Could giving someone who smokes help to quit through a financial advice service make them more likely to quit than someone who does not get any support?
This study wants to find out if offering extra help to people who smoke and are seeking financial advice can make them more likely to quit. Many people with lower incomes smoke and find it hard to stop, which affects their long-term health. The study will separate participants into two groups: one will get no smoking support from the study, and the other will receive advice on quitting, a nicotine vape, and help finding support like apps or counselling. Researchers will check on their smoking habits, health, and finances after 12 weeks and 9 months to see the effects. This research aims to understand how to best help people stop smoking within financial advice services.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is looking into a new way to help people quit smoking. We know that many people who smoke, especially those facing financial challenges, find it very hard to stop. Quitting smoking can greatly improve your health and save you money in the long run. This study aims to see if offering support to quit smoking at the same time as someone is getting financial advice could be an effective way to help them stop.
The idea is that if you're already getting help with your finances, it might be a good time to also get support for your health. The study will compare two groups of people: one group will continue with their financial advice but won't get any smoking specific support from the study, and the other group will get advice on how to quit, an electronic cigarette (vape), and help finding other support like apps or counselling. By comparing these groups, the researchers hope to learn if this combined approach works better than doing nothing structured to help people quit in this setting.
The findings from this study could be really important. If it shows good results, it could help shape future health and financial support services. It could mean that more people get the chance to quit smoking, leading to better health and financial stability across the UK.
Key takeaways
- The study explores a new way to help people quit smoking.
- It focuses on individuals who smoke and are seeking financial advice.
- Participants will either get extra smoking support or no study support.
- Support may include advice, a vape, and help finding counselling/apps.
- The study aims to improve health and financial outcomes for smokers.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who is currently smoking tobacco every day. You should also be receiving advice or support for money worries from a financial guidance service. It’s important that you can provide your phone number, email, or postal address so the study team can stay in touch.
Even if you use other products like vapes, shisha, or cannabis alongside your daily tobacco smoking, you can still join. However, if you only use these other products and don't smoke tobacco every day, then this study isn't for you. To ensure fair results, only one person from each household can take part in the study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you smoke tobacco every day?
- Are you currently getting help or advice for your finances?
- Can you provide a phone number, email, or postal address for follow-up?
- Is no one else in your household already taking part in this study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join the study, you'll first be asked if you smoke during your usual financial advice appointment. If you do, you'll be invited to consider taking part. If you agree, you'll be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will continue with their financial advice but won't receive any specific smoking cessation help from the study. The other group will be given advice on how to quit, a nicotine vape to help them, and information on how to access other support like apps or counselling.
Over the course of the study, you'll be contacted twice after your financial support: once at 12 weeks and again at 9 months. During these check-ins, the study team will ask about your smoking habits, your general quality of life, how much money you spend on tobacco, and your financial situation. Some participants will also be asked to share their experiences in an interview. The whole study is expected to run from April 2025 until March 2029.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- To followApproximate-, England
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
To see if offering smoking support through financial advice services helps people quit smoking more effectively.
Who is funding this research?
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK is funding the study.
Will I have to pay for anything if I join?
No, you will not have to pay to participate. In fact, you may be reimbursed for some of your time.
What if I use vapes in addition to smoking tobacco?
You can still be part of the study if you smoke tobacco daily, even if you also use vapes or other nicotine products.
How long will the study last if I join?
You will be followed up at 12 weeks and 9 months after getting financial support, but the whole study is expected to run from April 2025 to March 2029.
How to find out more
Angela Wu
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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