Outcomes and Device Usage for Fully Automated Internet Interventions Designed for a Smartphone or Personal Computer:...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health Interventions
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Most internet-based smoking cessation programs are designed for nonmobile devices like computers.
• Few interventions are specifically developed for mobile devices such as smartphones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the effectiveness and usage patterns of two internet-based smoking cessation interventions.
• Compare a mobile-specific intervention (MobileQuit) with a nonmobile-optimized intervention (QuitOnline).

Main Methods:

• 1271 smokers were randomized to either MobileQuit or QuitOnline.
• Interventions differed in device optimization, features (text messaging), and information architecture.
• Primary outcomes included self-reported smoking abstinence at 3 and 6 months; usage data was collected.

Main Results:

• MobileQuit showed significantly higher abstinence rates at 3 months and combined 3/6 months compared to QuitOnline.
• Participants found both programs usable and helpful, but MobileQuit users visited more frequently.
• MobileQuit usage was predominantly on mobile devices, while QuitOnline saw significant use on mobile devices despite its design.

Conclusions:

• Intervention design optimized for smartphones is more effective than traditional nonmobile-focused internet approaches for smoking cessation.
• Future internet interventions should be responsive across multiple devices and incorporate features like text messaging.
• A unified, responsive web app approach with cross-device data sharing and notifications is recommended.