%0 Journal Article
%T Effectiveness of a self-determination theory-based smoking cessation intervention plus instant messaging via mobile application for smokers with cancer: Protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial.
%A Li WHC
%A Lam DCL
%A Sin KM
%A Wong ELY
%A Wong CKH
%A Loong HHF
%A Cheung KY
%A Xia W
%A Song P
%A Chung JOK
%J Addiction
%V 119
%N 8
%D 2024 Aug 6
%M 38708618
%F 7.256
%R 10.1111/add.16521
%X OBJECTIVE: Despite evidence that patients living with cancer who continue to smoke after diagnosis are at higher risk for all-cause mortality and reduced treatment efficacy, many cancer patients continue to smoke. This protocol is for a study to test the effectiveness of a self-determination theory-based intervention (quit immediately or progressively) plus instant messaging (WhatsApp or WeChat) to help smokers with cancer to quit smoking.
METHODS: This will be a multi-centre, two-arm (1:1), single-blind, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial.
METHODS: Taking part will be specialist outpatient clinics in five major hospitals in different location-based clusters in Hong Kong.
METHODS: The sample will include 1448 Chinese smokers living with cancer attending medical follow-ups at outpatient clinics.
METHODS: The intervention group will receive brief advice (approximately 5-8 minutes) from research nurses in the outpatient clinics and then be invited to choose their own quit schedules (immediate or progressive). During the first 6-month follow-up period they will receive instant messaging with smoking cessation advice once per week for the first 3 months, and thereafter approximately once per month. They will also receive four videos, and those opting to quit progressively will receive a smoking reduction leaflet. The control group will also receive brief advice but be advised to quit immediately, and instant messaging with general health advice during the first 6-month follow-up period using the same schedule as the intervention group. Participants in both groups will receive smoking cessation leaflets.
METHODS: The primary outcome is biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 6 months, as confirmed by saliva cotinine level and carbon monoxide level in expired air. Secondary outcomes include biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 12 months, self-reported 7-day point prevalence of smoking abstinence at 6 and 12 months, self-reported ≥ 50% reduction of cigarette consumption at 6 and 12 months and quality of life at 6 and 12 months. All time-points for outcomes measures are set after randomization.
CONCLUSIONS: The results could inform research, policymaking and health-care professionals regarding smoking cessation for patients living with cancer, and therefore have important implications for clinical practice and health enhancement.