Comparative Effectiveness of Virtual Reality, mHealth, Teledentistry, and Counseling for Nicotine Dependence Reduction in Chennai Smokers

Aim:To compare the long-term effectiveness of virtual reality (VR), teledentistry, mHealth (WhatsApp), and conventional face-to-face counseling in reducing nicotine dependence among smokers in Chennai. Materials and methods:The trial included 160 cigarette smokers who were randomly allocated to four groups, with equal participants in each.Participants (n = 160) were randomized into four groups (n = 40 each): VR counseling, teledentistry support, WhatsApp-based mHealth messaging, and conventional face-to-face counseling.Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerstrm test for nicotine dependence (FTND) and carbon monoxide levels at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.The long-term effectiveness based on nicotine dependence level is analyzed at baseline and postintervention at 6 months and 12 months.Descriptive and Chi-square tests were used with the significance level set at p < 0.05.Results: At 12 months, 41 participants of the present study achieved no nicotine dependence.From the final result, it was found that 21 (51.2%)participants who achieved no nicotine dependence were from the VR group, 13 (31.7%)participants were from the mHealth/ WhatsApp group, 6 (14.6%) participants were from the teledentistry group, and 1 (2.4%) from the conventional face-to-face counseling group (p < 0.001). Conclusion:Virtual reality combined with behavioral counseling demonstrated superior long-term effectiveness in reducing nicotine dependence.Clinical significance: Integrating virtual reality technology along with conventional counseling therapies may enhance long-term smoking cessation outcomes.