Study Shows Financial Incentives Boost Smoking Cessation in Underserved Groups

A national clinical trial published in JAMA found that offering financial incentives, alongside free cessation medications, nearly doubled smoking quit rates among medically underserved adults undergoing lung cancer screening. Participants receiving up to $600 in incentives achieved an 8.8% quit rate after six months, compared to 4.3% in the usual care group. This research highlights a promising strategy for health systems to integrate effective tobacco treatment, particularly for populations facing healthcare access barriers.