Self-help material for the prevention of smoking relapse: A randomised controlled trial (SHARPISH)
| Author(s)
Fujian Song, Annie Blyth and Vivenne Maskrey
| | Presenter(s) |
Professor Fujian Song Professor, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich | Abstract Background and methods: Most people who quit smoking successfully for a short-term will return to smoking again in 12 months. This randomised study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a set of 8 ‘Forever Free’ booklets versus a single leaflet, to prevent smoking relapse in 1407 four-week quitters from NHS stop smoking clinics.
Results: There was no significant difference in the primary outcome measure, the proportion of prolonged abstinence from month 4 to 12, between the groups (36.9% vs. 38.6%; OR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.15). In addition, there were no significant differences between the groups in other secondary smoking outcomes. Subgroup and regression analyses did not reveal direct or moderating effects of any baseline characteristics upon the efficacy of the intervention.
Conclusions: A set of 8 revised Forever Free booklets was no more effective than a single leaflet for the prevention of smoking relapse in quitters who used NHS Stop Smoking Services in the UK. Initially developed for, and validated on, self-quitters, the booklets appear not to provide additional benefit to smokers who already receive a high-quality intensive intervention, such as the NHS stop smoking service.
| Presenter biography I have background on public health medicine, health statistics, and health services research. I have been conducting systematic reviews and modelling for health technology assessment, and research synthesis related methods. My research interest also includes primary research on public health interventions, health services research, chronic conditions, smoking cessation and relapse prevention.
| Source of funding: NIHR HTA (Project 09/91/36)
| Declaration of interest: None
| | |
|
