Innovative Smoking Cessation App with Real-Time Support Significantly Boosts Quitting Success in Clinical Trial

Despite a notable decline in smoking rates across the United States over the past sixty years, tobacco use remains disproportionately high among low-income populations, contributing to ongoing health disparities. Recent research from the University of Oklahoma highlights the potential of a smartphone application that offers personalized, real-time support to aid smoking cessation efforts. The clinical trial, published in JAMA Network Open, demonstrated that users of this app nearly doubled their chances of quitting smoking compared to traditional app-based methods.

The study compared two mobile health tools: Smart-T, an adaptive app developed by OU researchers, and QuitGuide, a static application from the National Cancer Institute. Smart-T distinguishes itself by continuously assessing users' risk factors for smoking—such as cravings, stress, and environmental cues—and delivering tailored prompts throughout the day. Conversely, QuitGuide primarily provides tracking features and tips for resisting urges without personalized interaction.

Results showed that after six months, participants using Smart-T were almost twice as likely to have successfully stopped smoking compared to those using QuitGuide. Moreover, Smart-T users engaged more with the app, found it more helpful, and were more inclined to seek additional nicotine replacement therapies like patches or gum.

Lead researcher Dr. Emily Hébert emphasized that Smart-T functions as a portable tobacco cessation counselor, especially valuable for individuals facing barriers to in-person counseling, such as transportation issues or busy schedules. The trial enrolled 454 low-income smokers from across the U.S., randomly assigning them to either app. Smart-T’s innovative feature involved prompting users multiple times daily to report on their cravings, environmental influences, and mood, with the app generating personalized risk assessments and responses—ranging from breathing exercises to nicotine therapy suggestions.

The study used biochemical verification through breath carbon monoxide levels and facial recognition technology to ensure accurate tracking of smoking status, marking a pioneering approach in mobile health research. Following promising initial results, the researchers plan to test Smart-T on larger populations with longer follow-up periods.

Hébert concluded that while not suitable for everyone, low-cost, accessible smartphone interventions like Smart-T could offer an effective and convenient pathway for low-income adults to quit smoking, advancing the broader goal of inclusive tobacco cessation strategies.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-cessation-app-real-clinical-trial.html