Comparison of utility of tobacco cessation mobile applications with regard to Indian scenario

Abstract

The study was aimed to determineperceptions and reviews of the currently available tobacco cessation mobile applications (apps) by online and on-field surveys. In Phase I, the most commonly used tobacco cessation applications with the highest rating from Google Play Store were selected. The most relevant, positive and critical reviews of these apps were recorded. In Phase II, tobacco users with smart phone & internet connectivity and ready to give verbal consent were included in the study. The same apps were allocated to the study participants. At the end of the 2nd week of app use, the participants were subjected to a questionnaire for feedback on liked, disliked & most used features, frequency of app use, utility, expectations, and suggestions for app. The selected apps were QuitNow, Smoke Free, Quit Tracker, Stop Smoking – EasyQuit and Quit Smoking – SSC. The positive responses in Phase I were customer support, tracking statistics, reward system, craving management, user friendliness, and informative. The negative responses were lacking customer support, less user friendly, pushing for in-app purchases. In phase II, 40 tobacco users were included. 8 study participants were allocated for each app. The liked features were time, health & money, tracking, and gaming feature. The disliked features were advertisements (adds) and language barriers. The suggestions/expectations of study participants were removal of adds, user-friendliness, craving management, and local language. Our research compared and analysed few of the most used tobacco cessation applications used by millions of users but still could not find an ideal tool to deliver the aid for tobacco cessation through the mHealth approach. Use of pros & unique features and mitigation of cons may prove helpful for increasing compliance. An approach should be taken to understand more of the user's perspective and expectations rather than seeing it as a commercial opportunity.