Communicating the benefits of quitting smoking on mental health increases motivation to quit in people with anxiety and/or depression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although smoking rates have declined over time, this decline has not been observed among those with mental health concerns. It is therefore important to develop effective messaging to support quitting in this population.

Methods

We conducted an online experiment with 419 adults who smoke cigarettes daily. Participants with, or without a lifetime history of anxiety and/or depression were randomized to view a message focused on the benefits of quitting smoking on mental or physical health. Participants then reported motivation to quit smoking, mental health concerns about quitting, and perceived effectiveness of the message.

Results

Participants with a lifetime history of anxiety and/or depression who saw the message focused on the benefits of quitting smokin

SUBMITTER: Steinberg ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12442932 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature