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Increasing Tobacco Use Cessation: Mobile Phone-Based Interventions

Mobile phone-based cessation interventions use interactive features to deliver evidence-based information, strategies, and behavioral support directly to tobacco users interested in quitting. Typically, participants receive text messages that support their quit attempt, and the message content changes over the course of the intervention.

Content may be developed or adapted for specific populations and communities. Messages may be tailored for individuals based on computer algorithms that match messages to information provided by the participant. Programs may be automated, and they may include text responses provided on demand to participants encountering urges to smoke.

Mobile phone-based interventions may be coordinated with additional interventions, such as Internet-based cessation services or provision of medications.

Summary of Task Force Recommendations & Findings

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends mobile phone-based interventions for tobacco cessation based on sufficient evidence of effectiveness in increasing tobacco use abstinence among people interested in quitting. Evidence was considered sufficient based on findings from six studies in which mobile phone-based interventions were implemented alone or in combination with Internet-based interventions.

Task Force Finding and Rationale Statement

The Task Force recommendation was made in December 2011. It is based on evidence from an earlier review (Whittaker et al. 2009) combined with studies identified through an updated search (search period December 2008-August 2011). This review was conducted on behalf of the Task Force by a team of specialists in systematic review methods, and in research, practice and policy related to tobacco use.

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Publications

The findings and results of this systematic review have not been published. Read other Community Guide publications about Tobacco Use in our library. You may also subscribe to be notified as new materials on this topic become available.

References

Whittaker R, Borland R, Bullen C, et al. Mobile phone-based interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 4, Art. No.: CD006611. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006611. pub2.



Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions on this page are those of the Community Preventive Services Task Force and do not necessarily represent those of CDC.

Sample Citation

The content of publications of the Guide to Community Preventive Services is in the public domain. Citation as to source, however, is appreciated. Sample citation: Guide to Community Preventive Services. Increasing tobacco use cessation: mobile phone-based interventions (abbreviated). http://www.thecommunityguide.org/tobacco/cessation/mobilephone.html. Last updated: MM/DD/YYYY.

Review completed: December 2011