Efficacy of Computer-Tailored Letters and Brief Advice for Smoking Cessation
Author Information
Author(s): Meyer Christian, Ulbricht Sabina, Baumeister Sebastian E, Schumann Anja, Rüge Jeannette, Bischof Gallus, Rumpf Hans-Jürgen, John Ulrich
Primary Institution: University of Greifswald, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine
Hypothesis
The study aims to test the efficacy of computer-generated tailored letters and practitioner-delivered brief advice for smoking cessation compared to an assessment-only condition.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated long-term efficacy of low-cost interventions for smoking cessation in general practice.
Supporting Evidence
- 6-month prolonged abstinence was 18.3% in the tailored letters group.
- 14.8% in the brief advice group.
- 10.5% in the assessment-only control group.
- Statistically significant effects of both interventions compared to assessment only were confirmed.
Takeaway
This study shows that sending personalized letters and giving brief advice from doctors can help people stop smoking.
Methodology
A quasi-randomized controlled trial comparing tailored letters and brief advice against an assessment-only condition in 34 general practices.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to quasi-randomization and loss to follow-up.
Limitations
The study had a high dropout rate and relied on self-reported smoking status, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 1499 patients aged 18-70 years, with a balanced gender distribution.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.047
Confidence Interval
1.0–1.9
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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