AUTHOR=Sadasivam Rajani S. , Nagawa Catherine S. , Wijesundara Jessica G. , Flahive Julie , Nguyen Hoa L. , Larkin Celine , Faro Jamie M. , Balakrishnan Kavitha , Ha Duc Anh , Nguyen Cuong Kieu , Vuong Anh , Phan Phuong Thu , Pham Quyen Phi Li , Allison Jeroan J. , Houston Thomas Karr
TITLE=Peer Texting to Promote Quitline Use and Smoking Cessation Among Rural Participants in Vietnam: Randomized Clinical Trial
JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health
VOLUME=69
YEAR=2024
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2024.1606941
DOI=10.3389/ijph.2024.1606941
ISSN=1661-8564
ABSTRACT=Objectives: We tested an adapted version of an effective U.S.-based peer-texting intervention to promote Quitline use and smoking cessation among rural participants in Vietnam.
Methods: We conducted a two-arm randomized trial with participants recruited at four rural community centers. The intervention included peer messages sent for six months that promoted Quitline use and smoking cessation. Additionally, biweekly two-way text messages assessed participants’ interest in Quitline referral and current smoking status. Comparison participants received only the bi-weekly text message assessment of their current smoking status. At six months, we assessed Quitline use and smoking cessation. Smoking cessation was assessed using the 7-day point prevalence question and verified with a carbon monoxide breath monitor (<=6 ppm).
Results: Among 750 participants, the intervention had higher Quitline verified use (18%, 95% CI 0.14, 0.22) than comparison (1%, 95% CI .2, 2, p < 0.0001). Carbon-monoxide-verified smoking cessation did not differ between the two groups. However, intervention (28.3%, 95% CI) and comparison (28.1%, 95% CI) participants had substantial rates of carbon monoxide cessation at 6 months (both 28%).
Conclusion: Our study highlighted the promise of texting interventions to extend tobacco control efforts in Vietnam.