Smoking rates in the United States have seen a significant decline over the past few decades. However, the prevalence of smoking remains high among individuals with lower incomes, leading to health disparities. In an effort to combat this issue, researchers at the University of Oklahoma conducted a clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of a smartphone app in helping low-income individuals quit smoking.
The study, recently published in JAMA Network Open, compared two different tobacco cessation apps: Smart-T, developed by OU researchers, and QuitGuide, a product of the National Cancer Institute. Smart-T is a dynamic app that provides real-time, tailored messages based on users’ smoking risk factors throughout the day. On the other hand, QuitGuide is a static app that allows users to track cravings and offers tips for resisting the urge to smoke.
After six months of using the apps, participants who used Smart-T were nearly twice as likely to have quit smoking compared to those who used QuitGuide. Dr. Emily Hébert, the lead author of the study and a member of the TSET Health Promotion Research Center at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, emphasized the importance of Smart-T as a convenient and effective tool for smoking cessation.
Smart-T functions as a virtual tobacco cessation counselor, delivering prompts to users throughout the day to assess their smoking urges, stress levels, mood, and other risk factors. Based on their responses, the app generates a personalized risk score and provides tailored messages to help users manage their cravings. Participants in the trial were also provided with nicotine replacement therapy to support their quit attempts.
One of the innovative aspects of the study was the use of facial recognition software to verify participants’ smoking status biochemically. This method, combined with the carbon monoxide measurements from a device connected to the phone, ensured accurate data collection regarding participants’ smoking habits.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to conduct larger-scale studies across the United States to further evaluate the effectiveness of Smart-T in helping individuals quit smoking. The ultimate goal is to provide a cost-effective and easily accessible solution for low-income adults seeking to quit smoking.
In conclusion, the results of this clinical trial highlight the potential of smartphone apps like Smart-T to significantly increase smoking cessation rates among low-income populations. By leveraging technology to deliver real-time support and personalized interventions, these apps offer a promising solution to reduce health disparities associated with smoking.
