JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Black adults have a disproportionately high prevalence of tobacco- and obesity-related diseases, partly due to disparities in smoking cessation and achieving adequate physical activity. Multiple health behavior change (MHBC) interventions can efficiently target both smoking and physical activity through a combination of educational, motivational, and support strategies. Smartphone-based MHBC interventions, with their broad reach and capacity for remote behavioral support, offer a promising approach.

Objective:

This study aims to assess the feasibility of adding an incentivized physical activity intervention to a smartphone-based incentivized smoking cessation intervention among Black adults.

Methods:

Sixty Black adults will be randomly assigned to HealthyCells (incentives for smoking abstinence only) or HealthyCells+ (incentives for smoking abstinence and daily step counts). Both groups will receive standard tobacco treatment (counseling and nicotine replacement therapy) and will use study-provided smartphones, smartwatches, and portable carbon monoxide (CO) monitors for 9 weeks (1-week pre-quit through 8th week post-quit). Data will be collected via REDCap surveys, smartphone surveys, and semi-structured interviews.

Results:

Primary outcomes include CO-verified 7-day smoking abstinence at the 8th week post-quit and changes in daily step count between the pre-quit week and the 8th week post-quit.

Conclusions:

This study advances health equity for Black adults and lays the groundwork for effective MHBC interventions to reduce chronic disease risk in this and other high-risk populations. Clinical Trial: NCT05188287