Evaluation of an innovative mHealth-based integrated modality for smoking cessation in Chinese smokers: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Shuilian Chu; Lin Feng; Yingting Zuo; Hang Jing; Di Zhang; Zhaohui Tong; Ju Shi; Haomiao Ma; Zhijin Zhang; Lirong Liang

doi:10.1186/s12889-023-15448-7

Evaluation of an innovative mHealth-based integrated modality for smoking cessation in Chinese smokers: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BMC Public Health. 2023 Mar 25;23(1):561. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15448-7.

Authors

Shuilian Chu¹, Lin Feng¹, Yingting Zuo¹, Hang Jing¹, Di Zhang¹, Zhaohui Tong², Ju Shi³, Haomiao Ma², Zhijin Zhang², Lirong Liang⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Research on Tobacco Dependence Therapies, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8 Gong-Ti-Nan-Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.
² Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
³ School of Economics, Peking University, Beijing, China.
⁴ Department of Research on Tobacco Dependence Therapies, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8 Gong-Ti-Nan-Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China. llrcruie@163.com.

Abstract

Background and aims: Developing accessible, affordable, and effective approaches to smoking cessation is crucial for tobacco control. Mobile health (mHealth) based interventions have the potential to aid smokers in quitting, and integrating treatments from multiple sources may further enhance their accessibility and effectiveness. As part of our efforts in smoking cessation, we developed a novel behavioral intervention delivery modality for smoking cessation that integrated three interventions using the WeChat app, called the "Way to Quit" modality (WQ modality). It is presented here the protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of the WQ modality in Chinese smokers.

Methods: Eligible participants (n = 460) will be recruited via online advertisement in Beijing, China. They will be randomly assigned to receive either quitline-based treatment (QT, n = 230) or WQ modality-based treatment (WQ, n = 230) using a block randomization method. Participants in the QT group will receive telephone-assisted treatment over a four-week period (multi-call quitline protocol), while those in the WQ group will receive integrated interventions based on the WQ modality for four weeks. A four-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy (gums) will be provided to all participants. Participants will be asked to complete phone or online follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12-months. At 1-month follow-up, individuals with self-reported smoking abstinence for more than 7 days will be invited to receive an exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) test for biochemical validation. The primary aim is to determine whether the WQ modality is effective in assisting smokers in quitting smoking. The secondary aims are to evaluate the acceptability, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of the WQ modality.

Discussion: If the WQ modality is determined to be effective, acceptable, and affordable, it will be relatively easy to reach and provide professional cessation treatments to the communities, thus helping to reduce the disparities in smoking cessation services between different regions and socioeconomic groups.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200066427, Registered December 5, 2022.

Keywords: Integrated modality; Mobile health; Randomized controlled trial; Smoking cessation; WeChat app.

Publication types

Clinical Trial Protocol
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cost-Benefit Analysis
East Asian People
Humans
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Smokers
Smoking Cessation* / methods
Telemedicine*
Tobacco Use Cessation Devices