SmokefreeTXT Behaviour Change Technique Analysis

Abstract

Mobile text-messaging smoking cessation interventions have demonstrated their efficacy in increasing cessation rates. These interventions tend to be multifaceted and there is a need to specify their building blocks. The purpose of this study was to use the Behavioural Change Techniques Taxonomy V1 (BCTTv1) to systematically analyse the behaviour change techniques present in the SmokefreeTXT (SFTXT) adult programme. The entire SFTXT library was coded using the BCTTv1. Frequencies were calculated to assess the presence of BCT groups and unique BCTs in the entire programme. The mix of BCTs was also examined by programme week and during periods of high user dropout. Of the 16 groups of behavioural techniques, 14 were present in SFTXT. Of the 93 distinct BCTs, 41 were present in the full SFTXT message library. The most prevalent BCT groups were Feedback and Monitoring, Natural Consequences, Social Support, and Shaping Knowledge. There were differences in the mix of BCTs across the duration of the intervention. The results will enable us to test how changes in the use of specific BCTs and their frequency of use over time, impact (1) engagement with the programme (particularly during the days with high dropout rates), and (2) smoking cessation outcomes over time.

SmokefreeTXT for Homeless Smokers: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

“…SmokefreeTXT message content was updated periodically by NCI and was not tailored to homeless or low-income individuals. A behavior change technique analysis of the SmokefreeTXT library conducted contemporaneously with our study found that 14 of 16 behavioral technique groups outlined in the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 were present in SmokefreeTXT, with the most prevalent being feedback and monitoring, natural consequences, social support, and shaping knowledge [35]. Most SmokefreeTXT messages were unidirectional, but beginning on the quit date, a subset (approximately 23%) of messages were interactive in nature and solicited brief participant responses (eg, “Feelings can be a smoking trigger.…”

“…To address these gaps in the literature, our objective was to assess whether a free SMS text messaging program, SmokefreeTXT, improved smoking abstinence among homeless adult smokers when added to evidence-based pharmacotherapy and in-person counseling. Developed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), SmokefreeTXT provides around-the-clock and on-demand support for adults who want to quit smoking [34] through SMS text messaging content that incorporates a variety of behavior change techniques [35]. Although SmokefreeTXT is not targeted specifically to homeless or low-income smokers, its accessibility and potential for immediate dissemination, if effective, made it appealing for testing in a highly impoverished population.…”

Analysing user-reported data for enhancement of SmokefreeTXT: a national text message smoking cessation intervention

“…Individuals can receive additional messages if they text one of the following keywords to the program: MOOD, CRAVE or SLIP. Stoyneva et al 18 conducted an analysis mapping SmokefreeTXT using the behaviour change techniques taxonomy, and found 41 behaviour change techniques present in the program. Subscribers have the ability to opt out of participation in the program at any time by texting the word STOP to the program.…”

Dropout and Abstinence Outcomes in a National Text Messaging Smoking Cessation Intervention for Pregnant Women, SmokefreeMOM: Observational Study

“…SmokefreeMOM is a free, publicly available smoking cessation intervention, accessible to anyone in the United States with an SMS text messaging–enabled mobile phone. It was developed with input from pregnant smokers and is grounded in social cognitive theory and other proven behavioral strategies for smoking cessation [22-24]. Women sign up for SmokefreeMOM online at Smokefree.gov or by texting the keyword “Mom” to 222888.…”