Feasibility of a Smoking Cessation Smartphone App (Quit with US) for Young Adult Smokers: A Single Arm, Pre-Post Study

Abstract

While smartphone applications (apps) have been shown to enhance success with smoking cessation, no study has been conducted among young adult smokers aged 18–24 years in Thailand. Quit with US was developed based on the 5 A’s model and self-efficacy theory. This single arm, pre-post study was conducted aiming to assess results after using Quit with US for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was a biochemically verified 7-day point prevalence of smoking abstinence. The secondary outcomes included smoking behaviors, knowledge and attitudes toward smoking and smoking cessation, and satisfaction and confidence in the smartphone app. A total number of 19 young adult smokers were included; most participants were males (68.4%) with the mean (SD) age of 20.42 (1.46) years. After 4 weeks of study, the primary outcome demonstrated a smoking cessation rate of 31.6%. All 19 participants expressed better smoking behaviors and better knowledge and attitudes toward smoking and smoking cessation. Further, they were satisfied with the smartphone app design and content and expressed confidence in using it. These findings provided preliminary evidence that Quit with US was found to be a potentially effective smoking cessation smartphone app for young adult smokers.

Smartphone Application for Smoking Cessation (Quit with US): A Randomized Controlled Trial among Young Adult Light Smokers in Thailand

“…Additional information of the smartphone apps’ design and development was described in detail elsewhere [ 32 ]. Briefly, Quit with US was intentionally invented in Thai for iOS and Android operating systems to encourage smoking cessation.…”

“…In addition, use of Quit with US outcome was assessed by only participants in the intervention group at the 12-week follow-up. Information regarding the questionnaire development was described in detail elsewhere [ 32 ].…”

“…Combining the benefits of smartphone apps for smoking cessation with age-appropriate technology, Quit with US, a novel smartphone app, was intentionally invented in Thailand to encourage young adult smokers (18 to 24 years) to achieve smoking cessation [ 32 ]. The invention of the smartphone app adhered to guidelines for smoking cessation treatment that particularly concentrated on the 5A’s model along with self-efficacy theory.…”

“…Recently, a single arm, pre-post study assessed preliminary results across a comprehensive range of outcome measures after using Quit with US for four weeks [ 32 ]. The findings demonstrated that the smartphone app possibly benefited promoting smoking cessation and improved smoking behaviors as well as knowledge and attitudes toward smoking and smoking cessation.…”

Shared Decision-Making Model for Adolescent Smoking Cessation: Pilot Cohort Study

“…These studies did not mention shared decision making; however, similar concepts and strategies could be taken into consideration. Two studies regarding adolescent smoking cessation using text message and smartphone apps showed a positive effect and a cessation rate of 31% using an interactive, supportive, self-motivating design, which are important features [18,19]. A recent systematic review highlighted the principles and effectiveness of multiple behavioral interventions and personalized counseling, which are also important in our SDM model [17].…”