Breaking Free from Smoking in Prisons
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Randomised Controlled Trial to Assess the Effectiveness of the Breaking Free from Smoking Online Intervention for Offenders in UK Prisons
IRAS ID
222281
Contact name
Sarah Elison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Breaking Free Online
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Tobacco use is the greatest cause of early mortality causing around 75,000 deaths a year in England. Additionally, given that the rate of smoking is as high as 80% in prison establishments compared to 16.9% in the community, the principle aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel computer assisted therapy (CAT) programme, Breaking Free from Smoking, to help prisoners stop smoking and remain abstinent. Each participant will be randomly assigned to one of two conditions, and the trial requires 128 participants to perform a fully powered statistical analysis. The two conditions include: (1) standard stop smoking programme (behavioural support from a National Centre for Smoking Cessation Training [NCSCT] trained advisor with free access to stop smoking medications), or (2) Breaking Free from Smoking online intervention (providing evidence-based cognitive behavioural change techniques on a computerised platform that can be tailored to the individual) as an adjunct to the standard stop smoking programme (as specified in condition 1). The main outcome measure will be self-reported smoking status reported at baseline (first session), at the end of the programme (12-weeks for both conditions), and at 3- and 6-months following the end of the programme. Smoking status will be biochemically verified (through exhaled carbon monoxide readings) if the participant agrees to this, and from healthcare records between baseline and the end of the programme (12-weeks). Secondary measures such as changes in cigarette cravings, nicotine dependence, quality of life, and lifestyle balance model items will also be assessed from all participants between baseline (first session), the end of the programme (12-weeks for both programmes), and at 3- and 6-months following the end of the programme.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0214
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion