Randomized Controlled Trial of a Text-Based Smokeless Tobacco Cessation Intervention for Rural and Medically Underserved Communities

Abstract

Introduction: Smokeless tobacco use remains prevalent in rural and medically underserved populations, leading to increased rates of tobacco-related cancers and chronic disease. While access to effective cessation programs is limited, text-based interventions may offer a delivery approach with broad reach. This two-armed randomized control trial (RCT) assessed the efficacy of #EnufSnuff.TXT, a text-based smokeless tobacco cessation intervention, in rural and medically underserved communities.

Aims and methods: We conducted a two-arm RCT assessing #EnufSnuff.TXT, a text-based scheduled reduction intervention paired with text-based cessation support messages compared with the modified Enough Snuff intervention comprised of a cessation education booklet and bi-weekly motivational text messages. We recruited participants via social media and surveyed participants at 3 and 6 months post-randomization. The primary outcome was self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 6 months.

Results: We recruited and randomized 532 participants. At 3 months post-randomization, the quit rate was significantly higher in #EnufSnuff.TXT arm compared to the Enough Snuff arm for intent-to-treat (ITT) cases (29.2% vs. 19.0%, odd ratios [OR] = 1.75, p = .0066). The quit rate at 6 months post-randomization remained higher in #EnufSNuff.TXT compared to Enough Snuff for ITT cases (23.1% vs. 20.9%, OR = 1.14, p = .5384), although no longer significantly different.

Conclusions: This is the first large-scale text-based cessation clinical trial for individuals in underserved areas who use smokeless tobacco. The #EnufSnuff.TXT intervention performed better in the short term; however, both interventions yielded similar quit rates at 6 months post-randomization. Future research should focus on improving long-term abstinence in the #EnufSNuff.TXT intervention.

Implications: Text-based cessation approaches have the potential to increase access to cessation interventions in rural and medically underserved areas and reduce tobacco-related chronic disease morbidity and mortality. Our study shows short-term efficacy from the first-ever randomized controlled trial of a smokeless tobacco cessation intervention, #EnufSnuff.TXT, for rural and medically underserved residents in the United States. Our #EnufSnuff.TXT Intervention offers a scalable solution to reach and provide much-needed access to cessation interventions in medically underserved, rural communities in the United States. This work provides the foundation for further inquiry on augmented text-based approaches to increase cessation in this at-risk group.

Clinical trials registration: A text-based Reduction Intervention for Smokeless Tobacco Cessation, NCT04315506.