Peterson J, et al. - This research probed into the integrated smoking cessation randomized controlled trial (RCT) that used home telehealth and motivational interviewing (MI) to alter smoking behaviors among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Home telehealth and MI yielded smoking cessation assistance to the study cohort. The support and increased awareness of smoking behaviors were found to be beneficial. Emphasis ought to be laid on increasing support and information with regard to stress management, smoking, PTSD, and the link between them for the smokers with PTSD who smoke.

Methods

• This study utilized a convenience sample sourced from the original RCT.
• Herein, the intervention and control group candidates took part in a qualitative evaluation.
• Semistructured interview guides gauged the effectiveness of study components, make recommendations for future interventions, and identify facilitators/barriers to smoking cessation.
• Data analysis was performed via an inductive and deductive, team-based content analysis approach.

Results

• 32 study subjects (intervention: n = 15, control: n = 17) were interviewed, who completed the original RCT within the previous 6 months.
• Respondents displayed high satisfaction with home telehealth and MI counseling.
• The MI counseling appeared to be supportive, nonjudgmental, and informative to the intervention group respondents.
• Control group respondents felt that they had received smoking cessation assistance.
• Respondents from both groups felt the need for additional information regarding PTSD and smoking, relied on smoking as a coping mechanism for PTSD, and believed that quitting was an individual choice.