Enhanced Text Message + Incentives for Smoking Cessation During Pregnancy

This trial tests a new method to help pregnant women quit smoking by combining supportive text messages with financial rewards for remaining smoke-free. Researchers aim to determine if this approach, called Enhanced Text Message + Incentives, is practical and well-received compared to receiving only text messages. Pregnant women who smoke daily and are part of WIC or Medicaid may qualify to join. Participants need a mobile phone for receiving texts and should have a genuine interest in quitting smoking. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance smoking cessation support for pregnant women.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that text messaging programs are generally safe and popular among pregnant women trying to quit smoking. One study found that women preferred text support because it was more convenient than meeting in person. This indicates that using texts to aid smoking cessation is not only effective but also comfortable for many.

Researchers are excited about the Enhanced Text Message + Incentives approach for helping pregnant women quit smoking because it combines behavioral support with financial motivation. Unlike typical methods that focus solely on counseling or nicotine replacement therapies, this strategy uses personalized text messages to provide ongoing encouragement and information. Additionally, it offers escalating financial rewards as a direct incentive for maintaining smoking abstinence, verified through breath tests. This dual approach not only supports quitting efforts but also adds an extra layer of motivation, making it a potentially more effective solution for smoking cessation during pregnancy.

Research has shown that text messaging programs can help pregnant women quit smoking, with positive results in several studies. For example, one study found that interactive text messaging, such as the Quit4baby program, helped pregnant women stop smoking. Another analysis demonstrated that text support is generally effective for helping various groups quit smoking for longer periods. In this trial, participants in one arm will receive text messaging combined with financial incentives, while another arm will receive text messaging only. Early findings suggest that adding financial rewards to text messages might improve results. Although more research is needed, these methods seem promising for helping pregnant women quit smoking.²⁴⁵⁶⁷