JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mobile health (mHealth) interventions show promise in supporting tobacco cessation. However, Black adults who use tobacco products are not well represented in mHealth studies for tobacco cessation and their preferred features of mHealth apps are not well known. Identifying types of mHealth app features for tobacco cessation preferred by Black adults is critical to developing a culturally adapted app, with increased uptake by the target population.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to identify features of mHealth apps for smoking cessation that appeal to Black adults who use tobacco products.

Methods:

A comprehensive list of features of mHealth apps for tobacco cessation was developed based on previous research and a review of existing mHealth literature. Through a content analysis, this list was divided into subgroups and used to develop a focus group guide. Eligible focus group participants included people who reported current use of a tobacco product, identified as being African American or Black, and were 21 years old or older. Participants discussed their opinions about different app features, including what features they felt would increase the use of an app by Black adults. We conducted a thematic content analysis of resulting transcripts.

Results:

Forty adults aged 21 – 69 years old (mean age of 43 years) participated in the eight focus groups. Four central themes emerged: 1) Participants wanted representation and inclusivity through personalization and featuring people with similar lived experiences; 2) Participants desired the app to feature a diversity of experiences rather than solely focusing on racial identity or excessive targeting of the Black community; 3) Participants desired accountability through trusted connections and app tracking capability; and 4) Encouragement and motivation were more salient incentives than monetary rewards.

Conclusions:

Black people who use tobacco products prefer a tobacco cessation app with features that are inclusive, relatable, supportive and motivating. These findings can serve as the groundwork for the development of a mHealth app that will appeal to Black adults, potentially increasing app use, successful cessation and increased health equity.