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A content analysis of free smoking cessation mobile applications in the USA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 April 2019

JuHan Lee ,
Jesse Dallery ,
Antonio Laracuente ,
Ifeoma Ibe ,
Samantha Joseph ,
Jinhai Huo  and
Ramzi G. Salloum
JuHan Lee
Affiliation:
Department of Health Education and Behavior, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
Jesse Dallery
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida,Gainesville, FL, USA
Antonio Laracuente
Affiliation:
Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
Ifeoma Ibe
Affiliation:
Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
Samantha Joseph
Affiliation:
Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
Jinhai Huo
Affiliation:
Department of Health Services Research, Management & Policy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
Ramzi G. Salloum*
Affiliation:
Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
*
Author for correspondence: Ramzi G. Salloum, E-mail: rsalloum@ufl.edu
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Abstract

Aims

To evaluate the quality and content of free smoking cessation apps and assess their adherence to the US Public Health Service guideline for treating tobacco use and dependence.

Methods

In total 180 apps were downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store in January 2018; the top-ranking 30 apps were retrieved for the search terms: ‘smoking cessation’, ‘quit smoking’, ‘stop smoking’. Technical quality was rated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) and by assessing other characteristics, behavioral change strategies and adherence to the 5As.

Results/findings

A total 67 free-to-download apps were identified for full review (n = 40 from the Apple App Store and n = 27 from the Google Play Store). The average MARS score was 16.2/19.0: Engagement (3.3/5.0), Functionality (4.4/5.0), Aesthetics (4.0/5.0), and Information (2.6/5.0). Overall, 43 apps allowed sharing, 12 allowed for an app community, and five required a password. The following features were observed: assessment (n = 51), feedback (n = 38), information/education (n = 45), monitoring (n = 52), and goal setting (n = 23). Significant differences were found among apps adhering to the 5As: Ask (n = 44), Advise (n = 54), Assess (n = 30), Assist (n = 62), and Arrange (n = 0).

Conclusions

Given the growth in smoking cessation apps, future efforts should focus on improving their technical quality and adherence to the 5As.

Keywords

Mobile applicationsmoking cessation
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Smoking Cessation , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , December 2019 , pp. 195 - 202
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2019 Published by Cambridge University Press 

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