NCT04909320

Brief Summary

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of a combined intervention using brief cessation advice and personalized chat-based positive psychological support compared with the control group on current smokers who join the Quit to Win Contest.

Trial Health

43
At Risk

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Trial has exceeded expected completion date
Enrollment
1,094

participants targeted

Target at P75+ for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Jun 2021

Typical duration for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
unknown

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

May 26, 2021

Completed
6 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

June 1, 2021

Completed
11 days until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

June 12, 2021

Completed
1 year until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

June 30, 2022

Completed
1 year until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

June 30, 2023

Completed
Last Updated

August 17, 2022

Status Verified

August 1, 2022

Enrollment Period

1 year

First QC Date

May 26, 2021

Last Update Submit

August 14, 2022

Conditions

Keywords

smoking cessationpositive psychological supportmobile healthpeer supporter

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Biochemically validated abstinence

    Defined as exhaled CO level \<4ppm and saliva cotinine level ≤30 ng/ml Note 1. If participants refuse to have a face-to-face exhaled carbon monoxide test due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. In that case, the outcome will only be validated by a saliva cotinine test device. 2. If participants use NRT, the outcome will be validated by exhaled carbon monoxide only.

    6-month follow-up

Secondary Outcomes (31)

  • Biochemically validated abstinence

    3-month follow-up

  • Self-reported 7-day point prevalence quit rate

    3-month follow-up

  • Self-reported 7-day point prevalence quit rate

    6-month follow-up

  • Self-reported reduction

    3-month follow-up

  • Self-reported reduction

    6-month follow-up

  • +26 more secondary outcomes

Study Arms (2)

Intervention group

EXPERIMENTAL
Behavioral: AWARD adviceOther: Brief leaflet on health warning and smoking cessationOther: Referral cardOther: Self-help smoking cessation bookletBehavioral: Positive psychological support through 3-people group chat using instant messaging apps

Control group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR
Behavioral: AWARD adviceOther: Brief leaflet on health warning and smoking cessationOther: Referral cardOther: Self-help smoking cessation bookletBehavioral: E-messages via SMS

Interventions

AWARD adviceBEHAVIORAL

Ask about smoking history; Warn about the high risk; Advise to quit; Refer smokers to smoking cessation services (with a referral card); Do it again

Control groupIntervention group

The contents of the leaflet include (1) highlights of the absolute risk of death due to smoking; (2) the whole list of diseases caused by active and second-hand smoking; (3) ten horrible pictorial warnings of health consequences of smoking and second-hand smoking in one page to maximize the impacts; (4) benefits of SC and (5) simple messages to encourage participants to quit smoking and remind them to call the Department of Health SC hotline 183 3183.

Control groupIntervention group

The contents consist of brief information and highlights of existing SC services, contact methods, motivation information, and strong supporting messages or slogans.

Control groupIntervention group

The contents include information about the benefits of quitting, smoking and diseases, methods to quit, how to handle withdrawal symptoms, declaration of quitting, etc.

Control groupIntervention group

Each IM chat group will consist of a trained SC counselor (HKU staff), a peer supporter (former smoker), and a participant (smoker). The 3-month group chat-based intervention will consist of regular messages and real-time support through group chat. Regular messages will generally include goal setting, health warnings, abstinence support, positive psychological exercises, and encouragement and will be delivered in a tapering style. During the real-time chatting, SC counsellors and peer supporters will provide real-time chat-based support, and peer supporters will share their quitting experience as appropriate.

Intervention group

Regular e-messages via SMS at twice per month within 3 months (total 6).

Control group

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years+
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above
  • Smoke at least 1 tobacco stick (includes HTP) per day or use e-cigarette daily in the past 3-month
  • Able to communicate in Chinese
  • Saliva cotinine 30 ng/ml or above
  • Intent to quit/reduce smoking
  • Able to use the instant messaging tool (e.g., WhatsApp, WeChat) for communication

You may not qualify if:

  • Smokers who have communication barrier (either physically or cognitively)
  • Smokers who are currently participating in other SC programmes or services

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH)

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 852, China

RECRUITING

Related Publications (1)

  • Guo Z, Luk TT, Weng X, Wu Y, Zhao S, Lai YK, Cheung DYT, Tong HSC, Lai VWY, Lam TH, Wang MP. Behavioral Support by Ex-Smoking Peers Using Instant Messaging for Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Chest. 2026 Jan;169(1):300-311. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2025.07.4110. Epub 2025 Sep 10.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Smoking Cessation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Health BehaviorBehavior

Study Officials

  • Man Ping Wang, PhD

    The University of Hong Kong

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Man Ping Wang, PhD

CONTACT

Ziqiu Guo, MMed

CONTACT

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Who Masked
OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

May 26, 2021

First Posted

June 1, 2021

Study Start

June 12, 2021

Primary Completion

June 30, 2022

Study Completion

June 30, 2023

Last Updated

August 17, 2022

Record last verified: 2022-08

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations