Optimizing health promotion strategies for quitting smoking

Optimizing Health Promotion Strategy to Increase Quitting Preparation in Cigarette Smokers: A Pragmatic Randomized Factorial Screening Experiment

Not applicable Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT06077058

This study is testing different ways to help smokers who aren't ready to quit yet, using things like nicotine patches, exercise tips, and chat support, to see which methods might encourage them to start thinking about quitting.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06077058 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to enhance smoking cessation efforts by optimizing a package of interventions for smokers who are not planning to quit. It employs a factorial design to evaluate the effects of four components: nicotine replacement therapy sampling, simple exercise education, chat-based instant messaging, and a chatbot for smoking cessation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of 16 groups to assess the main effects and potential interactions between these interventions. The study seeks to identify the most effective combinations to motivate smokers to prepare for and attempt quitting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Hong Kong residents aged 18 and older who use tobacco products daily and have no immediate plans to quit.

Not a fit: Patients who are currently using smoking cessation services or medications, or those with severe psychiatric conditions, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly increase the rates of smoking cessation among individuals who currently have no intention to quit.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using combined interventions for smoking cessation, but this specific factorial approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being a Hong Kong resident aged ≥18 years;
* Using any tobacco products every day;
* Having WhatsApp installed on their cell phone;
* No injuries in hands and arms;
* No medical contraindications to NRT (no severe angina, serious cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension); and
* No plan to quit in the next 30 days.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cannot communicate in Cantonese or read Chinese;
* Currently using smoking cessation services and medication;
* Self-reported psychosis, bipolar disorder, or on psychiatric medication; and
* Pregnant smokers.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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 Smoking CessationSmoking BehaviorsSmoking
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.