WeQuit: Pilot Results for a Couple-Based Smoking Cessation Web App

Area of Science:

• Digital Health Interventions
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Couple-based smoking cessation interventions are more effective than individual approaches but often require costly in-person sessions.
• There is a need for more affordable and accessible smoking cessation options for couples.
• The WeQuit web-app was developed to address this gap, offering a digital, couple-focused solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a couple-based web-application, WeQuit, for smoking cessation.
• To pilot-test the feasibility and acceptability of the WeQuit app among couples.
• To assess the preliminary effects of WeQuit on smoking-related and relational variables.

Main Methods:

• WeQuit was developed based on Family Systems theory, incorporating communal coping, smoking-system fit, and ironic processes.
• Feasibility was assessed through app completion rates and engagement time.
• Acceptability was measured using usability and satisfaction scales, while preliminary effects were evaluated by changes in smoking and relationship dynamics.

Main Results:

• Forty couples completed the WeQuit program, with high engagement rates (77.5% completed >50% of the program).
• The app was highly rated for usability (87.0%) and usefulness (80.0%), with users feeling confident in developing quit plans (80.0%).
• Significant improvements were observed in positive partner support (p<.001), particularly among those who successfully quit smoking, who also showed improved dyadic efficacy (p=.006).

Conclusions:

• The theory-guided, couple-based WeQuit web-app demonstrates potential for enhancing smoking cessation among couples.
• The app's feasibility and acceptability suggest it is a viable tool for supporting cessation efforts.
• Further research, including a large pilot trial, is warranted to confirm WeQuit's effectiveness in achieving smoking cessation outcomes.