Mobile Phone Program to Help Young People Quit Smoking
Author Information
Author(s): Robyn Whittaker, Ralph Maddison, Hayden McRobbie, Chris Bullen, Simon Denny, Enid Dorey, Mary Ellis-Pegler, Jaco van Rooyen, Anthony Rodgers
Primary Institution: University of Auckland
Hypothesis
A multimedia mobile phone smoking cessation program would increase abstinence rates in young smokers who want to quit compared to a control intervention.
Conclusion
A multimedia mobile phone smoking cessation program is technically feasible and acceptable to young people.
Supporting Evidence
- Approximately 180 young people participated in the consultation phase.
- Nine participants (60%) stopped smoking during the program.
- 12 participants liked the program or liked it most of the time.
- Participants expressed a high interest in music and interaction with others.
Takeaway
This study created a program that sends videos and messages to help young people stop smoking using their mobile phones.
Methodology
The study involved content development through focus groups, pre-testing videos, and a pilot study with young smokers receiving multimedia messages.
Limitations
Technical issues with prepaid phones and small sample size may limit the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Participants were young adults aged 16 years and over, with a mix of ethnicities including Maori, Pacific Islanders, and New Zealand Europeans.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website