Innovative Interventions for Tobacco Cessation in Adolescents And Adults

Abstract

Introduction:

Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, with adolescents and adults being particularly vulnerable groups. Despite numerous efforts to combat tobacco addiction, the prevalence of smoking and its health consequences remain significant. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of innovative interventions for tobacco cessation among adolescents and adults, focusing on the latest advancements in digital, behavioral, and pharmacological strategies.

Methods:

A comprehensive search of five major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library) was conducted, focusing on interventional studies and clinical trials published in the last 5 years up to 2022. Inclusion criteria targeted studies on tobacco cessation interventions among adolescents and adults, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and pilot intervention studies. The review excluded observational studies, reviews, and non-English publications. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using standardized tools.

Results:

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing digital interventions (mobile apps and web-based platforms), behavioral therapies (cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing), and pharmacological aids (nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline). Pharmacological interventions, especially varenicline, were found to be the most effective, doubling the chances of quitting smoking. Digital and behavioral interventions also demonstrated significant efficacy, increasing quit rates by 50% and 70%, respectively. The variability in intervention effectiveness highlights the importance of personalized and multifaceted approaches to tobacco cessation.

Conclusions:

The systematic review underscores the efficacy of innovative interventions in tobacco cessation, with pharmacological aids showing the highest effectiveness. The findings advocate for the integration of digital, behavioral, and pharmacological strategies in comprehensive cessation programs, tailored to individual needs. Future research should focus on combining interventions to maximize cessation success and exploring the long-term impacts of these strategies.