CN12 - Efficacy of digital health intervention in smoking cessation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Smoking cessation is one of the most critical public health issues worldwide. As digital technology advances, digital health interventions have become an important tool for smoking cessation management. Despite this, high-level evidence-based evaluations of the efficacy of various digital interventions are lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a network meta-analysis and systematic review to assess the efficacy of digital interventions for smoking cessation.

Methods

Our study adhered to the PRISMA-NMA guidelines. Point and continued quit rates were analyzed using Bayesian network meta-analysis, with results reported with forest plots. Study bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results were subjected to sensitivity analysis and publication bias testing. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE method.

Results

This network meta-analysis included 153 studies with 126,379 participants, providing moderate to high-quality evidence that digital interventions are effective for smoking cessation. Interactive SMS emerged as one of the most effective methods, with a relative risk (RR) of 2.43 (1.54, 3.83), translating to approximately 362 successful quitters per 1000 person-years. Additionally, customized websites, apps, digital multimedia, and group customization, as well as traditional SMS and phone interventions, demonstrated RRs greater than 1.5, indicating they could result in over 224 successful quits per 1000 person-years. Enhanced care also showed benefits, although email interventions had very low evidence and were not effective. Subgroup analyses underscored the necessity of biochemical verification in cessation and revealed minimal impact of gender and age on digital cessation effectiveness.

Conclusions

The study shows that interactive SMS is the most effective digital intervention for smoking cessation. Customized interventions based on individual and group characteristics show great potential and biochemical verification is crucial to improve quit rates. The results of this study provide strong guidance for clinical practice and support the integration of these effective digital interventions into smoking cessation strategies.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.