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Behavioral Medicine, Chronic Illness, and Integrated Primary Care

Behavioral Medicine: Integrated Primary Care, Cardiovascular Health, and Perinatal Depression

2 - (OP3) Efficacy of a Cbt-based Wechat Mini-program Smoking Cessation Intervention ('Quit for Heart') Tailored for CVD Patients in China: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study

Thursday, June 25, 2026
9:57 AM - 10:18 AM PDT
Location: Yerba Buena Salon 11, B3 Level
Keywords: CBT, Comorbidity, Smoking
Recommended Readings: This pilot study demonstrates the potential feasibility of a CBT-based digital intervention ("Quit for Heart") for smoking cessation among Chinese CVD patients, despite high attrition challenges. It identifies baseline anxiety and low motivation as key relapse predictors and suggests short-term cardiovascular benefits from cessation. The findings underscore the need for enhanced retention strategies and integrated psychological support in future scalable mHealth interventions for high-risk populations.,   ,   ,   ,  

    Author(s)

  • Yanhui Liao, M.D., Ph.D.

    Professor of Psychiatry
    Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine
    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (People's Republic)

    • Co-Author(s)

  • RC

    Rongrong Chen, M.D.

    Researcher
    Zhejiang University
    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (People's Republic)



Background: Smoking cessation is critical for Chinese patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or CVD risk factors, yet the efficacy of smartphone-delivered interventions for this group remains to be evaluated.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the 12-week smartphone-delivered CBT-based programme ("Quit for Heart") for smoking cessation among Chinese CVD patients.

Methods: A two-arm, parallel-group, individually randomised, double-blind, controlled pilot trial. 108 participants (from 214 randomised) with CVD/CVD risk factors in China were analysed for data integrity. Intervention group received CBT modules, personalized quit plans, and progress tracking; control group got automated reminders. Assessments (during intervention/follow-up) included primary outcome (biologically verified continuous smoking abstinence at week 26 after quit date) and secondary outcomes (seven-day point prevalence abstinence, self-reported continuous abstinence, physiological parameters [blood pressure, heart rate], predictive factors [baseline psychological metrics, disease profiles]). Assessments occurred during the intervention and follow-up.

Results: No significant group differences in abstinence (adjusted OR range: 0.56–1.04; p=0.14–0.87) but better trends for intervention. Survival analysis showed intervention group’s longer relapse-free duration trend (log-rank p=0.095). DBP moderately decreased with abstinence (Cohen’s d: -0.63 to -0.72 at weeks 2–4). Baseline anxiety (DASS; OR=35.18, p=0.045) and lower quit will (OR=0.003–0.145, p=0.08–0.086) predicted relapse. Anxiety correlated with SBP elevation (β=3.93, p< 0.05), depression with heart rate increases (β=4.27, p< 0.05). Obesity elevated BP (SBP β=9.83, DBP β=8.34; p< 0.01), hyperlipidemia lowered it (β=-3.61 to -5.10, p< 0.05). Attrition exceeded 80% by week 26.

Conclusions: "Quit for Heart" demonstrated potential feasibility for smoking cessation in this high-attrition pilot study. Baseline anxiety, disease profile and motivation levels predicted relapse. Future research requires enhanced retention strategies and objective outcome validation.

Learning Objectives:

  • Upon completion, participant will be able to evaluate the efficacy of the 12-week smartphone-delivered CBT-based programme ("Quit for Heart") for smoking cessation among Chinese CVD patients.