Using WhatsApp and Facebook Online Social Groups for Smoking Relapse Prevention for Recent Quitters: A Pilot Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Cheung, Yee Tak Derek; Chan, Ching Han Helen; Lai, Chi-Keung Jonah; Chan, Wai Fung Vivian; Wang, Man Ping; Li, William; Chan, Sophia Siu Chee; Lam, Tai Hing

doi:10.2196/jmir.4829

Cited by 118 publications

(132 citation statements)

References 33 publications

(35 reference statements)

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“…In total, 7 studies met our inclusion criteria, all of which were published since 2014. Among the included studies, two were from Canada 25,26 , one was from Hong Kong 27 , and four were from the United States. 28–31 The studies enrolled a combined total of 9755 participants (range 40 to 9042; median = 136).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Study samples ranged from 26% to 77% male. Four studies were randomized controlled trials 24,27,28,30 , one study employed a quasi-experimental design 25 , and the remaining three studies were pilot or initial feasibility studies. 26,29,31 We also identified three articles reporting secondary outcomes 32–34 and one study protocol 35 corresponding to the included studies.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Systematic review of social media interventions for smoking cessation

Naslund

Kim

Aschbrenner³

et al. 2017

Addictive Behaviors

147

106

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Background Popular social media could extend the reach of smoking cessation efforts. In this systematic review, our objectives were: 1) to determine whether social media interventions for smoking cessation are feasible, acceptable, and potentially effective; 2) to identify approaches for recruiting subjects; and 3) to examine the specific intervention design components and strategies employed to promote user engagement and retention. Methods We searched Scopus, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science through July 2016 and reference lists of relevant articles. Included studies described social media interventions for smoking cessation and must have reported outcomes related to feasibility, acceptability, usability, or smoking-related outcomes. Results We identified 7 studies (all were published since 2014) that enrolled 9755 participants (median=136 [range 40 to 9042]). Studies mainly used Facebook (n=4) or Twitter (n=2), and emerged as feasible and acceptable. Five studies reported smoking-related outcomes such as greater abstinence, reduction in relapse, and an increase in quit attempts. Most studies (n=6) recruited participants using online or Facebook advertisements. Tailored content, targeted reminders, and moderated discussions were used to promote participant engagement. Three studies found that active participation through posting comments or liking content may be associated with improved outcomes. Retention ranged from 35% to 84% (median=70%) across the included studies. Conclusions Our review highlights the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of social media interventions for smoking cessation. Future research should continue to explore approaches for promoting user engagement and retention, and whether sustained engagement translates to clinically meaningful smoking cessation outcomes.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Systematic review of social media interventions for smoking cessation

Naslund

Kim

Aschbrenner³

et al. 2017

Addictive Behaviors

147

106

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…If using a larger and more general social medium, it may be prudent to consider private invitation-only groups, such as the example presented on use of Twitter to deliver private, peer-to-peer, quit-smoking groups (Sidebar 1). Closed quit-smoking groups targeting young adults also have been tested on Facebook 5,6 and WhatsApp 7 with encouraging short-term effects.…”

Section: Social Media Applications To Cancer Prevention and Cancer Carementioning

confidence: 99%

“…40 Another recurring finding is that users may prefer different social media platforms, making formative research and/or use of multiple channels an important consideration. 7,41 …”

Section: Key Principles Of Social Media To Enhance Cancer Preventionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Content analyses of various social media groups (e.g., Facebook groups, individuals using the same Twitter hashtag) have identified several types of social support provided, 16,80 and numerous interventions have shown that behavior change techniques can be effectively delivered via existing social media tools. 7,23,81 Hence, expending resources to create new cancer-focused mobile apps or websites may not be necessary to deliver effective prevention and treatment interventions. Even if the long-term goal is to create an entirely new system, existing tools can provide a method for prototype testing.…”

Section: Using Social Media and Mhealth Apps In Low-resource Settingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Social Media and Mobile Technology for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Prochaska

Coughlin

Lyons

2017

American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book

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OVERVIEW Given the number of lives affected by cancer and the great potential for optimizing well-being via lifestyle changes, patients, providers, health care systems, advocacy groups, and entrepreneurs are looking to digital solutions to enhance patient care and broaden prevention efforts. Thousands of health-oriented mobile websites and apps have been developed, with a majority focused upon lifestyle behaviors (e.g., exercise, diet, smoking). In this review, we consider the use and potential of social media and mHealth technologies for cancer prevention, cancer treatment, and survivorship. We identify key principles in research and practice, summarize prior reviews, and highlight notable case studies and patient resources. Further, with the potential for scaled delivery and broad reach, we consider application of social media and mHealth technologies in low-resource settings. With clear advantages for reach, social media and mHealth technologies offer the ability to scale and engage entire populations at low cost, develop supportive social networks, connect patients and providers, encourage adherence with cancer care, and collect vast quantities of data for advancing cancer research. Development efforts have been rapid and numerous, yet evaluation of intervention effects on behavior change and health outcomes are sorely needed, and regulation around data security issues is notably lacking. Attention to broader audiences is also needed, with targeted development for culturally diverse groups and non-English speakers. Further investment in research to build the evidence base and identify best practices will help delineate and actualize the potential of social media and mHealth technologies for cancer prevention and treatment.

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Assessment of a Text Message–Based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Adult Smokers in China

et al. 2023

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ImportanceSuccessful smoking cessation strategies are an important part of reducing tobacco use. However, providing universal smoking cessation support can be a challenge for most countries because it requires sufficient resources. One way to expand access is to use mobile technologies to provide cessation support.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of a behavior change theory–based smoking cessation intervention using personalized text messages.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis study was a 2-arm double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted in 5 cities in China. Daily or weekly smokers 18 years or older were eligible for inclusion if they owned a mobile phone and used the WeChat social media app. A total of 722 participants were randomized to the intervention or control group between April 1 and July 27, 2021.InterventionsIntervention group participants received a personalized text message–based smoking cessation intervention that was based on the transtheoretical model and protection motivation theory and developed by this study’s investigators. Control group participants received a nonpersonalized text message–based smoking cessation intervention developed by the US National Cancer Institute. Both groups received 1 to 2 text messages per day for 3 months through the app.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the biochemically verified 6-month sustained abstinence rate, defined as the self-report of no smoking of any cigarettes after the designated quit date, which was validated biochemically by an expired air carbon monoxide level of less than 6 ppm at each follow-up point.ResultsA total of 722 participants (mean [SD] age, 41.5 [12.7] years; 716 men [99.2%]; all of Chinese ethnicity) were randomly assigned to the intervention group (360 participants) or the control group (362 participants). Biochemically verified continuous abstinence at 6 months was 6.9% in the intervention group and 3.0% in the control group (odds ratio [OR], 2.66; 95% CI, 1.21-5.83). Among smokers with low nicotine dependence, the intervention group had significantly better abstinence rates for most of the indicators after adjusting for covariates (eg, biochemically verified 24-hour point prevalence of abstinence at 1 month: adjusted OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.05-4.38). Among smokers with moderate and high nicotine dependence, only the biochemically verified 24-hour point prevalence of abstinence at 6 months was statistically significant (adjusted OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.34-3.00). The pattern was similar for quitting intention, and the personalized text message–based intervention was more effective for smokers who had strong quitting intention than for those who had weak quitting intention.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study, the behavior change theory–based smoking cessation intervention using personalized text messages was more effective than an intervention using nonpersonalized text messages. The intervention was most effective among smokers with low nicotine dependence and strong quitting intention. This study’s findings also provide further evidence regarding the potential benefits of mobile health interventions for other behaviors.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100041942

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Using WhatsApp and Facebook Online Social Groups for Smoking Relapse Prevention for Recent Quitters: A Pilot Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Cited by 118 publications

References 33 publications

Systematic review of social media interventions for smoking cessation

Systematic review of social media interventions for smoking cessation

Social Media and Mobile Technology for Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Assessment of a Text Message–Based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Adult Smokers in China

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