Recently a group of researchers from Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey instituted a program to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging-based smoking cessation program for adults. The project was funded by NIH and the Fogerty Foundation. Turkey ranks 15th in the world for mobile phone use, with 66 million users. It was the researchers’ hope to attract smokers who might otherwise not utilize traditional smoking cessation services.

The researchers concluded from the data that it is feasible to recruit people into a text messaging-based smoking cessation program. The program is acceptable and well-liked by participants, and 39% stated that the text-based intervention made it easier to quit smoking. 

For more information: 
http://is4k.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Tobacco-Network-Meeting_2010_Bethesda-MD2.pdf