Mobile App for Smoking Cessation

(Support2Quit Trial)

Overseen By Dana Smith, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Oregon Research Behavioral Intervention Strategies, Inc.

Disqualifiers: Tobacco cessation program

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 3 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to test a new mobile app designed to help people quit smoking. The CoQuit App uses cognitive dissonance, a method that encourages behavior change by highlighting the conflict between actions and beliefs, to promote quitting. Participants will use either this app or a comparison app, the Tips for Smoking Cessation App, which offers quitting tips without the cognitive component. The trial seeks adult smokers in the U.S. who smoke daily and want to quit. Participants need a smartphone with video capabilities to engage with the app and share their progress. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods for smoking cessation.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the CoQuit App is safe for smoking cessation?

Research has shown that smartphone apps for quitting smoking are generally easy to use. One study on similar apps found that users had quit smoking rates between 4% and 18% after six months. This suggests these apps can help people stop smoking.

For the CoQuit app, no specific safety issues have been reported. Using an app for support does not involve taking medication or undergoing medical procedures, which usually means fewer side effects. Those considering joining a trial with the CoQuit app will focus on daily activities and sharing experiences, not on taking any physical treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the CoQuit App because it introduces a unique approach to smoking cessation by using cognitive dissonance. Unlike standard treatments like nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications, which primarily focus on reducing withdrawal symptoms, CoQuit encourages users to engage in activities that create a mental discomfort or conflict regarding their smoking habit. This innovative method aims to motivate behavioral change more effectively. Additionally, the app's interactive features, such as creating and sharing videos and providing community support, offer a more engaging and social approach to quitting smoking, which could enhance its effectiveness.

What evidence suggests that this trial's apps could be effective for smoking cessation?

Research has shown that smartphone apps can help people quit smoking. One study found that users of a specific app were 1.49 times more likely to quit than those who didn't use the app. Another app, iCanQuit, nearly doubled the chances of quitting after 12 months compared to an app called QuitGuide. These apps often offer tips, reminders, and activities to support quitting. In this trial, participants will use one of two apps. The CoQuit app, one of the apps being tested, employs a method called cognitive dissonance, which helps align actions with beliefs, to assist in quitting smoking. Early results suggest that this approach could effectively help people stop smoking. The other app, used by the comparison group, provides smoking cessation support without cognitive dissonance activities. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Dana Smith, PhD

Principal Investigator

Oregon Research Behavioral Intervention Strategies, Inc.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adult smokers over the age of 18 in the U.S. who smoke daily, speak English, have a valid mailing address, and want to quit smoking. They must also have access to a smartphone with video capability.

Inclusion Criteria

You must have a real home address in the United States.

You speak English.

You smoke cigarettes every day and have told the researchers about it.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants use the CoQuit app or a comparison app for smoking cessation, with activities designed to induce cognitive dissonance

3 months

Daily app usage

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for smoking cessation outcomes and app usability

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• CoQuit App
• Tips for Smoking Cessation App

Trial Overview

The study is testing two mobile apps: one provides tips for quitting smoking (Tips App), while the other combines these tips with cognitive dissonance strategies to help quit smoking (CoQuit App).

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Support2Quit App - Cognitive Dissonance Based Smoking Cessation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This group will receive daily smoking cessation tips and will be asked to complete activities within the app that are designed to induce cognitive dissonance, create and share videos related to the activities with an online group, and provide support to other group members

Group II: Comparison App - Smoking Cessation Support without Cognitive Dissonance Activities Active Control 1 Intervention

This group will use an app that consists of tips for quitting cigarettes but does not include the cognitive dissonance component.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Oregon Research Behavioral Intervention Strategies, Inc.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

21

Recruited

8,600+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study of 252 smoking cessation apps for iPhone and 148 for Android revealed that popular apps generally have low adherence to U.S. Public Health Service guidelines, scoring an average of only 12.9 out of 42 on the Adherence Index.

None of the apps recommended calling a quitline, and only 4.1% suggested using approved medications, indicating a significant gap in evidence-based support for users trying to quit smoking.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A content analysis of popular smartphone apps for smoking cessation. Abroms, LC., Lee Westmaas, J., Bontemps-Jones, J., et al.[2022]

A study of 955 Dutch smokers and ex-smokers found that the intention to use a smoking cessation app is strongly influenced by the number of previous quit attempts and the level of nicotine dependence, rather than demographic factors like age or education.

Personal innovativeness also plays a significant role in users' attitudes toward cessation apps, indicating that app design should focus on addressing the specific needs and experiences of potential users to enhance engagement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Identification of Users for a Smoking Cessation Mobile App: Quantitative Study. Chevalking, SKL., Ben Allouch, S., Brusse-Keizer, M., et al.[2019]

The iCanQuit smartphone app significantly outperformed the QuitGuide app in helping participants quit smoking, achieving a 34% quit rate compared to 20% for QuitGuide among those using FDA-approved cessation medications.

Using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) alongside the iCanQuit app led to even higher quit rates of 40%, suggesting that combining the app with cessation medications can enhance its effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Do medications increase the efficacy of digital interventions for smoking cessation? Secondary results from the iCanQuit randomized trial. Bricker, JB., Santiago-Torres, M., Mull, KE., et al.[2023]

A survey of 264 nicotine dependence treatment providers and 40 smokers revealed that most providers believe smoking cessation apps could be effective, especially if they are empirically validated, but many feel that effective apps are currently lacking.

Both groups agreed on key features for successful cessation apps, such as being free or low-cost, ensuring privacy, and adapting to individual needs, although providers prioritized privacy while smokers emphasized low cost and personalized content.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design Considerations for Smoking Cessation Apps: Feedback From Nicotine Dependence Treatment Providers and Smokers. McClure, JB., Hartzler, AL., Catz, SL.[2022]

A study involving 181 participants found that most users rated the smoking cessation app QuitPal-m as very helpful, but daily usage declined over time, indicating a need for ongoing support to maintain engagement.

The effectiveness of the app was enhanced by supportive accountability from cessation counselors, particularly for smokers with low motivation to quit, highlighting the importance of addressing both personal barriers and technical issues to improve app usage.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Supportive Accountability and Mobile App Use in a Tobacco Control Intervention Targeting Low-Income Minority Mothers Who Smoke: Observational Study. Lepore, SJ., Collins, BN., Killam, HW., et al.[2023]

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the 'CureApp Smoking Cessation' (CASC) app in improving smoking cessation rates among individuals with nicotine dependence, alongside a standard 12-week treatment program, with a total of 580 participants expected to be recruited.

CASC is designed to enhance treatment outcomes by providing personalized support through video tutorials, AI advice, and CO monitoring, and the primary outcome will be the continuous abstinence rate from weeks 9-24, which is anticipated to be significantly higher than that of a control app.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Novel Smoking Cessation Smartphone App Integrated With a Mobile Carbon Monoxide Checker for Smoking Cessation Treatment: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Nomura, A., Tateno, H., Masaki, K., et al.[2020]

Out of 112 smoking cessation apps reviewed, only six were identified as high-quality and partially adhered to Australian smoking cessation treatment guidelines, indicating a lack of robust options for users.

Only two of the high-quality apps had their efficacy evaluated, highlighting the need for more research to assess the effectiveness of smoking cessation apps and ensure they provide reliable support for users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Free smoking cessation mobile apps available in Australia: a quality review and content analysis. Thornton, L., Quinn, C., Birrell, L., et al.[2022]

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a commercially available smartphone app for tobacco cessation among young adults aged 18-30 who smoke more than 5 cigarettes a day, comparing it to usual care in a hospital setting.

The study will focus on feasibility metrics such as recruitment, retention, and adherence to the app, which will inform future larger trials on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of mobile interventions for smoking cessation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tobacco cessation mobile app intervention (Just Kwit! study): protocol for a pilot randomized controlled pragmatic trial. Chu, KH., Escobar-Viera, CG., Matheny, SJ., et al.[2020]

Mobile health applications are effective tools for helping individuals change their smoking habits, as they provide counseling and motivation for smoking cessation.

The review analyzed 12 studies that highlighted four different technological approaches, demonstrating the versatility and potential of mobile devices in supporting smokers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Smoking Cessation: Services and Applications for Mobile Devices. Kefaliakos, A., Pliakos, I., Chardalias, K., et al.[2018]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7506605/

Efficacy of Smartphone Applications for Smoking Cessation

Participants assigned to the smartphone application based on ACT had 1.49 times higher odds of quitting smoking compared with the participants assigned to the ...

2.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-tobacco-use-7-2023-33a3e

Mobile App for Smoking Cessation (CoQuit Trial)

A study involving 181 participants found that most users rated the smoking cessation app QuitPal-m as very helpful, but daily usage declined over time, ...

3.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9437788/

Smoking Cessation Smartphone App Use Over Time

There were significantly higher odds of quitting smoking among 4-week users and especially among 26-week users of the iCanQuit app. To improve ...

4.

mhealth.jmir.org

mhealth.jmir.org/2022/11/e41658

Outcomes of a Comprehensive Mobile Smoking Cessation ...

Outcomes included engagement and retention, attitudes toward quitting smoking, smoking behavior, and participant feedback. The primary outcome ...

5.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460322001435

Efficacy of smartphone applications for smoking cessation ...

At 12-months, iCanQuit participants had nearly double the odds of smoking cessation compared to QuitGuide (complete-case 30-day PPA = 24% vs. 15%; OR = 1.87 95% ...

6.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39088254

Smartphone-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention (OKquit ...

This study will examine the efficacy of OKquit, a low-burden smartphone-based app for smoking cessation.

7.

jamanetwork.com

jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2770816

Efficacy of Smartphone Applications for Smoking Cessation

The self-reported 6-month abstinence rates of individuals using smartphone applications included in the Cochrane review ranged from 4% to 18%, ...

8.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04502004

Smoking Cessation in Hospitalized Patients Using an App

This study generates a new proposal for intensive intervention following the recommendations to quit smoking in hospitalized patients, providing intensive, ...

9.

nature.com

nature.com/articles/s41746-020-0243-5

A randomized controlled trial of a smoking cessation ...

Evidence of the long-term efficacy of digital therapies for smoking cessation that include a smartphone application (app) is limited.