A video-based smoking cessation intervention delivered via mobile phones

Rationale

This trial proposes a novel but theoretically based intervention for smoking cessation - a personalised video-based package delivered via mobile phone. Emphasis will be on following young smokers who have overcome problems faced during their own attempt to stop smoking and on the coping strategies they have developed, consistent with observational learning (SCT). Participants will pick up relevant cues and information specific to their own stage of progression with smoking cessation, resulting in increased confidence and motivation to stop smoking. This intervention makes the most of new mobile phone technology - a high priority for communications amongst young people - in order to make the intervention easy, accessible and attractive and to reduce barriers to the retention of young participants.

Aims

To determine whether a video-based smoking cessation intervention delivered via mobile phone increases smoking cessation rates in young people.

Design

A single-blind randomised controlled trial. The Intervention group will receive a 6-month tailored video-based programme via their mobile phone. This will consist of video messages of young people discussing their experiences of quitting, the types of problems they faced, how they coped, and quitting advice. Consistent with social learning theory a variety of different models will be used so that participants can select the person they most relate to, and can follow them through the quitting process or can view the other models on demand. Participants will be encouraged to submit video clips of their quitting tips, with the best clips being sent out to all participants and posted on a participants' website. The intervention will include one month of free video messaging for the intensive period so that there will be no extra cost to the participant. Control group - will receive regular infrequent mobile phone video messages with general health information, and reminders about trial follow-up. 1,300 smokers aged 16 yrs+ who want to quit will be recruited. Recruitment will be particularly targeted at young Māori to meet a target of at least 30% of participants.

Study Status

This trial was completed in September 2009.  Results have been presented at international conferences and were published in 2010.

Funding

This study is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand with support from Vodafone and Sony Ericsson.

CTRU Investigators

Robyn Whittaker, Principal Investigator
Anthony Rodgers
Chris Bullen
Hayden McRobbie
Ralph Maddison
Ruey-bin Lin

Project Manager

Mary Ellis-Pegler

The study was designed by the CTRU. Study coordination, study management, data management and data processing and analyses will be undertaken by the CTRU.

Collaborators

Dale Bramley, Bramley Consulting, Auckland
Tim Corbett, Thinkspace Ltd, Auckland
Simon Denny, Department of Paediatrics, The University of Auckland
Penny Salmon, The Quit Group, Wellington

Publications

Whittaker R, Dorey E, Bramley D, Bullen C, Denny S, Elley CR, Maddison R, McRobbie H, Parag V Rodgers A, Salmon P. A theory-based video messaging mobile phone intervention for smoking cessation: randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2011;13(1):e10 doi:10.2196/jmir.1553.