Measuring the potential for text messaging in cessation: An analysis of self-reported quit data among smokefreetxt users

Background: Currently, 45.3 million adults in the U.S. smoke. While almost 70 percent of smokers want to quit, many of them try but fail. Nationally, the annual quit rate among adult smokers is approximately 6 percent. Unless meaningful efforts are made to help smokers quit, many will remain lifelong smokers. In an attempt to scale up traditional smoking cessation interventions, the National Cancer Institute launched SmokefreeTXT, the first federally recognized, evidence-informed text messaging cessation program available to U.S. smokers. SmokefreeTXT leverages the high usage rates of text messaging across various populations to reach quitters who may benefit from immediate connections and frequent encouragement. Methods and Results: SmokefreeTXT users receive cessation messaging for six to eight weeks, and are routinely evaluated throughout the program. The presentation will focus on three key self-reported metrics at weekly intervals throughout treatment: 1) abstinence, 2) mood status, and 3) craving level. Additionally, self-reported quit rates at the end of treatment, and at 1-, 3- and 6-months post treatment will be highlighted. Both quantitative and qualitative data analyzed from user profiles will be discussed to describe the program's reach and efficacy. The analysis of cessation outcomes will be intent-to-treat and based on data between May 2012 and May 2013.Conclusions & Implications: Mobile technologies offer great potential to impact health awareness and behavior change for large, diverse audiences. Preliminary analyses of quit rates and user feedback among SmokefreeTXT participants suggests that the text messaging program is effective in promoting successful cessation through a rich mobile experience.