The proposed study is a randomized study of actively smoking veterans cared for at the Miami VA Medical Center. Subjects are randomized into 2 groups and will all receive a regimen of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) standardized to their smoking habit. Subjects are followed biweekly for smoking cessation by using biochemical tests (exCO and COHb) to determine smoking abstinence. The first group called the Banked-Money Group will have $50 placed in a 'bank account' for every clinic visit where their tests reveal abstinence from smoking. As a modified commitment contract, the Banked-Money Group can only withdraw the accrued money at the end of the trial if they complete the trial by quitting smoking for the entire 6 months. The second group called the Reward Group will directly receive $50 for every clinic visit where their tests reveal abstinence from smoking.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
36
Smoking cessation rate
The primary outcome for this study is to compare smoking cessation rates between smokers who received one of two financial incentive strategies in addition to standard of care NRT and counseling.
Time frame: 1 year
Household income
We will determine whether household income affect quit rates.
Time frame: 1 year
Smoking habits
We will determine whether smoking habits affect quit rates.
Time frame: 1 year
Nicotine dependence
We will determine whether nicotine dependence affect quit rates.
Time frame: 1 year
Nicotine withdrawal symptoms
We will determine whether nicotine withdrawal symptoms affect quit rates.
Time frame: 1 year
Anxiety / Depression
We will determine whether anxiety and / or depression affect quit rates.
Time frame: 1 year
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.