally specific video intervention designed to promote cessation among African American persons. The primary outcome was self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included 7-day and 24-hour point prevalence abstinence at 3 months, 28-day continuous abstinence, and intervention engagement. Data analyses occurred in 2020 and 2022. At 6 months, 7-day point prevalence abstinence was significantly greater in the Pathways to Freedom Video arm compared with quitline-only (OR=1.5, CI=1.11, 2.07). Twenty four-hour point prevalence abstinence was significantly greater in the Pathways to Freedom (than in quitline-only) group at 3 (OR=1.49, 95% CI=1.03, 2.15) and 6 (OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.10, 2.28) months. At 6 months, 28-day continuous abstinence (OR=1.60, 95% CI=1.17, 2.20) was significantly greater in the Pathways to Freedom Video arm than in the quitline-only arm. Views of the Pathways to Freedom Video were 76% higher than views of the standard video. Culturally specific tobacco interventions delivered through state quitlines can increase cessation and thus have the potential to decrease health disparities among African American adults. This study is registered at www. gov NCT03064971.

Predictors of Cessation in Men Using a Tobacco Quitline: A Follow-Up Study

Although the effectiveness of tobacco quitline services for people who smoke cigarettes is well established, less is known about other forms of tobacco. This study aimed to compare quit rates and factors contributing to tobacco abstinence in men reporting dual use (smokeless tobacco and one additional combustible tobacco product), smokeless tobacco use only, and cigarette use only. Self-reported 30-day point-prevalence tobacco abstinence at the 7-month follow-up was calculated in males who registered with the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and completed a 7-month follow-up survey (N=3,721) (July 2015-November 2021). Logistic regression analysis completed in March 2023 identified variables associated with abstinence in each group. Abstinence was reported by 33% in the dual-use group, 46% in the smokeless-tobacco-use-only group, and 32% in the cigarette-use-only group. Eight or more weeks of nicotine replacement therapy provided by the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline was associated with tobacco abstinence in men who reported dual use (AOR=2.7, 95% CI=1.2, 6.3) and exclusive smoking (AOR=1.6, 95% CI=1.1, 2.3). The use of all nicotine replacement therapy was associated with abstinence in men who used smokeless tobacco (AOR=2.1, 95% CI=1.4, 3.1) and who smoked (AOR=1.9, 95% CI=1.6, 2.3). The number of helpline calls was associated with abstinence in men who used smokeless tobacco (AOR=4.3, 95% CI=2.5, 7.3). Men in all three tobacco-use groups who fully utilized quitline services showed a greater likelihood of tobacco abstinence. These findings underscore the importance of quitline intervention as an evidence-based strategy for people who use multiple forms of tobacco.

Tobacco-Related Disease, Health Beliefs, and Post-hospital Tobacco Abstinence

Most hospitalized patients who smoke resume after discharge. Associations of tobacco-related disease and health beliefs with post-hospitalization abstinence were examined. This was a cohort study using data from a 2018-2020 multicenter trial of hospitalized adults who smoked and wanted to quit. Tobacco-related disease was defined using primary discharge diagnosis codes. Baseline health beliefs included (1) smoking caused hospitalization, (2) quitting speeds recovery, and (3) quitting prevents future illness. Outcomes included self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. Separate logistic regression models for each of the three health beliefs were constructed. Models stratified by tobacco-related disease explored effect modification. Analysis was performed in 2022-2023. Of 1,406 participants (mean age 52 years, 56% females, 77% non-Hispanic White), 31% had tobacco-related disease, 42% believed that smoking caused hospitalization, 68% believed that quitting speeds recovery, and 82% believed that quitting prevents future illness. Tobacco-related disease was associated with higher 1-month point prevalence abstinence in each health belief model (AOR=1.55, 95% CI=1.15, 2.10; 1.53, 95% CI=1.14, 2.05; and 1.64, 95% CI=1.24, 2.19, respectively) and higher 6-month point prevalence abstinence in models including health beliefs 2 and 3. Quitting speeds recovery was the only belief associated with higher 1-month point prevalence abstinence (AOR=1.39, 95% CI=1.05, 1.85). Among patients with tobacco-related disease, the belief that quitting prevents future illness was associated with higher 1-month point prevalence abstinence (AOR=2.00, 95% CI=1.06, 3.78). Tobacco-related disease predicts abstinence 1 and 6 months after hospitalization independent of health beliefs. Beliefs that quitting speeds recovery and prevents future illness may serve as targets for smoking-cessation interventions.

Expanding population-level interventions to help more low-income smokers quit: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLow-income Americans have higher rates of smoking and a greater burden of smoking-related disease. In the United States, smokers in every state can access evidence-based telephone counseling through free tobacco quitlines. However, quitlines target smokers who are ready to quit in the next 30 days, which can exclude many low-income smokers. A smoke-free homes intervention may help engage smokers in tobacco control services who are not yet ready to quit. Previous research in low-income populations suggests that receiving a smoke-free homes intervention is associated with higher quit rates. This study tests whether, at a population level, expanding on quitlines to include a smoke-free homes intervention for smokers not ready to quit could engage more low-income smokers and increase long-term cessation rates. MethodsIn a Hybrid Type 2 design, participants are recruited from 211 helplines in 9 states and randomly assigned to standard quitline or quitline plus smoke-free homes intervention arms. Participants in both arms are initially offered quitline services. In the quitline plus smoke-free homes condition, participants who decline the quitline are then offered a smoke-free homes intervention. Participants complete a baseline and follow-up surveys at 3 and 6 months. Those who have not yet quit at the 3-month follow-up are re-offered the interventions, which differ by study arm. The primary study outcome is self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence from smoking at 6-month follow-up. ConclusionThis real-world cessation trial involving 9 state tobacco quitlines will help inform whether offering smoke-free homes as an alternative intervention could engage more low-income smokers with evidence-based interventions and increase overall cessation rates.This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Study Identifier: NCT04311983).

Efficacy of smartphone applications to help cancer patients quit smoking: Protocol of the Quit2Heal randomized controlled trial

Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent among cancer patients in the United States (US), with up to half of cancer patients smoking at the time of their initial cancer diagnosis. However, evidence-based cessation programs are rarely implemented in oncology care, and smoking is not consistently treated in cancer treatment settings. Consequently, there is an urgent need for accessible and efficacious cessation treatments that are uniquely tailored to the needs of cancer patients. Here we describe the design and implementation of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the efficacy of a smartphone app (Quit2Heal) versus a US Clinical Practice Guidelines-based app (QuitGuide) for smoking cessation among a planned sample of 422 cancer patients. Quit2Heal is designed to address cancer-related shame, stigma, depression, anxiety, and knowledge about the consequences of smoking/quitting. Quit2Heal is based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a behavioral therapy that teaches skills for accepting cravings to smoke without smoking, values-driven motivation to quit, and preventing relapse. The primary aim of the RCT is to determine whether Quit2Heal has significantly higher self-reported 30-day point prevalence abstinence at 12 months relative to QuitGuide. The trial will also determine whether Quit2Heal's effect on cessation is (1) mediated by improvements in cancer-related shame, stigma, depression, anxiety, and knowledge about the consequences of smoking/quitting; and (2) moderated by baseline factors (e.g., cancer type, stage, time since diagnosis). If successful, Quit2Heal will offer a more efficacious, broadly scalable smoking cessation treatment that could be implemented alongside existing oncology care, thereby improving cancer outcomes.

Efficacy of a Smoking Cessation Intervention for Survivors of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia or Cervical Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Women who smoke and have a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical cancer represent a vulnerable subgroup at elevated risk for recurrence, poorer cancer treatment outcomes, and decreased quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of Motivation And Problem Solving (MAPS), a novel treatment well-suited to meeting the smoking cessation needs of this population. Women who were with a history of CIN or cervical cancer, age 18 years and older, spoke English or Spanish, and reported current smoking (≥100 lifetime cigarettes plus any smoking in the past 30 days) were eligible. Participants (N = 202) were recruited in clinic in Oklahoma City and online nationally and randomly assigned to (1) standard treatment (ST) or (2) MAPS. ST consisted of repeated referrals to a tobacco cessation quitline, self-help materials, and combination nicotine replacement therapy (patch plus lozenge). MAPS comprised all ST components plus up to six proactive telephone counseling sessions over 12 months. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations evaluated the intervention. The primary outcome was self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence from tobacco at 18 months, with abstinence at 3, 6, and 12 months and biochemically confirmed abstinence as secondary outcomes. There was no significant effect for MAPS over ST at 18 months (14.2% v 12.9%, P = .79). However, there was a significant condition × assessment interaction (P = .015). Follow-up analyses found that MAPS (v ST) abstinence rates were significantly greater at 12 months (26.4% v 11.9%, P = .017; estimated OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.19 to 5.89). MAPS led to a greater than two-fold increase in smoking abstinence among survivors of CIN and cervical cancer at 12 months. At 18 months, abstinence in MAPS declined to match the control condition and the treatment effect was no longer significant.

Predictors for quitting smoking in smoking cessation clinics among female smokers in China.

The number of cessation clinics in China have been increasing ever since the Chinese government supported the establishment of smoking cessation clinics (SCCs) in each province in 2014. Many studies have examined smoking cessation behaviors among male smokers, but few of female smokers. This study aimed to understand female smokers' quitting behaviors in SCCs and identify predictors of successful cessation. This study used data of the SCCs Platform in China from 2018 to 2020. The self-reported 7-day point prevalence of abstinence rate (PPAR) at 1 month and at 3 months follow-up and the continuous abstinence rate (CAR) at 3 months follow-up are reported based on smokers' characteristics and intention to treat analysis. A multiple logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of continuous abstinence at 3 months follow-up. The 7-day PPAR of female outpatients in SCCs was 29.20% at 1 month follow-up and 28.36% at 3 months follow-up. The CAR at 3 months follow-up was 19.88%. Female smokers who were prepared to quit within 7 days (AOR=2.86; 95% CI: 1.53-5.32), today (AOR=4.01; 95% CI: 2.35-6.85), had started to quit (AOR=7.11; 95% CI: 4.12-12.27), and used a combination of counseling and drugs (AOR=2.41; 95% CI: 1.73-3.35) were more likely to quit smoking. Associated with lower quitting rates were: living in the central region of China (AOR=0.47; 95% CI: 0.31-0.73) and the west region (AOR=0.48; 95% CI: 0.31-0.73); being aged 30-39 years (AOR=0.39; 95% CI: 0.23-0.64), and 40-49 years (AOR=0.41; 95% CI:0.24-0.69); being unemployed (AOR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.45-0.91); having a fair perceived health status at the first visit (AOR=0.65; 95% CI: 0.47-0.91) and a poor one (AOR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.21-0.64); having a moderate nicotine dependence (AOR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.44-0.92) and a severe one (AOR=0.50; 95% CI: 0.34-0.72). In our study, the region of residence, age, employment, perceived health status, Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND), readiness to quit, and intervention model were independent predictors of quitting for female smokers. Improving the motivation to quit, providing intensive psychological interventions and equipping SCCs with cessation medication would assist female smokers to quit.

Testing the Outcomes of a Smoking Cessation Smartphone App for Nondaily Smokers: Protocol for a Proof-of-concept Randomized Controlled Trial

Nondaily smoking is a widespread, increasingly prevalent pattern of smoking, particularly in ethnic minority and vulnerable populations. To date, no effective treatment approach for this type of smokers has been identified. This study aims to use a randomized controlled trial to evaluate proof-of-concept markers of the Smiling instead of Smoking (SiS) app, a smoking cessation smartphone app designed specifically for nondaily smokers. This app was developed iteratively and is now in its third version. Previous studies have demonstrated acceptability and feasibility when participants were onboarded in person (study 1) and remotely (study 2) and showed within-person changes in line with hypothesized mechanisms of change. This is the first randomized test of this app. In total, 225 adult nondaily smokers will be asked to undertake a quit attempt while using smoking cessation support materials for a period of 7 weeks. Participants will be randomized to use the SiS smartphone app, the National Cancer Institute smartphone app QuitGuide, or the National Cancer Institute smoking cessation brochure "Clearing the Air." Participants will take part in a 15-minute scripted onboarding phone call during which study staff will introduce participants to their support materials. Survey links will be sent 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after the participants' initially chosen quit date. The primary outcome is self-efficacy to remain abstinent from smoking at treatment end, measured using the Smoking Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes cover several domains relevant to treatment development and implementation: treatment acceptability (eg, satisfaction with smoking cessation support, measured using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, and app usability, measured using the System Usability Scale); treatment feasibility (eg, measured using the number of days participants used the SiS or QuitGuide app during the prescribed treatment period); and, in an exploratory way, treatment efficacy assessed using self-reported 30-day point prevalence abstinence. Recruitment began in January 2021 and ended June 2022. The final 24-week follow-up was completed in January 2023. This trial is funded by the American Cancer Society. This study is designed to test whether the prescribed use of the SiS app results in greater self-efficacy to abstain from smoking in nondaily smokers than commonly recommended alternative treatments and whether the SiS app treatment is acceptable and feasible. Positive results will mean that the SiS app warrants testing in a large-scale randomized controlled trial to test its effectiveness in supporting smoking cessation in nondaily smokers. The design of this study also provides insights into issues pertinent to smoking cessation smartphone app treatment development and implementation by measuring, in a randomized design, markers of treatment satisfaction, engagement with the technology and content of the treatment, and adherence to the treatment plan. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04672239; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04672239. DERR1-10.2196/40867.

Usage, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an mHealth-based integrated modality for smoking cessation interventions in Western China.

Many smokers have not accessed professional smoking cessation assistance due to limited smoking cessation services. We developed a novel mHealth-based integrated modality for smoking cessation (WeChat + Quitline modality, WQ modality) and applied it to a large public welfare project (China Western-QUIT Program) in western China. This study evaluated the usage, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the WQ modality in the population of western China. A prospective cohort study was conducted between April and August 2021. Smokers or their relatives were recruited through online advertisements and medical staff referrals. After using the services of the WQ modality for one month, the self-reported awareness, use, and satisfaction with each service among the participants were collected by a telephone interview. We also evaluated the self-reported 7-day point prevalence of abstinence (PPA) and quit attempt rate among baseline current smokers. The usage data of each service were downloaded from quitline and WeChat platforms. Of the 17326 people from western China using the WQ modality, the largest number of users was WeChat official account (11173), followed by WeChat mini program (3734), WeChat group (669), and quitline (541 inbound calls, 605 outbound calls). At one month follow-up, over 70% of participants who completed the baseline survey (n=2221) were aware of WeChat-based services, and over 50% used them. However, the awareness rate (11.1%) and utilization rate (0.5%) of quitline were relatively low. The median satisfaction scores across all services were 9 out of 10 points (IQR: 8-9). Among the baseline current smokers (n=1257), self-reported 7-day PPA was 41.8% (526/1257), and another 225 smokers (17.9%) reported making a quit attempt. The WQ modality could be well used and accepted, and it has great potential to motivate and aid short-term smoking cessation in smokers from western China.

A WeChat mini-program-based approach to smoking cessation behavioral interventions: Development and preliminary evaluation in a single-arm trial.

This study sought to develop a WeChat mini-program for smoking cessation behavioral interventions (named the WQ mini-program) and evaluate its usability, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy among Chinese smokers. The WQ mini-program was designed based on behavioral change theories and clinical practice guidelines, and clinical smoking cessation experts participated in the development process. Fifty Chinese smokers and five software experts were involved in a single-arm trial. Smokers were asked to use the WQ mini-program at least once a day for 4 weeks and to complete a weekly online follow-up questionnaire. Software experts were asked to complete an online follow-up questionnaire after using all functions of the WQ mini-program. Primary outcomes were usability and acceptability of and satisfaction with the mini-program tested by the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). Self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) was used to evaluate its preliminary efficacy for smoking cessation. Optimization suggestions for the mini-program were collected from all participants through an open-ended question at the last follow-up and were analyzed by thematic analysis. The mean SUS and MARS total scores for the WQ mini-program as evaluated by smokers were 82.1 ± 13.8 and 84.5 ± 3.3 and by software experts were 4.21 ± 0.32 and 4.27 ± 0.15, respectively. Most smokers reported being willing to recommend this mini-program to other smokers (85.4%) and would continue to use it (95.8%). The mean satisfaction score for the mini-program was 4.23 ± 0.69 (out of 5 points) among smokers. Self-reported 7-day PPA among smokers at the 4-week follow-up was 50% (25/50). This study demonstrated that the WQ mini-program would be a feasible and potentially effective method to encourage Chinese smokers to quit smoking. However, future research is needed to confirm its efficacy through a randomized controlled trial.

Evaluation of Smoking Cessation Intervention Effectiveness in Smoking Cessation Clinics - China, 2019-2021.

Since 2014, the Chinese government has advocated for the development of smoking cessation clinics (SCCs) within each provincial-level administrative division (PLAD). In the 2019-2021 period, the self-reported 7-day point prevalence of abstinence rates (PPARs) at 1-month and 3-month follow-up were 26.2% and 23.5%, respectively. The interventions implemented by SCCs in this investigation proved to be successful. It is imperative to employ extensive tobacco control strategies in order to enhance the motivation of smokers to seek assistance for cessation from SCCs.