mHealth Intervention for Smoking

(GEMS Trial)

This trial aims to determine which of two mHealth app-based programs better helps people change their smoking habits. Participants will use an app designed to support quitting smoking, with one version offering extra help for those not ready to quit yet. The researchers believe that the enhanced app might lead to more people seeking additional resources and reporting positive changes in their smoking behavior. Ideal candidates for this study smoke at least half a pack a day, feel unsure about quitting, and regularly use a smartphone. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could shape future smoking cessation tools.

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does require that you are not actively using any treatment to quit smoking.

Research has shown that mobile health (mHealth) apps can safely and effectively help people quit smoking. Studies have found that these apps increase the chances of quitting and promote healthier habits. For example, one study found that people using a smoking cessation app were more likely to quit smoking after using it for 4 to 26 weeks. Another study showed that apps with digital peer support led to high rates of people reporting they had quit smoking after 12 weeks.

Researchers are excited about this mHealth intervention for smoking cessation because it leverages a study-branded mobile health app, offering a fresh and accessible approach compared to traditional methods like nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications. While these conventional treatments often rely on physical products or in-person counseling, the mHealth app is designed to be used anytime and anywhere, fitting seamlessly into a user's daily routine. By combining the app with access to other publicly-available, evidence-based interventions, it provides a comprehensive and convenient support system that could enhance users' commitment and success in quitting smoking.

This trial will compare a Control Intervention with an Experimental Intervention, both using a study-branded mHealth app for smoking cessation. Research has shown that mobile apps can aid in quitting smoking. Studies have found that users of smoking cessation apps, such as the iCanQuit app, are more likely to quit, especially with prolonged use. One study found that these apps are user-friendly and well-received, offering effective support for smoking cessation. Reviews of several studies also highlight that these apps can increase the chances of quitting among smokers. Overall, evidence suggests that mobile health tools hold promise in helping people quit smoking.¹⁴⁶⁷⁸