Tobacco control via quick response code and mobile health technologies: Empirical-evidence of the health belief model theory

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Among the 1.1 billion global smokers about 80% of them live in developing countries, and nearly 7 million of those smokers will die by 2030, including 2 million-plus in China alone. China produces and consumes about one-third of global tobacco products, which affects nearly 80% of China's total population. Currently, largely-applied programs can aid in saving millions of Chinese citizens from tobacco menaces. Two of such programs are the WHO MPOWER and FCTC programs on tobacco control. OBJECTIVE: This study proposes the assimilation and conjoint uses of quick response code (QRC) and mobile health (mHealth) technologies to aid smokers in cessation by improving their health beliefs. The study is also viable to estimate the likelihood that smokers will cut/quit smoking due to their changes in health beliefs. METHODS: Since digital technologies play a crucial role in health-care education, ergo, we programmed anti-tobacco QR codes and mHealth application, the conjoint uses of both these two tools aim to improve smokers' comprehension of tobacco perils and assist them to overcome their perceived barriers related to cessation and attain the perceived benefits of quitting. The health belief model theory was adopted and 600 English-speaking students were recruited as a convenient sample of participants in this study. RESULTS:The obtained results suggest that both printing the proposed anti-tobacco codes on cigarette packaging and adoption of mHealth can assist experts in improving the health beliefs of smokers towards smoking-cessation acceptance. CONCLUSION: This study will aid experts as technology compliance in accordance with the WHO MPOWER and FCTC programs on tobacco control in China.

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