Pilot RCT results of stop my smoking USA: a text messaging-based smoking cessation program for young adults.
BACKGROUND
To address the lack of smoking cessation programs available to young adults, Stop My Smoking (SMS) USA, a text messaging-based smoking cessation program, was developed and pilot tested.


METHODS
This was a two-arm randomized controlled trial with adaptive randomization (arms were balanced by sex and smoking level [heavy vs. light]), conducted nationally in the United States. One hundred sixty-four 18- to 25-year-old daily smokers who were seriously thinking about quitting in the next 30 days were randomized to either (a) the 6-week SMS USA intervention (n = 101) or (b) an attention-matched control group aimed at improving sleep and physical activity (n = 63). The main outcome measure was 3-month continuous abstinence, verified by a significant other. Participants but not researchers were blinded to study arm allocation.


RESULTS
Based upon intent-to-treat analyses, intervention participants (39%) were significantly more likely than control participants (21%) to have quit at 4 weeks postquit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48, 7.45). Findings were not sustained at 3 months postquit, although rates in the SMS USA group were favored (40% vs. 30%, respectively; aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 0.78, 3.21). Subsequent analyses suggested that among intervention participants, SMS USA might be more influential for youth not currently enrolled in a higher education (p = .06).


CONCLUSIONS
Consistent with pilot studies, the sample was underpowered. Data suggest, however, that the SMS USA program affects smoking cessation rates at 4 weeks postquit. More research is needed before conclusions can be made about long-term impact. Identifying profiles of users for whom the program may be particularly beneficial also will be important.
Center for Innovative Public Health Research, Santa Ana, CA 92672, USA. Michele@innovativepublichealth.org
Michele L
ML
Ybarra
Jodi Summers
JS
Holtrop
Tonya L
TL
Prescott
Mohammad H
MH
Rahbar
David
D
Strong
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D060145:Text Messaging; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult