Smoking cessation via text messaging in Turkey

An estimated 51-63% of Turkish men and 24-26% of Turkish women 15 years of age and older are currently smokers. A recent survey conducted among 147 adults living in Ankara who were current smokers indicates that one in three (34%) would be somewhat or extremely likely to access a text messaging-based smoking cessation program if it were available when they were trying to quit. There is a noted paucity however, of evidence-based smoking cessation programs in Turkey. To address this gap, we have developed and are testing the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging-based smoking cessation program for adults called Cebiniz bırakın diyor. This program is being conducted in partnership with Hacettepe University, and is funded by NIH / Fogerty Foundation (R01 TW007918).