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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07737288

Effect of Teleconsultation Counseling on Smoking Cessation

This randomized controlled trial conducted at Dokuz Eylül University evaluated whether video teleconsultations are as effective as traditional face-to-face clinic visits for helping people quit smoking

* Over a 6-month period, the study found that while overall quit rates were statistically similar between the two groups, patients receiving teleconsultation support experienced significantly fewer cigarette cravings and fewer relapses * Teleconsultation also solved a common problem in smoking cessation: patients missing their follow-up appointments due to travel or time constraints

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Key information

Conditions

Tobacco Use Disorder Behavior Chemically-Induced Disorders Health Behavior Mental Disorders Nicotine Dependence Smoking Cessation Substance-Related Disorders Treatment Adherence and Compliance

Age range

18 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Dokuz Eylul University

Izmir, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Detailed Description Background & Purpose of the Study Smoking is a leading cause of preventable diseases and death worldwide

  • While many smokers want to quit, they often face barriers to attending regular follow-up appointments at clinics, such as transportation issues, travel costs, child care, and lack of time
  • This study was designed to see if teleconsultation (video calling) could remove these barriers and provide an effective alternative to in-person visits for smoking cessation counseling

Who Participated? The study included 65 volunteer adults, aged 18 to 55, who applied to a smoking cessation clinic

  • Participants were randomly divided into two groups: 32 people in the teleconsultation group and 33 people in the face-to-face (control) group

How the Study Worked Both groups received the standard of care recommended by the Ministry of Health . Initial Visit: Every participant had their first visit in person. They underwent a physical exam, had their health history taken, and received a prescription for nicotine replacement therapy (15 mg or 25 mg nicotine patches)

. Follow-Up Plan: After setting a "quit date," patients were followed up on day 10, and at months 1, 2, 3, and 6

. The Difference: The intervention group had all their follow-up counseling sessions via video teleconsultation, while the control group was asked to return to the clinic for face-to-face counseling

.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Applying to Dokuz Eylul University Department of Family Medicine Smoking Cessation Outpatient Clinic
  • Aged 18-55 years
  • Owning and being able to use a personal computer or smartphone
  • Being literate
  • Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Having communication difficulties or severe cognitive impairments
  • Having a psychotic disorder
  • Being pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Having received smoking cessation treatment within the past 1 year

Treatment and study plan

Tele-consultation Counseling

Behavioral

Video-based teleconsultation counseling sessions focusing on smoking cessation, craving management, relapse prevention, and treatment adherence.

Face-to-face counseling

Behavioral

Standard clinic-based face-to-face behavioral counseling sessions following the 5A framework and motivational interviewing.

Primary outcomes

  1. 7-Day Point Prevalence Smoking Abstinence Rate

    Time frame: 6 months

    The proportion of participants who reported self-reported smoking abstinence (7-day point prevalence abstinence) confirmed during follow-up visits/consultations.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cigarette Craving Score

    Time frame: Baseline, Day 10, Month 1, Month 2, Month 3, and Month 6

    Total score, strength subscale, and frequency subscale scores measured using the Turkish version of the Craving Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Total scores range from 0 to 200, with higher scores indicating higher intensity and frequency of craving.

  2. Medication Adherence

    Time frame: Day 10, Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3

    Assessment of medication adherence using the Turkish Modified Morisky Medication Adherence Scale

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dokuz Eylul University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Teleconsultation Counseling in Smoking Cessation Treatment on Smoking Cessation Success: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2021
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Jul 30, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 30, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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