Comparing tailored and untailored text messages for smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial among adolescent and young adult smokers

Lise Skov-Ettrup, L W Ringgaard, Peter Dalum, Trine Flensborg-Madsen, Lau Caspar Thygesen, Janne Schurmann Tolstrup

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim was to compare the effectiveness of untailored text messages for smoking cessation to tailored text messages delivered at a higher frequency. From February 2007 to August 2009, 2030 users of an internet-based smoking cessation program with optional text message support aged 15-25 years were consecutively randomized to versions of the program that offered either tailored or untailored text messages. Thirty-day point abstinence from smoking was measured self-reportedly at 12-months follow-up. Response rates were 36.3% and 38.1% in the tailored and untailored group, respectively. We analyzed the entire study population, as well as those opting for text messages (n = 1619). In intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputation of missing data, the odds ratio for 30-day point abstinence was 1.28 (95% CI 0.91-2.08) for the tailored compared with untailored messages. When restricting the analysis to those who had chosen to receive text messages, the corresponding odds ratio was 1.45 (95% CI 1.01-2.08). The higher long-term quit rates in the group receiving the tailored text messages compared with untailored text messages in the restricted analysis indicated that tailoring and higher frequency of text messages increases quit rates among young smokers.

Original languageEnglish
JournalHealth Education Research
Volume29
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)195-205
Number of pages11
ISSN0268-1153
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2014

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