Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of A Social Media-Based Peer-Group Mobile Messaging Smoking Cessation Intervention: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial among Chinese Immigrants who Smoke (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Chinese immigrants experience significant disparities in tobacco use and have limited access to evidence-based tobacco treatments. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a WeChat-based peer-group mobile messaging smoking cessation intervention among Chinese immigrants who smoke. METHODS We performed a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a single-arm pilot test with 60 participants recruited in 2022 in New York City. The first 40 participants were randomized 1:1 to either the intervention (6-week WeChat Quit Coach) or control arm (self-help print material). An additional 20 participants were enrolled in the single-arm pilot test to further assess intervention feasibility and acceptability. All 60 participants were offered a 4-week supply of complimentary nicotine replacement therapy. Surveys were administered at baseline and 6 weeks, with participants in the pilot RCT completing an additional survey at 6 months and biochemical verification of abstinence at both follow-ups. RESULTS Of 74 individuals screened, 68 (91.9%) were eligible and 60 (88.2%) enrolled (mean age 42.5 years, 82% male, 70% in pre-contemplation or contemplation stage). On average, participants responded to daily text questions for 25.1 days over the 42-day intervention period, and 23% (9/40) utilized the chat-based instant messaging support. Most participants were satisfied with the intervention (92%) and would recommend it to others (82%). At 6 months, biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence rates were 25% for intervention participants and 5% for control participants. CONCLUSIONS WeChat Quit Coach was feasible and well-received by Chinese immigrants who smoke, and produced promising effects on abstinence. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05130788