Effectiveness of a Digital Peer-Supported App Intervention in Promoting Smoking Cessations: Nonrandomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Smoking cessation is a global health priority.
• Peer support interventions enhance abstinence rates.
• Effectiveness of digital peer support apps combined with nicotine gum for working populations remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if a digital peer-supported app enhances nicotine gum's effectiveness for smoking cessation.
• To assess 12-week smoking abstinence rates in working smokers using the app plus gum versus gum alone.

Main Methods:

• A nonrandomized trial included working smokers in Japan using smartphones.
• Participants self-selected into either a digital peer-supported app + nicotine gum group or a nicotine gum-only control group.
• Logistic regression analyzed smoking cessation, adjusting for covariates; app engagement was also assessed.

Main Results:

• The digital peer-supported app + nicotine gum group achieved a significantly higher 12-week abstinence rate (59.2%) than the gum-only group (38.7%).
• The adjusted odds ratio for smoking cessation was 2.41, demonstrating a significant positive impact of digital peer support.
• Increased app usage duration and posting frequency correlated positively with cessation success.

Conclusions:

• Combining a digital peer-supported app with nicotine gum significantly improves smoking cessation outcomes in working populations.
• This study offers preliminary evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of integrated group-based digital peer support in smoking cessation programs.