Smoking Cessation Apps: A Systematic Review of Format, Outcomes, and Features

María Barroso-Hurtado, Daniel Suárez-Castro, Carmela Martínez-Vispo, Elisardo Becoña and Ana López-Durán
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María Barroso-Hurtado: Smoking and Addictive Disorders Unit, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Daniel Suárez-Castro: Smoking and Addictive Disorders Unit, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Carmela Martínez-Vispo: Smoking and Addictive Disorders Unit, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Elisardo Becoña: Smoking and Addictive Disorders Unit, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Ana López-Durán: Smoking and Addictive Disorders Unit, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-18

Abstract: Smoking cessation interventions are effective, but they are not easily accessible for all treatment-seeking smokers. Mobile health (mHealth) apps have been used in recent years to overcome some of these limitations. Smoking cessation apps can be used in combination with a face-to-face intervention (FFSC-Apps), or alone as general apps (GSC-Apps). The aims of this review were (1) to examine the effects of FFSC-Apps and GSC-Apps on abstinence, tobacco use, and relapse rates; and (2) to describe their features. A systematic review was conducted following the internationally Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Of the total 6016 studies screened, 24 were included, of which nine used GSC-Apps and 15 FFSC-Apps. Eight studies reported significant differences between conditions in smoking cessation outcomes, with three of them being in favor of the use of apps, and two between different point-assessments. Concerning Apps features, most GSC-Apps included self-tracking and setting a quit plan, whereas most of the FFSC-Apps included self-tracking and carbon monoxide (CO) measures. Smartphone apps for smoking cessation could be promising tools. However, more research with an adequate methodological quality is needed to determine its effect. Nevertheless, smartphone apps’ high availability and attractiveness represent a great opportunity to reach large populations.

Keywords: smoking cessation; mHealth; smartphone; mobile phone; digital health; systematic review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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