Short-term effectiveness of the national German quitline for smoking cessation: results of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: The objective of the present study was to examine the short-term effectiveness of the national German quitline for smoking cessation.

Methods: A parallel-group, two-arm, superiority, randomized controlled trial with data collection at baseline and post-intervention (three months from baseline) was conducted. Individuals were randomized to either the intervention group, receiving up to six telephone counselling calls, or the control group, receiving an active control intervention (self-help brochure). The primary outcome was the seven-day point prevalence abstinence at post-assessment. Secondary outcomes included changes in smoking-related cognitions and coping strategies from pre- to post-assessment, the perceived effectiveness of intervention components, and the satisfaction with the intervention.

Results: A total of n = 905 adult daily smokers were assigned to either the intervention group (n = 477) or the control group (n = 428). Intention-to-treat analyses demonstrated that individuals allocated to the telephone counselling condition were more likely to achieve seven-day point prevalence abstinence at post-assessment compared to those allocated to the self-help brochure condition (41.1% vs. 23.1%; OR = 2.3, 95% CI [1.7, 3.1]). Participants who received the allocated intervention in both study groups displayed significant improvements in smoking-related cognitions and coping strategies with the intervention group showing greater enhancements than the control group. This pattern was also found regarding the perceived effectiveness of intervention components and the satisfaction with the intervention.

Conclusion: The present study provides first empirical evidence on the short-term effectiveness of the national German quitline for smoking cessation, highlighting its potential as an effective public health intervention to reduce the burden of disease associated with smoking.

Trial registration: This study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00025343). Date of registration: 2021/06/07.

Keywords: Helpline; Quitline; Randomized controlled trial; Smoking cessation; Telephone counselling; Tobacco smoking.