Effectiveness of video- versus text-based computer-tailored smoking cessation interventions among smokers after one year

Background. In western countries, smoking prevalence rates are high among smokers unmotivated to quit and those with a lower socioeconomic status (LSES). Multiple computer tailoring and the use of audio-visual aids may improve such interventions and increase cessation in LSES smokers. This study assessed the 12-month effectiveness of a video- and text-based computer-tailored intervention.

Methods. A randomized controlled trial in the Netherlands was used in which smokers were allocated to the video- based condition (VC) (N = 670), the text-based condition (TC) (N = 708) or the control condition (CC) (brief generic text advice) (N = 721). After 12-months, self-reported prolonged abstinence was assessed and biochemically verified in respondents indicating to have quit smoking. Three analysis strategies were used to assess the effects: (1) multiple imputation (MI); (2) intention-to-treat (ITT); (3) complete case analysis (CC).

Results. VC was more effective in prolonged abstinence compared to CC (odds ratio (OR) = 1.90, p = .005) and the text-based condition (OR = 1.71, p = .01). VC was furthermore more effective than TC. No differences were found for SES and motivational levels. Results were similar when using ITT and CC. For our secondary outcome seven-day point prevalence abstinence; however, neither VC (OR = 1.17, p = .34) or TC (OR = 0.91, p = .52) outperformed the CC.

Conclusion. The video- based computer-tailored intervention was effective in obtaining substantial long-term abstinence compared to the text-based version and a brief generic text advice.