Motivational interviewing plus a digital game to prevent smoking relapse after childbirth

The Effect of Motivational Interviewing and Digital Game-Supported Counseling on Postpartum Relapse in Pregnant Women Who Quit Smoking: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Lokman Hekim University · NCT07271953

This will test whether two online motivational interviewing sessions plus a digital game can help women who quit smoking during pregnancy stay smoke-free after having their baby.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorLokman Hekim University Government
Locations1 site (Ankara, Ankara)
Trial IDNCT07271953 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial enrolls pregnant women who smoked before pregnancy but quit during the first trimester and randomizes them to an intervention or routine care. The intervention group receives one online motivational interviewing session during each of the third and fourth prenatal follow-ups with a digital game assignment after each session, while the control group receives routine antenatal counseling. The primary outcome is the rate of smoking relapse three months after delivery, with secondary outcomes including postpartum slips, craving, and motivation to remain abstinent. Participants must have internet access and a device capable of running the digital game and be able to attend follow-ups at the study site.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Pregnant women aged 18 or older in their second trimester who smoked at least one cigarette per day before pregnancy, quit during the first trimester, are native Turkish speakers, and have internet access and a device to run the digital game are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Women with diagnosed psychiatric disorders, high-risk pregnancies, those already using other pharmacologic or behavioral cessation methods, those without internet/device access, or those who resume smoking during pregnancy are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce postpartum smoking relapse and help more women remain abstinent after childbirth.

How similar studies have performed: Motivational interviewing and digital interventions have shown modest success separately in preventing smoking relapse, but combining MI with a game-based assignment for postpartum relapse is a relatively novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged ≥18 years
* Being in the second trimester of pregnancy
* Smoked at least one cigarette per day before pregnancy and quit smoking during the first trimester of pregnancy
* Have internet access
* Own a device capable of playing the digital game (e.g., smart phone, tablet, or computer)
* Native Turkish speakers

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having a diagnosis of any psychiatric disorder
* Currently using another pharmacological or behavioral smoking cessation method
* Having a high-risk pregnancy

Withdrawal Criteria:

* Experience pregnancy termination for any reason
* Do not participate in any stage of the counseling sessions
* Are diagnosed with postpartum depression during the postpartum period
* Resume smoking during pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Ankara

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Postpartum PeriodSmoking Relapse BehaviorMotivational InterviewingDigital GameAntenatal careSmoking relapse
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.