A WeChat mini-program-based approach to smoking cessation behavioral interventions: Development and preliminary...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Smoking remains a significant public health issue globally.
• Digital interventions offer scalable solutions for smoking cessation.
• WeChat mini-programs present a novel platform for health interventions in China.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the WQ mini-program, a WeChat-based tool for smoking cessation behavioral interventions.
• To assess the usability, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the WQ mini-program among Chinese smokers.

Main Methods:

• The WQ mini-program was developed using behavioral change theories and expert clinical input.
• A single-arm trial involved 50 Chinese smokers and 5 software experts over 4 weeks.
• Usability and acceptability were measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS).
• Preliminary efficacy was assessed via self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA).

Main Results:

• Smokers reported high usability (SUS: 82.1 ± 13.8) and acceptability (MARS: 84.5 ± 3.3) of the WQ mini-program.
• 95.8% of smokers intended to continue using the program, and 85.4% would recommend it.
• The 4-week self-reported 7-day PPA was 50% (25/50) among participating smokers.

Conclusions:

• The WQ mini-program is a feasible and potentially effective tool for smoking cessation among Chinese smokers.
• High user satisfaction and willingness to recommend suggest strong potential for adoption.
• Further validation through randomized controlled trials is recommended to confirm efficacy.