Program to help elderly smokers quit smoking
A Randomized 2 by 2 Factorial Trial on mHealth Support and Financial Incentives to Promote Smoking Cessation in Deprived Older Smokers
This study tests whether a program using mobile support and financial rewards can help low-income older smokers in Hong Kong quit smoking.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06234475 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This program assesses the effectiveness of mobile health support and financial incentives to aid smoking cessation among low-income older smokers in Hong Kong. It employs a 2x2 factorial design, offering either smartphone-based multimedia support, financial incentives for abstinence, or a combination of both over a 12-month period. The interventions aim to provide real-time personalized support and motivate participants to quit smoking through escalating financial rewards based on their success. The study seeks to fill the gap in effective cessation strategies for this vulnerable population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are smokers aged 60 and above, living in Hong Kong, with a household income below the median and who can communicate in Chinese.
Not a fit: Patients who are not physically or mentally fit for communication or those currently using smoking cessation services may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve smoking cessation rates among low-income elderly smokers, enhancing their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with mobile health interventions and financial incentives in promoting smoking cessation among various adult populations, suggesting potential effectiveness in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Smokers aged 60 years or above; 2. Currently smoking cigarettes or alternative tobacco products daily in the past 3 months with an exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) level ≥4ppm or salivary cotinine \>30 ng/ml; 3. Have a mobile phone that can receive short message/messaging Service (SMS) or instant messages (IM); 4. Having a household monthly income lower than the median income of domestic household in Hong Kong 6. Hong Kong residents able to communicate in Chinese. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Smokers not physically nor mentally fit for communication; 2. Smokers currently using SC services; 3. Hospitalized smokers; 4. Not having a mobile phone or perceived difficulty in using mobile phone or communication Apps
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
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.