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CDC COMMUNITY GUIDE: Increasing Tobacco Use Cessation: Mobile Phone-Based Interventions

CDC

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

Mobile phone-based cessation interventions use interactive features to deliver evidence-based information, strategies, and behavioral support directly to tobacco users interested in quitting. Typically, participants receive text messages that support their quit attempt, and the message content changes over the course of the intervention.

Content may be developed or adapted for specific populations and communities. Messages may be tailored for individuals based on computer algorithms that match messages to information provided by the participant. Programs may be automated, and they may include text responses provided on demand to participants encountering urges to smoke.

Mobile phone-based interventions may be coordinated with additional interventions, such as Internet-based cessation services or provision of medications.

Results / Accomplishments

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends mobile phone-based interventions for tobacco cessation based on sufficient evidence of effectiveness in increasing tobacco use abstinence among people interested in quitting. Evidence was considered sufficient based on findings from six studies in which mobile phone-based interventions were implemented alone or in combination with Internet-based interventions.

Mobile phone interventions used alone increased cessation rates by a median of 2.9 percentage points at six months (3 studies).
Mobile phone interventions used in combination with internet-based components increased cessation rates by a median of 9 percentage points at six months (3 studies).

About this Promising Practice

Primary Contact
The Community Guide
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS E69
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 498-1827
communityguide@cdc.gov
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/
Topics
Health / Alcohol & Drug Use
Source
Community Guide Branch Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Teens, Adults