Smokers’ Perspectives on Texting for Tobacco Dependence Treatment: A Qualitative Analysis: Table 1.

Abstract

The major themes identified included the program being a valued source of external support that provided useful strategies to reduce tobacco use. Subjects were satisfied with the frequency, timing, and number of texts. Texting was perceived as feasible, acceptable, and helpful in smokers' attempts to abstain from tobacco. Suggestions to improve the program primarily concerned increasing customizable options and using simple, declarative sentences.

Text Messaging to Enhance Mindfulness-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment: Program Development Through Qualitative Research

“…Several themes fit well with findings from other qualitative studies of SMS text messaging for smoking cessation. For example, the personalization of SMS text messages was deemed to be important among young adult smokers [33], pregnant smokers [34], and a clinical sample of adult smokers recruited through an emergency department [35]. Quotations from the current sample echo those from smokers in other studies suggesting the importance of tailoring messages to individual schedules, preferences, and motivations [33,35].…”

“…For example, the personalization of SMS text messages was deemed to be important among young adult smokers [33], pregnant smokers [34], and a clinical sample of adult smokers recruited through an emergency department [35]. Quotations from the current sample echo those from smokers in other studies suggesting the importance of tailoring messages to individual schedules, preferences, and motivations [33,35]. Giving participants more choice in the content and timing of messages may enhance their sense of control [33] and reduce the likelihood that people become frustrated or inconvenienced by the texts.…”

“…Notably, although participants were aware that the SMS text messaging system was automated, many noted the social support and accountability that the texts offered, much like a “friend” or “coach.” This is a common theme across SMS text messaging programs, which have been described as “somebody holding your hand” [37] or as though “they were really on my side” [35]. Participants often attribute human characteristics to digital programs, noting a sense of accountability and feeling “shame,” “guilt,” or “a need to obtain ‘forgiveness’” after lapsing [36].…”

Tobacco dependence treatment in the emergency department: A randomized trial using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy

“…SmokeFreeTXT employs a number of behavior change strategies, including feedback and monitoring, social support, and shaping knowledge [31]. Based on the qualitative data we collected during our pilot study [16], we offer participants in the current trial a choice of how many messages they receive per day (up to 2 messages or up to 4 messages per day) and the time of day they receive the first message. We also added 18 messages for participants presenting to the ED with specific chief complaints (cardiac, respiratory, or wound care) during the index visit.…”

“…The components of our intervention were: a brief adaptation of motivational interviewing (MI), called the Brief Negotiation Interview [14], initiation of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the ED with provision of a 6-week supply of patches and gum, referral to the Connecticut State smokers’ telephone quitline (QL), provision of a smoking cessation brochure, and the provision of a booster phone call 3 days after enrollment [10]. Recent pilot studies conducted by our group showed the feasibility and potential efficacy of ED-initiated short-message-service (SMS) for tobacco dependence treatment [15,16]. …”