Abstract C095: A quality review and content analysis of mobile applications for smoking cessation

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Mobile applications (apps) for smoking cessation promise to increase access to and uptake of smoking cessation services. However, limited information exists on the quality and content of available apps in this category. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the quality and content of free smoking-cessation mobile apps and examine whether they adhered to US Public Health Service Guideline for treating tobacco use and dependence. Methods: A purposive sample of 180 apps was downloaded from the App Store (Apple) and the Google Play Store in January 2018. The top-ranking 30 apps were retrieved for 3 smoking cessation-related search terms (“smoking cessation,” “quit smoking,” “stop smoking”) from the App Store and Google Play. Two reviewers independently coded each app. The technical quality of the included apps was rated using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), which includes five domains: Engagement (fun, interesting, customizable,), Functionality (easy to learn, navigation), Aesthetics (graphic design, overall visual appeal), and Information (e.g., text, feedback, measures, refences). Apps were also reviewed for other technical characteristics (e.g., allows sharing, app community, and password protection), behavioral change strategies (e.g., assessment, feedback) and whether they adhered to the US Public Health Service's 5As (i.e., Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange). Results: After removing duplicates and apps that were not free to download, 69 apps were identified for full review (41 from the App Store and 28 from the Google Play Store). Across these apps, the average score for MARS was 14.0/19, distributed as follows: Engagement (2.8/5), Functionality (4/5), Aesthetics (4/5), and Information (3/5). Among the 69 included apps, 45 allowed sharing, 15 allowed for an app community, and 6 required a password. The following features were included as follows: assessment (52), feedback (44), information/education (46), monitoring (52), and goal setting (28). The 5As features were included as follows: Ask (44), Advise (2), Assess (2), Assist (2), and Arrange (0). Conclusions: Given the growing availability of smoking-cessation apps as potential cessation aides, future efforts should focus on improving the technical quality of these apps and the adherence to evidence-based guidelines for treating tobacco use and dependence. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Ifeoma Ibe, Antonio Laracuente, Samantha Joseph, Jinhai Huo, Ramzi Salloum. A quality review and content analysis of mobile applications for smoking cessation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr C095.