Mindfulness training for smokers via web-based video instruction with phone support: a prospective observational study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a web-based mindfulness training program combined with phone support for smoking cessation in low socioeconomic status smokers.
Results Summary
The study found 23.1% and 15.4% smoking abstinence rates at 4 and 6 months post-quit, respectively, along with increased mindfulness and reduced anxiety. The intervention showed reasonable engagement but modest long-term efficacy.
Population
Low socioeconomic status smokers (mean age 40.5, smoking 16.31 cigarettes/day for 21.88 years).
Effective Dosage
Eight weekly video classes (mean completion 5.55 classes), eight weekly phone calls (mean completion 3.19 calls), and 12.17 minutes/day meditation practice.
Duration
8 weeks (with follow-up at 4 and 6 months).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mindfulness Training for Smokers provided via web-based video instruction with telephone-based counseling support | increase | participant engagement on intervention practices | low socioeconomic status smokers | reasonable | yield reasonable participant engagement on intervention practices | #1 |
Mindfulness Training for Smokers provided via web-based video instruction with telephone-based counseling support | increase | smoking abstinence | low socioeconomic status smokers | 23.1% | 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at 4-months post-quit | #2 |
Mindfulness Training for Smokers provided via web-based video instruction with telephone-based counseling support | increase | smoking abstinence | low socioeconomic status smokers | 15.4% | 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at 6-months post-quit | #3 |
Mindfulness Training for Smokers provided via web-based video instruction with telephone-based counseling support | increase | mindfulness as measured by the Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire | low socioeconomic status smokers | significant | significant pre- to post-intervention increase | #4 |
Mindfulness Training for Smokers provided via web-based video instruction with telephone-based counseling support | decrease | Anxiety Sub-scale of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale | low socioeconomic status smokers | significant | significant pre- to post-intervention decrease | #5 |
BACKGROUND: Many smokers are unable to access effective behavioral smoking cessation therapies due to location, financial limitations, schedule, transportation issues or other reasons. We report results from a prospective observational study in which a promising novel behavioral intervention, Mindfulness Training for Smokers was provided via web-based video instruction with telephone-based counseling support. METHODS: Data were collected on 26 low socioeconomic status smokers. Participants were asked to watch eight video-based classes describing mindfulness skills and how to use these skills to overcome various core challenges in tobacco dependence. Participants received eight weekly phone calls from a smoking cessation coach who provided general support and answered questions about the videos. On the quit day, participants received two weeks of nicotine patches. RESULTS: Participants were a mean of 40.5 years of age, smoked 16.31 cigarettes per day for 21.88 years, with a mean of 6.81 prior failed quit attempts. Participants completed a mean of 5.55 of 8 online video classes with a mean of 23.33 minutes per login, completed a mean of 3.19 of 8 phone coach calls, and reported a mean meditation practice time of 12.17 minutes per day. Smoking abstinence was defined as self-reported abstinence on a smoking calendar with biochemical confirmation via carbon monoxide breath-test under 7 parts per million. Intent-to-treat analysis demonstrated 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at 4 and 6-months post-quit of 23.1% and 15.4% respectively. Participants showed a significant pre- to post-intervention increase in mindfulness as measured by the Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire, and a significant pre- to post-intervention decrease in the Anxiety Sub-scale of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that Mindfulness Training for Smokers can be provided via web-based video instruction with phone support and yield reasonable participant engagement on intervention practices and that intervention efficacy and mechanism of effect deserve further study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02164656 , Registration Date June 13, 2014.