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Developing a text messaging-based smoking cessation intervention for young smokers experiencing homelessness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2019

Joan S. Tucker*
Affiliation:
RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA90401, USA
Sebastian Linnemayr
Affiliation:
RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA90401, USA
Eric R. Pedersen
Affiliation:
RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA90401, USA
William G. Shadel
Affiliation:
RAND Corporation, 4750 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA15213, USA
Rushil Zutshi
Affiliation:
RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA90401, USA
Alexandra Mendoza-Graf
Affiliation:
RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA90401, USA
*
Author for correspondence: Joan S. Tucker, E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Introduction

Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent among young people experiencing homelessness, and many of these smokers are motivated to quit. However, there is a lack of readily available cessation services for this population, which is highly mobile and can be challenging to engage in services.

Aims

We describe the development of a smoking cessation text messaging intervention (TMI) for homeless youth who are interested in quitting smoking.

Methods

Participants were 18–25 years old and recruited from drop-in centers serving homeless youth. Three focus groups (N = 18) were conducted with smokers to refine the TMI content, and a separate sample of smokers (N = 8) provided feedback on the TMI after using it for 1 week. Survey data assessed the TMI's acceptability and feasibility.

Results

Participants generally rated the TMI as helpful and relevant, and nearly all had cell phone plans that included unlimited texting and were able to view TMI content with few difficulties. Qualitative feedback on strengths/limitations of the TMI in terms of content, tone, and delivery parameters was used to finalize the TMI for a future evaluation.

Conclusions

Results suggest that a TMI is a feasible and acceptable option for young people experiencing homelessness who are interested in quitting smoking.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © RAND Corporation 2019. Published by Cambridge University Press

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