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Mindfulness-based therapy for smoking cessation and mental health: a randomised controlled trial.

The Medical journal of Malaysia
May 1, 2023
S Hemanath et al. (10 authors)
Randomized Controlled TrialJournal ArticleHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of online mindfulness therapy (MT) versus traditional counseling therapy (CT) in aiding smoking cessation and improving mental health among an Asian population.

Results Summary

The MT group showed a statistically significant reduction in cigarette consumption and significant improvements in mental health metrics (AAQ-2, anxiety, stress, depression, and mindfulness) compared to the CT group.

Population

Asian smokers participating in a smoking cessation program.

Effective Dosage

Three sessions of online therapy (MT or CT), once every two weeks, plus one weekly phone call as reinforcement.

Duration

5 weeks

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (6)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
online mindfulness treatment (MT)
decrease
cigarette consumption
participants in the MT group
β: -3.50, 95% Wald CI: - 4.62, -2.39
experienced a statistically significant decrease
#1
online mindfulness treatment (MT)
increase
scores for the AAQ-2
participants in the MT group
-
demonstrated significant improvements
#2
online mindfulness treatment (MT)
increase
anxiety
participants in the MT group
-
demonstrated significant improvements
#3
online mindfulness treatment (MT)
increase
stress
participants in the MT group
-
demonstrated significant improvements
#4
online mindfulness treatment (MT)
increase
depression
participants in the MT group
-
demonstrated significant improvements
#5
online mindfulness treatment (MT)
increase
mindfulness
participants in the MT group
-
demonstrated significant improvements
#6
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Effective smoking cessation programmes are essential for assisting smokers in quitting, indirectly lowering mortality and morbidity associated with smoking. Numerous studies have indicated positive outcomes when using mindfulness treatment (MT) to treat psychological or behavioural health issues. Although to date, no study has looked at the effectiveness of online MT for quitting smoking while addressing mental health, particularly among the Asian population. Therefore, this study compares the efficiency of online MT to traditional counselling therapy (CT) in aiding smoking cessation programmes while also addressing mental health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomised control study with a two-group, single-blind design and baseline evaluation was selected. Social media sites were used to advertise for participants, who were then admitted after meeting the requirements. Participants who met the eligibility requirements were randomly split into two groups. Each group received a total of three sessions of online therapy (MT or CT), once every two weeks, as well as one phone call per week as reinforcement. At the beginning and end of the intervention, participants completed questionnaires (1st week and 5th week). Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) statistical analysis was used to analyse all the variables. RESULTS: The MT group experienced a statistically significant decrease in cigarette consumption (β: -3.50, 95% Wald CI: - 4.62, -2.39) compared to the CT group over time. Furthermore, the MT group demonstrated significant improvements in their scores for the AAQ-2, anxiety, stress, depression and mindfulness compared to the CT group. CONCLUSION: Online MT is more successful at assisting smokers in lowering their daily cigarette intake and supporting their mental health during the smoking cessation process. Further longitudinal comparisons of the effectiveness of online MT should be undertaken using online platforms in future studies.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansSmoking CessationMental HealthSingle-Blind MethodMindfulnessSmoking
Study Links
PubMed ID37271843
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality75/10
0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score2.19
Normalized Score0.69
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Mindfulness-based therapy for smoking cessation and mental h... | Panacea Index