Dr Kamran Siddiqi Clinical Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology and Public Health, University of York
Abstract
Waterpipe smoking is addictive and harmful. With little empirical evidence on behavioural approaches to support waterpipe smoking cessation, we conducted a consensus development exercise using modified Delphi technique to identify behavioural change techniques (BCTs) that are likely to effective in quitting waterpipe smoking.
Twenty-four experts were selected from the author lists of randomised controlled trials on waterpipe smoking cessation. Experts ranked 55 BCTs categorised further into those that promote; “awareness of harms of waterpipe smoking and advantages of quitting”, “preparation and planning to quit” and “relapse prevention and sustaining an ex-smoker identity” on their potential effectiveness. Kendall’s W statistics was used.
Fourteen experts completed two rounds. A strong consensus was achieved for BCTs that help in “relapse prevention and sustaining ex-smoker identity” (w=0.7; p<0.001) and a moderate for those that promote “awareness of harms of WP smoking and advantages of quitting” (w=0.6; p<0.001) and “preparation and planning to quit” (w=0.6; p<0.001). Providing information on the consequences of waterpipe smoking and its cessation, assessing readiness and ability to quit, and making people aware of the withdrawal symptoms, were the three highest-ranking BCTs.
An inventory of BCTs is now available to be used by health professionals offering cessation support to waterpipe smokers.
Source of funding: Pfizer (GRAND 2014)
Declaration of interest: None other than the declared funding below.
