WhatsApp embedded in routine service delivery for smoking cessation: effects on abstinence rates in a randomized controlled study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The demand for smoking cessation services has risen in Turkey, as smokers planning to quit reached 35% in 2012. Communication technologies are used globally to support quitters, yet their integration to health services is rare. This study aims to evaluate the effect of support messages through WhatsApp application added to the usual care of a university hospital cessation unit, as compared to usual care alone, on abstinence rates at first month.

Methods

A randomized controlled intervention study was conducted with 132 patients applying to Ege University Hospital's Department of Public Health Smoking Cessation Clinic, between March and July 2017. Intervention content was prepared and 60 WhatsApp messages about having a plan of action and preventing relapse were dev

SUBMITTER: Durmaz S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6454636 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature