CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
‘Facing a problem? Don’t reach for the stick!’ mobile application designed to help quit smoking
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National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
 
 
Publication date: 2022-07-05
 
 
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2022;8(Supplement):A95
 
ABSTRACT
Background:
The advances in information technology provide new opportunities for health professionals to reach patients in new areas and interfaces. One such area is the mobile application, which also helps in patient education and in facilitating behavior change.

Objective:
This app is designed to help smokers stay motivated in quitting by providing an overview of how their health improves and shows how much money they have saved since the last cigarette. It helps to change behavior with practical advice and self-monitoring. In January 2022, a new 21-day quit challenge module was added to the app.

Methods:
Registration is just a few steps away. It can also be used by customers who are not yet motivated enough. The program employs cognitive behavioral therapy-based behavior modification that helps one observe and gain control over one’s actions while trying to quit. The app provides more health education, keeps you motivated, informs you about the possibility of pharmacotherapy, and pays attention to relapse prevention. It also offers games and tips designed to discourage smoking and motivate users to quit.

Results:
The app has been downloaded more than ten thousand times in recent years. Currently, it is running on 2914 devices in Hungary. The evaluation of the 21-day challenge is based on the responses to the questionnaires (k1: 873 and k2: 658) but we get very little feedback after 13 days (k3: 16) and at the end of the program (k4: 2).

Conclusions:
In recent years, a plethora of new tools and equipment, which also carry false messages have emerged to persuade people to adopt harmful behaviors such as smoking, but fortunately, technical possibilities can also help healthcare professionals provide information and practical help to patients. This option can be an alive and well-used form of support for patients who want to quit in addition to the options that already exist.

 
CITATIONS (1):
1.
The history of smoking cessation support in Hungary: A narrative review
Zsuzsa Cselkó, Judit Tisza, Márta Fényes
Tobacco Prevention & Cessation
 
eISSN:2459-3087
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