RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Study to Evaluate Music Therapy and Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Craving Related to Smoking Cessation in Students

This study aims to find out if using music therapy can help university students, aged 18 to 25, manage their cravings better when they're trying to stop smoking. It compares two groups: one uses nicotine patches or gum (nicotine replacement) on its own, and the other uses nicotine replacement along with specially designed music therapy. Researchers want to see if the music therapy makes it easier for young people to quit. This is a small initial study which will also look at how useful a digital music tool could be for young smokers. The study will last for three months after participants decide on their quit date.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Poitiers University Hospital

Enrolment target

120

Start

13 Dec 2022

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2028

Smoking Cessation

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into new ways to help young adults, specifically students aged 18 to 25, stop smoking. We know that stopping smoking can be really difficult, and one of the biggest challenges is dealing with cravings. This study is testing whether adding music therapy to standard nicotine replacement treatments (like patches or gum) can make it easier to manage these cravings.

The idea is that personalised music might help distract participants or reduce stress, making them feel more in control when they feel like having a cigarette. The study aims to compare two groups: one will get nicotine replacement therapy by itself, and the other will get nicotine replacement therapy alongside a specially designed digital music therapy tool. By doing this, researchers hope to see if music therapy offers extra support and makes it more likely for young people to successfully quit.

This is a 'pilot' study, which means it's a smaller test to see if this approach is promising. If it works well, it could potentially lead to new and engaging ways to help young people quit smoking in the future.

Key takeaways

Tests if music therapy helps students quit smoking.
Compares nicotine replacement alone versus with music.
Aims to help 18-25 year old student smokers with cravings.
Involves regular check-ups over three months.
Aims to develop new digital support tools for young people.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a student aged between 18 and 25 years old. You should currently smoke more than 5 cigarettes each day and genuinely want to stop smoking. You also need to be signed up to a health insurance system, as required by French law.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you live with another participant or are in a relationship with one, you can't both be in the study. You also can't take part if you have certain health conditions like depression, psychosis, or other severe mental health issues. If you have misused drugs or alcohol, or are currently using other stop-smoking medications (like some types of patches, gum, bupropion, or varenicline) or therapies (like cognitive-behavioural therapy or hypnotherapy) within the last three months, you wouldn't be eligible. Using e-cigarettes to quit smoking within the last three months also means you can't join.

The study also cannot include individuals who are in legal custody, under legal guardianship, or in emergency medical situations, as these situations require special protections.

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 a student aged 18 to 25?
Do you smoke more than 5 cigarettes a day and want to quit?
Are you NOT currently using other stop-smoking medicines or therapies?
Do you NOT have specific mental health conditions (like severe depression) or substance misuse issues?
Are you able to attend appointments at Poitiers University Hospital in France?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, it will involve a few steps over about three months. First, you'll have an initial visit at the Clinical Investigation Center (CIC) at Poitiers University Hospital. This is where you'll get more information and decide if you want to sign up. If you agree, you'll then be randomly placed into one of two groups: one group will receive nicotine replacement therapy (like patches or gum) plus music therapy, and the other will receive only nicotine replacement therapy.

After you set your 'Target Quit Date' (the day you aim to stop smoking), you'll have three more visits over the next three months at the CIC. During these visits, the medical team will check how your stop-smoking journey is going. They will ask about your smoking habits, measure the carbon monoxide in your breath (which indicates if you've been smoking), check your weight, and record any side effects you might be experiencing. You'll also be asked to complete several questionnaires that help assess your cravings, mood, and other experiences related to quitting smoking. The total active participation period is about three months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits. You'll receive support and tools to help you stop smoking, which can significantly improve your long-term health. The music therapy, if you are in that group, could be a new and helpful way to manage cravings. However, like any medical study, there are potential risks. You might experience side effects from the nicotine replacement therapy, or not find the interventions as helpful as you hoped. Your personal information will be kept confidential. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU Poitiers
Verified postcode
Poitiers, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)?

NRT helps you quit smoking by giving you nicotine without the harmful chemicals in cigarettes, usually as patches, gum, or lozenges.

What kind of music therapy will be used?

The study will use a specially adapted digital music therapy tool designed for young people to help manage cravings.

Will I know which group I'm in?

You will be randomly assigned to either the group receiving NRT alone or the group receiving NRT plus music therapy. This assignment is usually not known by participants until after they start.

How long does the study last?

Active participation in the study, including visits and treatments, lasts for three months after your target quit date.

Is this study only for students?

Yes, this specific study is designed for university students between the ages of 18 and 25.

How to find out more

Claire LAFAY-CHEBASSIER, Dr

claire.lafay-chebassier@chu-poitiers.fr 05 49 44 38 36 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.