The Usability of an Online Tool to Promote the Use of Evidence-Based Smoking Cessation Interventions

D.N. Zijlstra*, C.A.W. Bolman, J.W.M. Muris, H. de Vries

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

To increase usage of evidence-based smoking cessation interventions (EBSCIs) among smokers, an online decision aid (DA) was developed. The aims of this study were (1) to conduct a usability evaluation; (2) to conduct a program evaluation and evaluate decisional conflict after using the DA and (3) to determine the possible change in the intention to use EBSCIs before and directly after reviewing the DA. A cross-sectional study was carried out in September 2020 by recruiting smokers via the Internet (n = 497). Chi-squared tests and t-tests were conducted to test the differences between smokers who differed in the perceived usability of the DA on the program evaluation and in decisional conflict. The possible changes in intention to use EBSCIs during a cessation attempt before and after reviewing the DA were tested using t-tests, McNemar's test and chi(2) analysis. The participants evaluated the usability of the DA as moderate (MU; n = 393, 79.1%) or good (GU; n = 104, 20.9%). GU smokers rated higher on all the elements of the program evaluation and experienced less decisional conflict, but also displayed a higher intention to quit. After reviewing the DA, the participants on average had a significantly higher intention to use more EBSCIs, in particular in the form of eHealth. Recommendations to make the DA more usable could include tailoring, using video-based information and including value clarification methods. Furthermore, a hybrid variant in which smokers can use the DA independently and with the guidance of a primary care professional could aid both groups in choosing a fitting EBSCI option.</p>
Original languageEnglish
Article number10836
Number of pages15
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume18
Issue number20
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2021

Keywords

  • smoking cessation
  • evidence-based interventions
  • decision aid
  • usability
  • decision-making
  • RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL
  • PRIMARY-CARE
  • GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS
  • TOBACCO-CESSATION
  • TAILORED FEEDBACK
  • EFFICACY
  • SMOKERS
  • DEPENDENCE
  • GUIDELINE
  • EDUCATION

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