Exploring the effects of a texting program in reducing tobacco consumption

Abstract

Texting-based tobacco cessation programs have shown the potential to be a legitimate type of intervention that can provide support to tobacco users seeking to reduce their tobacco consumption. This study used semi-structured interviews to follow up with participants who had enrolled in a text-based tobacco cessation program (N=12). Major themes that emerged included the positive rapport participants felt towards the automated program, the power of accessibility for a program based entirely on a mobile phone, and the value of positive feedback on quitting sent via texts. Overall, participants accepted a text-based tobacco cessation program as a viable intervention mode, and the majority of respondents (10 out of 12) reported a reduction in their tobacco consumption at the 2-month follow-up.