Digital Smoking Cessation Intervention for Cancer Survivors: Analysis of Predictors and Moderators of Engagement and Outcome Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

BackgroundRecent studies have shown positive, though small, clinical effects of digital smoking cessation (SC) interventions for cancer survivors. However, research on associations among participant characteristics, intervention engagement, and outcomes is limited. ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the predictors and moderators of engagement and outcome of MyCourse-Quit Smoking (in Dutch: “MijnKoers-Stoppen met Roken”), a digital minimally guided intervention for cancer survivors. MethodsA secondary analysis of data from the randomized controlled trial was performed. The number of cigarettes smoked in the past 7 days at 6-month follow-up was the primary outcome measure. We analyzed interactions among participant characteristics (11 variables), intervention engagement (3 variables), and outcome using robust linear (mixed) modeling. ResultsIn total, 165 participants were included in this study. Female participants accessed the intervention less often than male participants (B=–11.12; P=.004). A higher Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score at baseline was associated with a significantly higher number of logins (B=1.10; P<.001) and diary registrations (B=1.29; P<.001). A higher Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence score at baseline in the intervention group was associated with a significantly larger reduction in tobacco use after 6 months (B=–9.86; P=.002). No other associations and no moderating effects were found. ConclusionsOverall, a limited number of associations was found between participant characteristics, engagement, and outcome, except for gender, problematic alcohol use, and nicotine dependence. Future studies are needed to shed light on how this knowledge can be used to improve the effects of digital SC programs for cancer survivors. Trial RegistrationNetherlands Trial register NTR6011/NL5434; https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/nl/trial/22832