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Open Paper

Artificial Intelligence and Technology-based Interventions

Behavioral, Digital, and Neurobiological Approaches to Treating Substance Use

1 - (OP2) Effectiveness of Digital Delivery Channels for Cbt-based Smoking Cessation Interventions: A Pooled Analysis of Three Randomized Clinical Trials

Thursday, June 25, 2026

9:36 AM - 9:57 AM PDT

Location: Yerba Buena Salon 10, B3 Level

Keywords: CBT, Smoking, Clinical Trial
Recommended Readings: This study is the first pooled analysis of individual patient data from three randomized clinical trials in China, directly comparing the effectiveness of CBT-based interventions delivered via SMS, WeChat, and a smoking cessation app. It shows that: All digital channels significantly improved smoking cessation rates compared to control; WeChat was the most effective channel (11.94% verified abstinence), outperforming both APP and SMS; WeChat interventions were especially effective among males, older adults, those with higher education, lower nicotine dependence, or prior quit attempts. The study provides evidence-based guidance for public health practitioners and policymakers, suggesting that WeChat may be optimal channels for delivering digital cessation interventions in China. The study also underscores the importance of evaluating channel-specific effectiveness and tailoring interventions to subgroups, promoting more targeted and impactful digital health strategies., , , ,

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)

Xiaocong Liu, Ph.D.

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

Background: Despite growing evidence for digital smoking cessation interventions, the relative effectiveness of different delivery channels remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based interventions delivered via short message service (SMS), social media (WeChat) and the smoking cessation application ‘Smokefree Life’ (APP).

Methods: We conducted a pooled analysis of individual patient data from three randomized clinical trials, involving 4396 participants in China between 2016 and 2023. The intervention group received a 14-week CBT-based program via SMS, WeChat, or APP, while the control group received no quit-related-messages. Participants were followed up for 26 weeks post-quit. The primary outcome was biochemically verified abstinence, with secondary outcomes including self-reported 7-day and continuous abstinence at 6 months. Primary analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle, using generalized estimating equations to account for delivery channel effects.

Results: Biochemically verified abstinence rate was 8.65% in the intervention group compared to 2.57% in the control group (AOR, 3.91; 95% CI, 2.83-5.39; p < 0.0001). The results favored the intervention groups across all channels, but WeChat-based interventions achieved the highest cessation rate (11.94%), followed by APP (6.50%) and SMS (6.37%) (p < 0.0001). WeChat intervention was especially effective for males, adults over 34, those with higher education, lower nicotine dependence, or prior quit attempts.

Conclusions: This pooled analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of CBT-based interventions delivered through various digital channels in smoking cessation, improving valuable insights into their comparative effectiveness and contributing to efforts to reduce smoking prevalence and enhance public health in China.
Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02693626, NCT03169686, and NCT04421170.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participant will be able to learn the effectiveness of Digital Delivery Channels for CBT-Based Smoking Cessation Interventions.