A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multicomponent Smoking Cessation Intervention for Adults with Serious Mental Illness

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Combined behavioral- and pharmacological-based tobacco cessation interventions are effective for adults with serious mental illness; yet, they continue to smoke at alarming rates. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> A pilot two-arm randomized controlled trial of the program consisted of 50 minutes of game-based groups 3×/week, for 12 weeks alongside counseling and pharmacotherapy. The intervention group engaged in game-based group physical activity (PA), while the control group engaged in sedentary games. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Multilevel regression analyses were used to examine the primary aims. Mean number of cigarettes smoked per week (cig/wk) for the sample (<i>n</i> = 48) at enrollment was 56.3 cigarettes. The linear change was significant at 2.9 fewer cig/wk. The average psychiatric symptom score at enrollment for the PA group was 41.5 points with a significant predicted linear decrease in scores. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Both study groups showed a significant reduction in cig/wk. The combination of counseling and pharmacotherapy offered in groups may have aided with cessation and cigarette reduction while also providing a benefit to mental health.