Text messaging latest anti-smoking aid

The mobile phone is a new and unlikely weapon which doctors are testing for the fight against cigarette smoking.

A trial programme in which text messaging is used to combat the urge to smoke has been established by University of Auckland researchers, and has 1300 people enrolled so far, director Anthony Rodgers said in a statement.

"Stomp (Stop Smoking with Mobile Phones Trial) has been developed for 18-35-year-olds, who have the highest smoking rates but lowest uptake of existing smoking cessation programmes," Dr Rodgers said.

Participants in the trial receive a month's free text messaging. They receive regular support and motivation text messages, can receive a personalised message to distract them from wanting to smoke, or can contact other people using the trial to try to quit smoking.

Participants are visited to assess their smoking levels.

"Although it is still too early to give a scientific analysis of Stomp's success, several participants have reported good progress," Dr Rodgers said.

Details of the programme can be found at www.stomp.co.nz

- NZPA