Tudor-Sfetea C, Rabee R, Najim M, et al. (2018). Evaluation of two mobile health apps in the context of smoking cessation: Qualitative study of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus non-CBT-based digital solutions. JMIR mHealth and uHealth. 6(4): e98. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.9405
Researchers recruited 29 people who smoke and randomized them to use a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based app (Quit Genius) or an app offered by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (Smokefree) for 1 week. After 1 week, participants were interviewed about perceptions of their app and completed assessments of willingness to recommend their app, motivation to quit, and smoking behavior after 1 week. Researchers thematically analyzed interviews and calculated descriptive statistics from assessments. Quit Genius frames cessation as a 4-stage journey with achievements and challenges and utilizes self-reflection, cognitive restructuring, coping skill development, problem solving, and mindfulness. Smokefree involves daily support messages, progress badges, a savings calculator, and tailored advice. Participants found Quit Genius helpful and engaging. Some participants disliked the relapse identification, social media sharing, and savings calculator features of Smokefree. Interactive features improved engagement, but were lacking in Smokefree. Participants enjoyed personalized features in both apps. Both apps were visually appealing, but there was insufficient guidance for navigating Smokefree. Smokefree provided users with information they already knew. In comparison, Quit Genius users found the information novel and helpful. Quit Genius users felt more confident and motivated and wanted to continue using the app. Smokefree users felt the app had little impact. Participants suggested both apps include more interactive features. More Quit Genius users increased motivation to quit and decreased cigarettes smoked per day after 1 week than Smokefree users and were more likely to recommend their app to a peer, though researchers did not assess statistical significance.