Are mobile phone messaging interventions effective for smoking cessation- An exploratory meta-analysis
| Author(s)
Fujian Song, Jinhui Tian and Tracey Brown
| | Presenter(s) |
Professor Fujian Song Professor in Research Synthesis and Health Services Research, University of East Anglia, Norwich |
Tracey Brown Research Associate, University of East Anglia, Norwich | Abstract Objectives: To analyse evidence on the effectiveness of mobile phone messaging interventions for smoking cessation, and to investigate heterogeneity by exploratory subgroup analyses.
Methods: Randomised controlled trials that evaluated mobile phone messaging interventions and reported abstinence from smoking were identified using PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, AMED, Web of Science, the WHO-ICTRP and references of review articles.
Results: Ten RCTs (11,083 smokers in total) met the study inclusion criteria. Mobile phone messaging interventions were associated with a higher rate of smoking cessation (RR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.23 to 1.74). Exploratory subgroup analyses indicated that studies of young smokers
(≤30 years of age) showed smaller treatment effects than studies of general smokers (subgroup difference P=0.047). There were no statistically significant differences between studies in terms of whether abstinence outcomes were verified, duration and intensity of messaging interventions, length of follow-up and whether mobile phone messaging was combined with website support.
Conclusions: Mobile phone messaging interventions are generally effective for smoking cessation. Further research is required to identify the optimal features of mobile phone messaging interventions for different smoker groups, and to confirm their feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
| Presenter biography Fujian Song is Professor in Research Synthesis and Health Services Research at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. His research interests focus on health technology assessment, evidence synthesis methods, and evaluation of complex healthcare interventions. He is the PI of a controlled study on self-help materials for the prevention of smoking relapse.
Tracey Brown is a Research Associate at the University of East Anglia, currently conducting research into smoking relapse prevention (NIHR HTA funded). Other research interests include systematic review, health promotion, behaviour change and dietary intakes.
| Source of funding: University of East Anglia
| Declaration of interest: None
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