​A randomized controlled trial evaluating efficacy of an intervention which enhances social support and positive affect through online social networking in smoking cessations

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This project is to evaluate efficacy of a novel 2-month online intervention in smoking cessation. Our hypothesis is the quit rate of intervention group > control group (6-months post-intervention). The intervention involves: i) basic self-help information via emails, ii) online peer group to enhance support toward smoking cessation and positive affect, iii) immediate preventive cue to action through WeChat to resist temptation. The control group will be given the same self-help materials information given to intervention group via WeChat. The primary outcome includes self-reported 7-day point prevalence quit rate of smokers at six months post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include: i) change in number of cigarettes consumed/day as compared to the baseline,ii) change in positive affect, iii) change in self-efficacy to refrain from smoking, and iv) change in perceived subjective norm toward smoking cessation, iv) social and family support, v) attitudes on smoking. Intent-to-treat analysis will be used. Absolute and relative risks, number-needed-to-treat with respect to the primary and secondary outcomes will be derived. Adjustment of potential confounders by modeling if needed. We expected results will be the intervention group is more efficacious in smoking cessation.

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Funded by the Health and Medical Research Fund

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