Psoriasis is a stigmatized skin disease. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate an Instagram based stigma-reduction intervention targeting daily Instagram users aged 18 to 49 years without psoriasis. After stratification for baseline characteristics (t0), stigmatization of psoriasis was assessed using a questionnaire and a photo-rating task immediately before (t1) and after (t2) the intervention and two weeks post-intervention (t3). Data from 54 participants, recruited in a university setting and via Instagram, were analysed. For 10 min between t1 and t2, the intervention group (n = 26) and the control group (n = 28) scrolled through two different Instagram accounts. Psoriasis-sensitizing content was displayed to the intervention group while beauty-glorifying posts were shown to the control group. Results indicated significantly less Disease-related Misconceptions in the intervention group in comparison to the control group at t2 (U = 145.50, Z = –3.79, p < 0.001) and at t3 (U = 177.00, Z = –3.25, p = 0.003). Moreover, the intervention group showed a significant reduction over time in Stereotype Endorsement (F(2, 50) = 13.40, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.35) and Disease-related Misconceptions (χ2(2) = 12.64, p = 0.002). These findings suggest that addressing psoriasis on Instagram has the potential to effectively reduce the related stigmatization. Further studies are necessary to assess the impact of social media on stigmatization concerning psoriasis in more depth.

Background Despite the decline in cigarette smoking prevalence during nearly the past two decades, tobacco use is still widespread in the German adult population, accounting for 125,000 deaths each year and causing tremendous social costs. To accelerate the reduction in tobacco smoking prevalence, evidence-based smoking cessation methods are pivotal to a national tobacco control strategy. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the national German Smokers Quitline offering cessation support to smokers. Methods A total sample of 910 daily smokers, who are motivated to quit, will be recruited via an online access panel and randomly assigned to either the intervention (telephone counselling) or control condition. In the intervention group, participants will receive up to six proactive phone calls during an intervention period of approximately six weeks. The provided treatment will combine the principles of motivational interviewing and those of the cognitive behavioural approach to treating substance use. Participants in the control condition will receive a self-help brochure to support smoking cessation. Data collection will take place at baseline as well as three (post assessment) and twelve months (follow-up assessment) after baseline assessment. Primary outcome measures will include the seven-day point prevalence abstinence at 3-month and 12-month assessments as well as prolonged abstinence (abstinence over the 12 month period). Secondary outcome measures will include a change in smoking-related cognitions and coping strategies among all participants. Among non-abstainers, treatment success indicators such as a reduction in number of cigarettes smoked per day and changes in the number and duration of quit attempts after intervention start will be assessed. It is expected that after both three and twelve months, smoking cessation rates will be higher in the telephone counselling condition compared to the control condition. Discussion The results will provide insights into the effectiveness of proactive telephone counselling by the national German Smokers Quitline. Trial registration The protocol for this study is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00025343, Date of registration: 2021/06/07, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do