Effectiveness of a web-based self-help smoking cessation intervention: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for many chronic and fatal illnesses. Stopping smoking directly reduces those risks. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a web-based interactive self-help programme fo...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Book |
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BMC,
2009-01-01T00:00:00Z.
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| Online Access: | Connect to this object online. |
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| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for many chronic and fatal illnesses. Stopping smoking directly reduces those risks. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a web-based interactive self-help programme for smoking cessation, known as the StopSite, by comparing it to an online self-help guide. Both interventions were based on cognitive-behavioural and self-control principles, but the former provided exercises, feedback and interactive features such as one-to-one chatrooms and a user forum, which facilitated mutual support and experience sharing.</p> <p>Methods and design</p> <p>We conducted a randomised controlled trial to compare the interactive intervention with the self-help guide. The primary outcome measure was prolonged abstinence from smoking. Secondary outcomes were point-prevalence abstinence, number of cigarettes smoked, and incidence of quit attempts reported at follow-up assessments. Follow-up assessments took place three and six months after a one-month grace period for starting the intervention after baseline. Analyses were based on intention-to-treat principles using a conservative imputation method for missing data, whereby non-responders were classified as smokers.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The trial should add to the body of knowledge on the effectiveness of web-based self-help smoking cessation interventions. Effective web-based programmes can potentially help large numbers of smokers to quit, thus having a major public health impact.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ISRCTN74423766</p> |
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| Item Description: | 10.1186/1471-2458-9-32 1471-2458 |