The short-term effectiveness of real-time video counselling on smoking cessation among residents in rural and remote areas: An interim analysis of a randomised trial

Judith Byaruhanga; Christine L Paul; John Wiggers; Emma Byrnes; Aimee Mitchell; Christophe Lecathelinais; Jennifer Bowman; Elizabeth Campbell; Karen Gillham; Flora Tzelepis

doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108448

The short-term effectiveness of real-time video counselling on smoking cessation among residents in rural and remote areas: An interim analysis of a randomised trial

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2021 Dec:131:108448. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108448. Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Locked Mail Bag 10, Wallsend, New South Wales 2287, Australia. Electronic address: Judith.byaruhanga@uon.edu.au.
² School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Locked bag 1000, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia.
³ School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Locked Mail Bag 10, Wallsend, New South Wales 2287, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Locked bag 1000, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia.
⁴ School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia; Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Locked Mail Bag 10, Wallsend, New South Wales 2287, Australia.
⁵ Hunter New England Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, Locked Mail Bag 10, Wallsend, New South Wales 2287, Australia.
⁶ Hunter Medical Research Institute, Locked bag 1000, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia.

PMID: 34098302
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108448

Abstract

Background: Real-time video counselling for smoking cessation uses readily accessible software (e.g. Skype). This study aimed to assess the short-term effectiveness of real-time video counselling compared to telephone counselling or written materials (minimal intervention control) on smoking cessation and quit attempts among rural and remote residents.

Methods: An interim analysis of a three-arm, parallel group randomised trial with participants (n = 655) randomly allocated to; 1) real-time video counselling; 2) telephone counselling; or 3) written materials only (minimal intervention control). Participants were daily tobacco users aged 18 years or older residing in rural or remote areas of New South Wales, Australia. Video and telephone counselling conditions offered up to six counselling sessions while those in the minimal intervention control condition were mailed written materials. The study measured seven-day point prevalence abstinence, prolonged abstinence and quit attempts at 4-months post-baseline.

Results: Video counselling participants were significantly more likely than the minimal intervention control group to achieve 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 4-months (18.9% vs 8.9%, OR = 2.39 (1.34-4.26), p = 0.003), but the video (18.9%) and telephone (12.7%) counselling conditions did not differ significantly for 7-day point prevalence abstinence. The video counselling and minimal intervention control groups or video counselling and telephone counselling groups did not differ significantly for three-month prolonged abstinence or quit attempts.

Conclusion: Given video counselling may increase cessation rates at 4 months post-baseline, quitlines and other smoking cessation services may consider integrating video counselling into their routine practices as a further mode of cessation care delivery.

Trial registration: www.anzctr.org.au ACTRN12617000514303.

Keywords: Nicotine; Smoking cessation; Telephone counselling; Videoconferencing.

Publication types

Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Counseling
Delivery of Health Care
Humans
Rural Population
Smoking Cessation*
Telephone