Comparing Smartphone to In-person Training to Scale Up a Tobacco Control Program for Teachers in India

Summary

This study aims to compare the implementation and effectiveness of the Tobacco-Free Teachers, Tobacco-Free Society (TFT-TFS) program when delivered through in-person training vs. a smartphone-based training model. Investigators will conduct a comparative effectiveness trial using a cluster-randomized design in which headmasters at schools in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh (MP) will be trained in person or via a smartphone to deliver TFT-TFS in their schools. Schools will be randomly assigned to each training arm, and investigators will compare program effectiveness (tobacco use cessation), implementation outcomes, and program cost and reach.

Conditions

• Tobacco Use Cessation

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Smart phone based training

The study team will acquaint headmasters with the Tobacco Free Teachers-Tobacco Free Society (TFT-TFS) program and the smartphone training app. Headmasters will receive six monthly trainings on smartphones, including brief videos followed by quizzes with feedback, discussion forums to promote peer learning, demonstration of techniques, and the ability to review the content as needed. Headmasters will implement TFT-TFS at monthly school meetings with teachers and parents. TFT-TFS consists of four program components: (1) six group discussions with teachers, (2) cessation support and referrals to government resources, (3) posting six thematic tobacco control posters in the school, and (4) implementing a school tobacco policy. These four components incorporate the program's six themes: Teachers as Role Models; Health Effects of Tobacco; Motivation to Quit Tobacco Use; Skills to Quit Tobacco and to Help Others Quit; Dealing with Withdrawal; and Maintenance and Celebration.

BEHAVIORAL

In person training

Headmasters will receive three face-to-face trainings, each 60-75 minutes long and held at convenient locations. The study team will introduce headmasters to the TFT-TFS program and teach participants how to use paper-based materials. The trainings will encourage participants to discuss successes and come up with solutions to overcome challenges. Headmasters will implement TFT-TFS at monthly school meetings with teachers and parents. TFT-TFS consists of four program components: (1) 6 group discussions with teachers, (2) cessation support and referrals to government resources, (3) posting six thematic tobacco control posters in the school, and (4) implementing a school tobacco policy. These four components incorporate the program's six themes: Teachers as Role Models; Health Effects of Tobacco; Motivation to Quit Tobacco Use; Skills to Quit Tobacco and to Help Others Quit; Dealing with Withdrawal; and Maintenance and Celebration.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Healis-Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health

  collaborator OTHER

• Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Eve Nagler, ScD, MPH · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

20 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-06-27

Primary Completion

2024-08-21

Completion

2025-07-31

Countries

• India

Study Locations