Usability of a digital mindfulness training program for smoking cessation: A mixed-method single-center pilot study...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Mindfulness-based interventions
• Smoking cessation

Background:

• Tobacco use remains a primary cause of preventable disease and death globally.
• Current smoking cessation treatments have limited long-term success rates.
• There is a need for enhanced interventions to improve tobacco use disorder treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the usability and acceptability of a digital mindfulness-based intervention.
• To complement standard smoking cessation treatment and potentiate its effects.
• To refine the intervention based on user feedback before larger trials.

Main Methods:

• A single-center mixed-method trial involving 60 adults with tobacco use disorder.
• Participants receive nicotine replacement therapy and use an eHealth app with an 8-week mindfulness program.
• Usability assessed via Mobile App Rating Scale; acceptability via usage frequency; co-construction via focus groups.

Main Results:

• The study protocol is described, focusing on the methodology for assessing the digital intervention.
• Data collection on usability and acceptability is planned.
• Participant feedback will guide app refinement.

Conclusions:

• This pilot trial will explore the app's usability and acceptability.
• Adjustments will be made to the app's content and functionality.
• Findings will inform a larger randomized controlled trial to assess efficacy in enhancing smoking cessation.