Brief Text Messaging (SMS)-Delivered Smoking Cessation Intervention for Apprentices in Vocational Schools: A Longitudinal Intervention Study for Process and Outcome Evaluation

Objective: The aim of this study is to test the acceptance and efficacy of an individualised text messaging (SMS)-based intervention to support smoking cessation in apprentices of vocational schools. Methods: The SMS program MyWay, which generated individualised text messages to support smoking cessation based on an online assessment and a weekly SMS assessment, was developed. The text messages were based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change and sent to the programme participants over a period of 3 months. The programme was tested in 62 school classes at 6 vocational schools in Bremen, Germany, where 1 086 apprentices participated in an online assessment addressing demographic and smoking related variables. Results: A total of 415 persons (38%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria daily cigarette smoking, ownership of a cell phone and regular use of text messaging. Of these, 210 persons (51%) participated in the programme. A 6-month follow-up telephone interview for the evaluation of the SMS programme and the assessment of smoking-related variables could be conducted in 125 (60%) of the 210 programme participants. Compared to the baseline assessment, the smoking prevalence (7-day-point prevalence abstinence, 11%) and the intention to stop smoking (p<0.01) were higher at the 6-month follow-up. Furthermore, cigarette craving was lower at 6-month follow-up among persons who still smoked at this point in time (p<0.01). Conclusions: In comparison to other smoking cessation services, this intervention approach allows us to reach a substantial part of smokers in vocational schools. The text messaging programme is promising for the support of smoking cessation in young adults.