Promoting Smoking Cessation in the Community Via "Quit to Win" Contest 2026: Engagement-Focused GenAI-based Chatbot for Real-Time Smoking Cessation Support (QTW2026)
2026年6月26日 更新者：Prof. Wang Man-Ping、The University of Hong Kong
Building Capacity and Promoting Smoking Cessation in the Community Via "Quit to Win" Contest 2026: Real-time Smoking Cessation Instant Messaging Support Using a Engagement-Focused Large Language Model (LLM)-Based Chatbot
The goal of this trial is to learn if chatbot-based instant messaging works to help smoking cessation in general adult smokers. It will also learn about the experience, attitude, and perception of using an LLM-based chatbot. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Will an engagement-focused LLM-based chatbot smoking cessation intervention have a non-inferior validated abstinence rate than the control group?
- Will an LLM-based chatbot smoking cessation intervention have a non-inferior self-reported abstinence rate, smoking reduction rate, and smoking cessation services use rate than the control group?
Researchers will compare an LLM-based chatbot smoking-cessation intervention to a human-led instant messaging support group (brief advice based on AWARD and personalised active referral) to determine whether chatbot-based instant messaging support promotes smoking cessation.
Participants in the intervention group will receive:
- AWARD advice
- Personalised active referral
- 12 weeks of chatbot-based instant messaging support (via WhatsApp)
研究概览
地位
尚未招聘
条件
详细说明
Although smoking prevalence in Hong Kong has declined to 9.1% in 2023, achieving the government's target of 7.8% by 2025 remains a major public health challenge.
Unassisted "cold turkey" quitting has a long-term success rate of less than 5%, whereas evidence-based behavioural and pharmacological interventions can raise success rates to approximately 20% or higher.
However, existing cessation services in Hong Kong face a critical utilisation gap: only 17.5% of smokers have engaged with professional services, and merely 23% have used nicotine replacement therapy.
This underutilisation suggests that traditional human-resource-intensive models may lack accessibility, scalability, and local appeal.
Generative AI, particularly large language models, offers a transformative solution by delivering consistent, scalable, and personalised support.
In the 2025 "Quit to Win" round, investigators integrated an LLM-based chatbot via WhatsApp and received positive qualitative feedback.
Yet quantitative analysis revealed a sharp decline in engagement, with weekly participation dropping from 32% in week 1 to 14% by week 12, indicating that conversational ability alone does not guarantee sustained user commitment.
To address this implementation gap, investigators have developed an engagement-focused GenAI companion that incorporates structured onboarding, context-aware personalisation, multimodal (text/audio) input, empathetic support, habit-aligned reminders, localised humour, and gamified features such as success stories and knowledge quizzes.
Therefore, the current study aims to test, via a two-arm non-inferiority randomised controlled trial, the effectiveness of a comprehensive intervention combining brief cessation advice (AWARD), personalised active referral, and this engagement-enhanced GenAI chatbot support compared with human-led instant messaging counselling among current smokers who join the Quit to Win Contest across all 18 districts of Hong Kong.
研究类型
介入性
注册 (估计的)
998
阶段
- 不适用
联系人和位置
本节提供了进行研究的人员的详细联系信息，以及有关进行该研究的地点的信息。
学习联系方式
- 姓名：Man Ping Wang, PhD
- 电话号码：+852 3917 6636
- 邮箱：mpwang@hku.hk
研究联系人备份
- 姓名：Yilan Wu
- 电话号码：+852 56497578
- 邮箱：visspalan@connect.hku.hk
学习地点
-
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Hong Kong
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Hong Kong、Hong Kong、香港、999077
- Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH)
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接触：
- Man Ping Wang, PhD
- 电话号码：+852 3917 6636
- 邮箱：mpwang@hku.hk
-
副研究员：
- Shengzhi Zhao, PhD
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副研究员：
- Xiaoyun Xie, MPH
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副研究员：
- Mengyao Li, Mphil
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接触：
- Yilan Wu
- 电话号码：+852 56497578
- 邮箱：visspalan@connect.hku.hk
-
首席研究员：
- Man Ping Wang
-
副研究员：
- Ziqiu Guo, PhD
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副研究员：
- Yilan Wu, MGH
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副研究员：
- Patrick IP, MD, PhD
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副研究员：
- Ning Huang, PhD
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参与标准
研究人员寻找符合特定描述的人，称为资格标准。这些标准的一些例子是一个人的一般健康状况或先前的治疗。
资格标准
适合学习的年龄
- 成人
- 年长者
接受健康志愿者
不
描述
Inclusion Criteria:
- Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or above
- Smoke at least one cigarette (including heated tobacco products) per day or use an e-cigarette daily in the preceding 3 months
- Able to communicate in Cantonese (including reading and writing Chinese)
- Saliva cotinine level ≥30 ng/mL
- Intention to quit or reduce smoking
- Have WhatsApp installed
- Able to use WhatsApp for communication
Exclusion Criteria:
- Smokers who have communication barriers (either physical or cognitive)
- Smokers who are currently participating in other smoking cessation programs or services
学习计划
本节提供研究计划的详细信息，包括研究的设计方式和研究的衡量标准。
研究是如何设计的？
设计细节
- 主要用途：卫生服务研究
- 分配：随机化
- 介入模型：并行分配
- 屏蔽：单身的
武器和干预
参与者组/臂 |
干预/治疗 |
|---|---|
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实验性的：干预组
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WhatsApp消息在后续调查提醒中。
A brief (30-60 seconds) face-to-face or remote smoking cessation advice delivered using the validated AWARD model: Ask about smoking history; Warn about high health risks (accompanied by a health warning leaflet); Advise quitting as soon as possible and setting a quit date (to qualify for contest prizes); Refer to smoking cessation services using a referral card; Do it again - repeat the intervention at each follow-up, encouraging re-quitting after relapse or relapse prevention after success.
A two-sided, colour-printed A4 leaflet covering: (1) absolute risk of death from smoking; (2) full list of diseases caused by active and second-hand smoking; (3) ten pictorial warnings of health consequences on one page for maximum impact; (4) benefits of smoking cessation; and (5) simple encouraging messages to quit.
A three-folded card containing brief information and highlights of existing smoking cessation services in Hong Kong, contact methods, motivational messages, and strong supporting slogans.
A generic booklet provided covering: benefits of quitting, smoking-related diseases, methods to quit, how to handle withdrawal symptoms, a quitting declaration, and other practical tips.
Participants in the intervention group will receive 12 weeks of instant messaging support delivered by an LLM-based chatbot (GPT-4o or newer) on WhatsApp, supporting text and audio input.
Using prompt engineering, agent techniques, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation, the chatbot delivers theory-based 5As/5Rs-structured interventions alongside freeform, on-demand support, with engagement features including personalisation, proactive check-ins, and interactive Quick Commands.
Smokers will be introduced to various SC services in Hong Kong (via the referral card) and motivated to use them.
Well-trained SC ambassadors will assist smokers in choosing their favourite or most convenient type of service.
Research staff will assist participants in booking or re-booking the SC services at the 1- and 2-month follow-ups (after very brief questionnaire surveys).
Participants' contact information will be forwarded to SC service providers within 7 days, and providers are expected to contact participants within 1-2 weeks.
Research staff will also monitor participants' use of SC services at each follow-up (1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-month) and, at the 1- and 2-month follow-ups, assist participants in booking or rebooking appointments if necessary.
Investigators shall liaise with existing service providers and seek their assistance in promptly supporting our smokers.
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有源比较器：控制组
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WhatsApp消息在后续调查提醒中。
A brief (30-60 seconds) face-to-face or remote smoking cessation advice delivered using the validated AWARD model: Ask about smoking history; Warn about high health risks (accompanied by a health warning leaflet); Advise quitting as soon as possible and setting a quit date (to qualify for contest prizes); Refer to smoking cessation services using a referral card; Do it again - repeat the intervention at each follow-up, encouraging re-quitting after relapse or relapse prevention after success.
A two-sided, colour-printed A4 leaflet covering: (1) absolute risk of death from smoking; (2) full list of diseases caused by active and second-hand smoking; (3) ten pictorial warnings of health consequences on one page for maximum impact; (4) benefits of smoking cessation; and (5) simple encouraging messages to quit.
A three-folded card containing brief information and highlights of existing smoking cessation services in Hong Kong, contact methods, motivational messages, and strong supporting slogans.
A generic booklet provided covering: benefits of quitting, smoking-related diseases, methods to quit, how to handle withdrawal symptoms, a quitting declaration, and other practical tips.
Participants in the control group will receive 12 weeks of instant messaging support delivered by a trained human counsellor via WhatsApp.
Using the same theoretical frameworks as the chatbot intervention, the counsellor will provide real-time behavioural and psychosocial support grounded in the 5As/5Rs models, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and evidence-based Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs).
The support will be personalised according to each participant's sociodemographic characteristics, smoking patterns, quit intentions, and plans.
Smokers will be introduced to various SC services in Hong Kong (via the referral card) and motivated to use them.
Well-trained SC ambassadors will assist smokers in choosing their favourite or most convenient type of service.
Research staff will assist participants in booking or re-booking the SC services at the 1- and 2-month follow-ups (after very brief questionnaire surveys).
Participants' contact information will be forwarded to SC service providers within 7 days, and providers are expected to contact participants within 1-2 weeks.
Research staff will also monitor participants' use of SC services at each follow-up (1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-month) and, at the 1- and 2-month follow-ups, assist participants in booking or rebooking appointments if necessary.
Investigators shall liaise with existing service providers and seek their assistance in promptly supporting our smokers.
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研究衡量的是什么？
主要结果指标
结果测量 |
措施说明 |
大体时间 |
|---|---|---|
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经生化验证的禁欲
大体时间：6个月的随访
|
定义为呼出的 CO 水平 <4ppm 且唾液可替宁水平≤30 ng/ml
|
6个月的随访
|
次要结果测量
结果测量 |
措施说明 |
大体时间 |
|---|---|---|
|
经生化验证的禁欲
大体时间：3个月的随访
|
定义为呼出的 CO 水平 <4ppm 且唾液可替宁水平≤30 ng/ml
|
3个月的随访
|
|
自我报告的7天点场禁欲
大体时间：3个月和6个月的随访
|
在后续行动之前的7天内没有抽烟的吸烟者
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3个月和6个月的随访
|
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自我报告的减少
大体时间：1-，2-，3个月和6个月的随访
|
根据基线每日香烟的数量至少减少50％定义
|
1-，2-，3个月和6个月的随访
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自我报告使用戒烟服务
大体时间：1-，2-，3个月和6个月的随访
|
在1个，2、3和6个月的随访中使用戒烟服务。
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1-，2-，3个月和6个月的随访
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Prolonged abstinence
大体时间：3-month and 6-month follow-ups
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Abstinence from smoking for 3 consecutive months at 3-month follow-up, or for 6 consecutive months at 6-month follow-up
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3-month and 6-month follow-ups
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Quit attempt
大体时间：1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups
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Abstinence for at least 24 hours
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1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups
|
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Post-cessation weight change
大体时间：6-month follow-up
|
Self-reported change in body weight (in kilograms) from baseline to follow-up
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6-month follow-up
|
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Self-reported smoking-related health conditions
大体时间：Baseline and 6-month follow-up
|
Answer "Yes" to experiencing any smoking-related health condition during smoking cessation or reduction
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Baseline and 6-month follow-up
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|
Self-reported mental health conditions
大体时间：Baseline and 6-month follow-up
|
Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4): The PHQ-4 is a 4-item ultra-brief screening tool for anxiety and depression that combines the GAD-2 and PHQ-2 subscales.
Each item is scored 0-3, with a total score of 0-12; subscale scores of 3 or higher indicate positive screening and warrant further clinical assessment.
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Baseline and 6-month follow-up
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Chatbot user experience
大体时间：3-month follow-up
|
Chatbot Usability Scale, or the 11-item Bot Usability Scale (BUS), is a validated questionnaire that evaluates chatbot usability across five dimensions (accessibility, function quality, conversation/information quality, privacy/security, and response time) using a 5-point Likert scale.
The total score (11-55) is the sum of all items; a higher total score indicates better overall usability and greater user satisfaction.
Higher scores on individual dimensions similarly reflect superior performance in those areas.
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3-month follow-up
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合作者和调查者
在这里您可以找到参与这项研究的人员和组织。
调查人员
- 首席研究员：Man Ping Wang、The University of Hong Kong
研究记录日期
这些日期跟踪向 ClinicalTrials.gov 提交研究记录和摘要结果的进度。研究记录和报告的结果由国家医学图书馆 (NLM) 审查，以确保它们在发布到公共网站之前符合特定的质量控制标准。
研究主要日期
学习开始 (估计的)
2026年6月27日
初级完成 (估计的)
2027年10月30日
研究完成 (估计的)
2028年6月30日
研究注册日期
首次提交
2026年6月9日
首先提交符合 QC 标准的
2026年6月9日
首次发布 (实际的)
2026年6月15日
研究记录更新
最后更新发布 (实际的)
2026年6月30日
上次提交的符合 QC 标准的更新
2026年6月26日
最后验证
2026年6月1日
更多信息
此信息直接从 clinicaltrials.gov 网站检索，没有任何更改。如果您有任何更改、删除或更新研究详细信息的请求，请联系 register@clinicaltrials.gov. clinicaltrials.gov 上实施更改，我们的网站上也会自动更新.