Financial incentives are effective in helping people
to change their unhealthy behaviours, including stopping smoking. It is not known whether these changes are maintained after incentives stop.
This systematic review and meta-analysis showed financial incentives can motivate people, especially those from deprived backgrounds, to change behaviours that are bad for their health.
The impact of financial incentives lasted maximum of three months after their removal and only when offered for stopping smoking, particularly during pregnancy.
Personal financial incentives for changing habitual health-related behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mantzari, Vogt, Shemilt, Wei, Higgins, & Marteau. 2015.
