Share

Smokers go virtual to kick habit

Battling one's cigarette demons in a virtual world may prove to be an effective way to help people quit smoking, a research team has found in a preliminary study.

Scientists from Canada's GRAP Occupational Psychology Clinic and the University of Quebec modified a three-dimensional video game to create a computer-generated virtual reality environment as part of an anti-smoking programme.

Out of 91 regular smokers enlisted in the 12-week programme, 46 of them crushed computer-simulated cigarettes as part of psychosocial treatment, while the other 45 grasped a computer-simulated ball.

The group who crushed cigarettes had a "statistically significant reduction in nicotine addiction" compared with the ball-graspers, according to the study in the journal Cyber-Psychology and Behaviour.

What the study showed
By the 12th week, abstinence among the cigarette crushers was 15%, compared with just 2% for the other group.

The crushers also stayed in the programme longer, and at a six-month follow-up, 39% of them reported not smoking during the previous week, compared with 20% of the ball graspers.

"It is important to note that this study increased treatment retention," said Brenda Wiederhold, the journal's editor in chief, adding that such treatment should now be compared to other popular treatments such as the nicotine patch.

The study said some 45% of smokers in the United States try to quit each year, with limited success. – (Sapa, October 2009)

Smoking tougher on women?
Stop-smoking vaccine on the cards
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE