Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: May 31, 2019
Open Peer Review Period: May 31, 2019 - Jun 7, 2019
Date Accepted: Jun 27, 2019
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Smoker-to-Smoker (S2S): Protocol of a Peer Marketing and Messaging Intervention to Disseminate a Tobacco Cessation Program
ABSTRACT
Background:
Smoking continues to be a public health concern, and though overall rates have reduced, rates among socio-economically disadvantaged subgroups are considerably higher. Digital Interventions for Smoking Cessation (DISCs) are health communication programs accessible via the Internet and smart phones, thus allowing for greater reach and effectiveness of tobacco cessation programs. DISCs have led to increased 6-month cessation rates while also reaching vulnerable populations. Despite this, the impact of DISCs has been limited and new ways to increase access and effectiveness are needed.
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a machine learning based approach (recommender system) for computer tailored health communication (CTHC), over a standard CTHC system based on quit rates and risk reduction. In addition, this study will assess the dissemination of providing access to a peer recruitment toolset on recruitment rate and variability of the sample.
Methods:
The Smoker-to-Smoker (S2S) study is a 6-month hybrid effectiveness dissemination trial conducted nationally among English-speaking, current smokers ages 18 years and older. All eligible participants register for the DISC (Decide2quit) and will be randomized to the recommender CTHC or the standard CTHC, followed by an allocation of receiving a peer recruitment toolset or not. Primary outcomes will be 7-day point prevalence and risk reduction at the 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include recruitment rate, website engagement and patient reported outcomes collected via the 6-month follow-up questionnaire. All primary analyses will be on an intent-to-treat basis.
Results:
The project is funded from 2017 to 2020 by the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Enrollment was completed in early 2019, with 6-month follow-ups to be completed by late 2019. Preliminary data analysis is currently under way.
Conclusions:
This study will disseminate and increase the use of a tobacco cessation website using peer recruitment and enhanced computer tailored health communication. S2S leverages access to internet technology and provides effective, individually oriented cessation treatments for diverse populations. These technology interventions can serve as important augmentation for those receiving in-person and telephone counseling and may serve as the only source of tobacco cessation support for vulnerable populations without access to other options. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03224520 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03224520?cond=Smoking&locn=massachusetts&draw=2&rank=17
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