Developing and testing a smoking cessation app in Arabic language: A pilot randomized trial study protocol

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• High tobacco consumption rates in the Middle East necessitate region-specific smoking cessation interventions.
• Existing Arabic smoking cessation apps are often direct translations and lack cultural adaptation, limiting their effectiveness.
• Culturally insensitive digital health tools fail to address unique regional needs for smoking cessation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a culturally tailored Arabic smoking cessation mobile application, iEndSmokin (أنهيت التدخين).
• To integrate evidence-based strategies including the 5As, 5Rs, and cognitive behavioral therapy into the app.
• To provide a free, accessible, and clinically guided tool for Arabic-speaking smokers aiming to quit.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial involving 200 adult smokers willing to quit, randomized 1:1 to the iEndSmokin app or educational sessions.
• A 3-month intervention period with a 6-month follow-up, including assessments at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months.
• Intention-to-treat analysis will be employed for data evaluation.

Main Results:

• The primary outcome is 30-day point prevalence abstinence confirmed by saliva cotinine levels at 3 months.
• Secondary outcomes include 7-day point prevalence abstinence and a ≥20% reduction in smoking rate, both biochemically verified.
• Long-term smoking cessation will be assessed at the 6-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The iEndSmokin app represents a promising, low-cost approach to promote behavioral change in smoking cessation among Arabic speakers.
• The study hypothesizes that iEndSmokin will prove effective, accessible, and feasible for its target population.
• Clinical Trial Registration: NCT06766227.