Individually Tailored and Integrated Social Support Network for Tobacco Cessation

This study builds on pilot work in which Live Inspired LLC and research partners developed T2Q (formerly "Text-2-Quit") a smoking cessation intervention delivered through text messaging. T2Q is a unique program with a number of features that provide superior support and service compared to existing text message quit smoking products. T2Q is 100% accessible through text messaging provides medication support for quitting smoking, an integrated social support network and live counseling. This phase II project will add functionality to accommodate use of multiple forms of quit smoking medications, and then conduct a rigorous test of the efficacy of T2Q among 280 adult smokers and examine smoking outcomes compared to controls at 3 and 6 months follow up. The study will also examine changes in smoking-related attitudes and behaviors among T2Q users to identify strengths and any potential weaknesses that may affect T2Q's impact on smoking outcomes. Analyses will examine the quality of social interactions within the T2Q integrated social support network and their role in promoting smoking abstinence. We will also conduct interviews with study participants in the T2Q arm to enable understanding of the user's experience with T2Q. Results of this trial will demonstrate the efficacy of T2Q - providing important credibility needed for successful commercialization. This research will also provide important data for possible enhancements to improve consumer appeal prior to commercialization.

This proposal finalizes development and testing of a unique, highly scalable intervention that can reach a U.S. market comprised of over 34 million adult smokers who use text messaging, and provide them with effective, evidence-based treatment. Text messaging enjoys near-market saturation and is a widely preferred method of communication with deep penetration across diverse groups. Wide availability of an attractive and effective smoking cessation program such as T2Q, may exert a powerful, sustained impact on public health

Inclusion criteria

• age >18
• current daily cigarette smoker
• use of text messaging at least once per week
• interested in quitting smoking within the next 30 days
• has access to a physician or healthcare provider
• no current drug/alcohol abuse.

Exclusion criteria

• Non-English Speaking
• Currently using quit-smoking medications or therapies