Presenting and Evaluating a Smartwatch-Based Intervention for Smoking Relapse (StopWatch): Feasibility and...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Behavioral science
• Smoking cessation research

Background:

• Maintaining smoking abstinence is challenging, with high relapse rates necessitating innovative relapse prevention strategies.
• Current methods often lack real-time support, highlighting the need for evidence-based, accessible interventions.
• A smartwatch-based system offers a platform for passive detection and just-in-time intervention delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of delivering just-in-time smoking cessation support via a smartwatch.
• To assess the acceptability of the "StopWatch" intervention among individuals attempting to quit smoking.
• To gather user feedback on a novel smartwatch-based relapse prevention system.

Main Methods:

• The "StopWatch" intervention was developed using a person-based approach, incorporating user feedback.
• An algorithm analyzed smartwatch motion sensor data to detect hand-to-mouth movements indicative of smoking.
• Intervention messages, co-designed with smokers, were delivered directly to the smartwatch screen.

Main Results:

• Participants reported increased smoking awareness and motivation to quit due to the smartwatch intervention.
• The system-generated messages were perceived as relevant and timely by most users.
• Challenges included battery life impacting adherence and device bulkiness/notification style affecting acceptability.

Conclusions:

• The smartwatch-based smoking relapse prevention intervention is feasible and acceptable to a majority of users (66%).
• Physical limitations of the smartwatch, such as battery capacity and device size, pose risks to adherence and detection accuracy.
• Further research is recommended, including a longer-term efficacy trial to validate the intervention's effectiveness.