An expert has suggested that smokers seeking help and support in kicking the habit should consider signing up for a programme of motivational text messages, which organisers claim can provide a timely confidence boost.
Dr Caroline Free, the lead author of a recent London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine study into the Txt2stop scheme, explained that the initiative had been set up so that individuals receive encouragement at typically difficult periods.
"The people who got the programme were asked to set a quit date," she said. "They received an intensive period of support for the week before their quit date and for four weeks afterwards."
According to the research, just under 11 per cent of those who took part in Txt2Stop were successful in their attempts to stop smoking. Dr Free added that text messaging is both an inexpensive and convenient way of engaging with participants.
Last week, delegates at the British Medical Association's latest conference in Cardiff voted in favour of a ban on smoking in cars as part of its ongoing lobbying for tougher tobacco legislation.
© Adfero Ltd
Private treatment news: 8 July 2011
