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