Online DBT-informed skills program to help adult smokers quit and manage distress
Effect of an Internet-based Dialectical Behaviour Therapy-informed Skills Training for Promoting Smoking Cessation and Improving Psychological Distress of Smokers: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
This program will try an online DBT-informed skills course to help adult smokers quit or cut down and feel less psychological distress.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tai Po, New Territories and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06575673 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot interventional project delivers dialectical behaviour therapy–informed skills training via the internet, with monthly health education as a comparator/support. It enrolls Hong Kong Chinese adults aged 18–64 who smoke daily, report psychological distress on the DASS-21, intend to stop smoking, and have internet access. Outcomes include feasibility and acceptability measures, preliminary effects on smoking abstinence or reduction and on psychological distress and emotional regulation, plus qualitative interviews about participants' experiences. The design emphasizes remote delivery to increase accessibility while recruiting through Hospital Authority sites in Tai Po and Hong Kong.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Hong Kong Chinese adults aged 18–64 who smoke at least one cigarette daily, have elevated distress on the DASS-21, want to quit, and can use internet-capable devices.
Not a fit: People with psychotic disorders, significant cognitive or communication impairments, those already in other smoking cessation programs, or those without internet access are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could provide an accessible online option to help smokers with emotional distress quit or reduce smoking and improve emotional regulation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous DBT-informed and internet-based smoking interventions have shown promise for people with emotional dysregulation, but fully online DBT skills training specifically for smoking cessation is relatively novel and less studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Hong Kong Chinese aged 18-64 years * Had smoked at least one cigarette per day over the previous three months * Indicate psychological distress as measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 * Have an intention to stop smoking * Have an electronic device and are willing to receive interventions via the internet Exclusion Criteria: * Experiencing psychotic disorders/cognitive impairment/communication problems * Participating in other smoking cessation programs or related psychosocial interventions
Where this trial is running
Tai Po, New Territories and 1 other locations
- Hospital Authority — Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- Hospital Authority — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Long Kwan Ho, PhD
- Email: longkwanho@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 39430664
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.