Smoking Cessation Mobile Interventions in Latin America: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review published articles reporting the use of smoking cessation mobile health (mHealth) interventions in Latin America. Methods: Five different databases were searched from database inception to 2020. Criteria: (1) the research was a smoking cessation randomized controlled trial (RCT), quasi-experimental research, or single-arm study; (2) the intervention used at least one type of mHealth intervention; (3) the research was conducted in Latin American; and (4) the research reported the cessation rate. Results: Of the seven selected studies, four were conducted in Brazil, two in Mexico, and one in Peru. Only one study was an adequately powered RCT. Interventions relied on text messages ( n = 3), web-based tools ( n = 2), and telephone calls ( n = 3). Some studies ( n = 4) provided pharmacotherapy support. Smoking cessation outcomes included self-reported ( n = 5) and biochemically verified ( n = 2) abstinence. Follow-ups were conducted at Month 6 ( n = 2), Week 12 ( n = 4), and Day 30 ( n = 1). Cessation rates varied from 9.4% at Week 12 to 55.5% at Day 30. Conclusion: Despite the promising cessation rates of mHealth interventions in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru, there is a need to rigorously evaluate these interventions in different Latin American countries with RCTs that are long-term, adequately powered, and use biochemical verification of cessation.

Smoking Cessation Support via Video Counseling (e-Cessation): A Promising Field for Telemedicine Implementation

“…A meta-analysis of studies published in Latin America on quitting cigarette smoking through mobile health interventions has underscored the need for further randomized controlled studies, despite the promising results. 18 In the recent study, data for the control group were retrospectively obtained from the records of individuals who applied in-person for smoking cessation support to the same outpatient clinic during the prepandemic period. Synchronized randomization into the control and telemedicine groups was not feasible due to the necessity of implementing telemedicine as video counseling during the pandemic, when the traditional method had to be interrupted, as was the case in similar facilities.…”

“…The need for additional support through long-term studies has been emphasized. 18 In a randomized controlled study that assessed the impact of incorporating telemedicine into mobile interventions supporting psychopharmacological treatments, telemedicine demonstrated a greater contribution to achieving a 1-year cessation rate compared to psychopharmacological treatment alone. 23 Tobacco addiction treatment was administered using either Varenicline or NRT, depending on the available treatments, both the traditional in-person and telemedicine methods.…”