JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital therapies, especially smartphone applications (app) for active and continuous smoking cessation support are strongly emerging as an alternative smoking cessation therapy. In the Indian context, there is a growing interest in the utilization of app-based smoking cessation programs; however, there is limited evidence regarding their effectiveness in achieving long-term continuous abstinence. Digital therapies especially smartphone applications (app) for active and continuous smoking cessation support are strongly emerging as an alternative smoking cessation therapy. In the Indian context, there is a growing interest in the utilization of app-based smoking cessation programs; however, there is limited evidence regarding their effectiveness in achieving long-term continuous abstinence.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term abstinence effect (up to 30 days abstinence post programme completion) of a smartphone app, QuitSure Smoking Cessation in active smokers from India.

Methods:

In this prospective single-arm study, participants visiting QuitSure app were enrolled in the study. The primary endpoint was a Prolonged Abstinence (p.a.) Rate from weeks 1 to 4 (Day 7 to Day 30). Furthermore, data for withdrawal symptoms, relapse reasons, and reasons for not continuing the program were also assessed.

Results:

The quit rate was calculated considering only the participants who followed-up and completed the survey sent to them (Per Protocol) at Day-7 and at Day-30 respectively. The p.a. at 7-Day period was found to be 64.53% (111/172; 95% CI = 56% to 72%) the p.a. at 30-Day was found to be 55.81% (72/129, 95% CI = 45% to 65%). About 60% (67/111) of the participants did not have any withdrawal symptoms at the 7-day abstinence period. The most common mild withdrawal symptoms were mild sleep disturbance (18.92%, 21/111), mild digestive changes (17.12%, 19/111), and coughing (15.31%, 17/111). Severe withdrawal symptoms were rare, with only 5% experiencing them. For those achieving 30-day post-program abstinence (n=72), 84.73% (61/72) had no mild withdrawal symptoms, and 98.63% had no severe withdrawal symptoms. Among successful quitters at Day-7 (80/111), 72.07% reported minimal to no cravings, which increased to 87.5% at Day-30 (63/72). Furthermore, 77.98% of those with prolonged abstinence at Day-30 reported no change in weight or reduced weight (56/72). Among participants experiencing relapse (n=58), 48.27% (28/58) cited intense cravings, 27.58% (16/58) mentioned facing a tragedy, and 25.86% (15/58) reported relapsing due to alcohol consumption. The Prolonged Abstinence Rates as a result of the QuitSure program were found to be better than those reported in the results of other smoking-cessation app programmes studies. Conclusions The QuitSure application yields prolonged abstinence rates and ameliorate symptoms associated with smoking cessation. In order to obtain conclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness and efficacy of the QuitSure program, future research should include appropriate control measures. Nevertheless, the QuitSure program can be served as a valuable adjunct to a conventional smoking cessation treatment program t

Conclusions:

The quit rate was calculated considering only the participants who followed-up and completed the survey sent to them (Per Protocol) at Day-7 and at Day-30 respectively. The p.a. at 7-Day period was found to be 64.53% (111/172; 95% CI = 56% to 72%) the p.a. at 30-Day was found to be 55.81% (72/129, 95% CI = 45% to 65%). About 60% (67/111) of the participants did not have any withdrawal symptoms at the 7-day abstinence period. The most common mild withdrawal symptoms were mild sleep disturbance (18.92%, 21/111), mild digestive changes (17.12%, 19/111), and coughing (15.31%, 17/111). Severe withdrawal symptoms were rare, with only 5% experiencing them. For those achieving 30-day post-program abstinence (n=72), 84.73% (61/72) had no mild withdrawal symptoms, and 98.63% had no severe withdrawal symptoms. Among successful quitters at Day-7 (80/111), 72.07% reported minimal to no cravings, which increased to 87.5% at Day-30 (63/72). Furthermore, 77.98% of those with prolonged abstinence at Day-30 reported no change in weight or reduced weight (56/72). Among participants experiencing relapse (n=58), 48.27% (28/58) cited intense cravings, 27.58% (16/58) mentioned facing a tragedy, and 25.86% (15/58) reported relapsing due to alcohol consumption. The Prolonged Abstinence Rates as a result of the QuitSure program were found to be better than those reported in the results of other smoking-cessation app programmes studies. Conclusions The QuitSure application yields prolonged abstinence rates and ameliorate symptoms associated with smoking cessation. In order to obtain conclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness and efficacy of the QuitSure program, future research should include appropriate control measures. Nevertheless, the QuitSure program can be served as a valuable adjunct to a conventional smoking cessation treatment programs.