Randomized controlled trial of a group-based smoking cessation intervention for adults with serious mental illness.
Hannah Whitmore, Erin Hubbard, Bruce Cooper et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated PARQuit in 99 adults with serious mental illness in the United States. Participants received 12 weeks of cessation counseling and pharmacotherapy and were assigned to game-based group exercise or sedentary group activities. Cigarette consumption declined in both groups, with a mean change of -3.7 cigarettes/week (95% CI, -5.2, -2.4), and there was no significant between-group difference. Smoking abstinence increased significantly, and psychiatric symptom scores also fell in both groups. The findings support improvement during the multi-component program but do not establish an added benefit from the physical activity component.
Key findings
- Cigarette consumption declined by a mean of -3.7 cigarettes/week (95% CI, -5.2, -2.4) across groups, with no significant between-group difference.
- Smoking abstinence increased significantly (McNemar χ2 = 5.33, P < .05).
- Psychiatric symptom scores decreased by 0.29 units per week (95% CI, -0.50, -0.09) in both groups.
Why it matters
Adults with serious mental illness experience substantial smoking-related morbidity and mortality, yet cessation support remains important for this population. The trial found reductions in smoking and psychiatric symptoms while participants received counseling and pharmacotherapy in group settings. Its comparison also helps distinguish the overall program response from any additional effect of group exercise, which was not demonstrated.
What to keep in mind
Follow-up was limited to 12 weeks, so the study does not establish whether smoking reductions or abstinence are sustained longer term.