Enhancing nicotine replacement therapy usage and adherence through a mobile intervention: Secondary data analysis of a single-arm feasibility study in Mexico

INTRODUCTION Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is an effective treatment for smoking cessation. However, medication usage and adherence remain a challenge that contributes to low smoking cessation rates. In Mexico, 8 in 10 smokers are interested in quitting. However, only 6% of Mexican smokers use medication for smoking cessation. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention to increase usage and adherence of NRT in Mexico. METHODS The study involves a secondary data analysis. Forty smokers were recruited to participate in a single-arm pilot study. Participants received an mHealth intervention that uses tablet-based decision support software to drive a 12- week text messaging smoking cessation program and pharmacotherapy support. The intervention allows two-way interactivity text messaging between participants and a tobacco treatment specialist. NRT was offered to participants in accordance with practice guidelines in Mexico. Outcome measures included utilization of NRT, text messaging interactivity with the program, and biochemically verified abstinence at 12 weeks. RESULTS Thirty smokers met the criteria for use of NRT. Average age of participants was 38.1 years (SD=10.7), and they were primarily male (56.7%) with at least an undergraduate degree (60%). All participants requested NRT at baseline, and 60% requested a refill at week 4. During the 12-week intervention period, participants sent 620 messages to the program (mean=20.6, SD=18.34) of which 79 messages (12.7%) were related to NRT. Three themes were identified in the messages related to NRT: enthusiasm, instructions, and side effects. At 12 weeks, 40% of participants reported using NRT <75% of the days. Finally, 30% of participants (9/30) were biochemically verified abstinent using intention-to-treat analysis at 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS An mHealth intervention appears to offer a promising strategy to increase usage and adherence of NRT in Mexico. Additional testing as a formal randomized clinical trial appears warranted.