Behavioral Activation Mobile App to Motivate Smokers to Quit: Feasibility and Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Behavioral psychology
• Smoking cessation research

Background:

• Behavioral activation (BA) is an evidence-based depression treatment promoting engagement in values-based activities.
• Depressed mood negatively impacts smoking cessation success.
• Mobile applications offer a platform for delivering behavioral interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a mobile app utilizing BA for smoking cessation.
• To assess the app's ability to motivate smokers not ready to quit.
• To integrate motivational messages and track smoking, mood, and activity engagement.

Main Methods:

• Adult smokers (N=56) unmotivated to quit within 30 days were recruited.
• Participants were randomized to an 8-week BA mobile app intervention or a control group receiving cessation resources.
• Intervention included values-based activities, motivational messages, and feedback; assessments were conducted via web or app.

Main Results:

• High recruitment feasibility (86%) and participant satisfaction (80% recommendation rate) were observed.
• The BA app demonstrated high engagement (96% planned activities) even in high-risk smokers.
• Trends indicated increased quit motivation and confidence in the BA app group, with 16% setting a quit date versus 4% in controls.

Conclusions:

• A mobile app intervention using BA can effectively engage unmotivated smokers by addressing mood management.
• The intervention shows initial support for its theoretical constructs and feasibility in a trial setting.
• Further efficacy testing in a powered trial is warranted to confirm smoking cessation outcomes.