Abstract
BackgroundYoung adults with serious mental illness are over twice as likely to have tobacco use disorder than those in the general population and are less likely to utilize proven treatment methods during quit attempts. However, little research has evaluated the efficacy of interventions for this group. Smartphone apps may be an underutilized tool for tobacco use disorder among young adults with serious mental illness.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore attitudes toward smoking cessation apps and preferences regarding app design in young adult smokers with serious mental illness.MethodsFive focus groups involving 25- to 35-year-old adults with serious mental illness receiving treatment at a community mental health center were conducted between May 2019 and August 2019. Three researchers independently coded transcripts and identified themes using thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants (n=22) were individuals who smoke daily: 10 (46%) self-identified as female, 18 (82%) self-identified as White, and 9 (41%) had psychotic disorders. Key themes that emerged included a general interest in using health apps; a desire for apps to provide ongoing motivation during a quit attempt via social support, progress tracking, and rewards; a desire for apps to provide distraction from smoking; concerns about app effectiveness due to a lack of external accountability; and concerns that apps could trigger cravings or smoking behavior by mentioning cigarettes or the act of smoking.ConclusionsApps have the potential to support smoking cessation or reduction efforts among young adults with serious mental illness. However, they may require tailoring, optimization, and clinical support to effectively promote cessation in this population.
Highlights
IntroductionPeople with serious mental illness (disabling mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders) are more likely to develop tobacco use disorders and are less likely to quit smoking than those in the general population, even when using recommended cessation interventions [1,2,3]
People with serious mental illness are more likely to develop tobacco use disorders and are less likely to quit smoking than those in the general population, even when using recommended cessation interventions [1,2,3]
In our previous research [25], we found that young adults with serious mental illness, in contrast to middle-aged adults with serious mental illness, were less likely to initiate evidence-based tobacco use disorder treatment after education or standard motivational interviewing, suggesting that more appealing approaches to treatment are needed for this group
Summary
People with serious mental illness (disabling mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders) are more likely to develop tobacco use disorders and are less likely to quit smoking than those in the general population, even when using recommended cessation interventions [1,2,3]. Pharmacologic therapies are safe and effective for people with psychiatric illnesses [3,11,15,16,17], behavioral interventions are needed to teach cessation skills, provide education about the safety and efficacy of smoking cessation medications, and support mental health. Young adults with serious mental illness are over twice as likely to have tobacco use disorder than those in the general population and are less likely to utilize proven treatment methods during quit attempts. Smartphone apps may be an underutilized tool for tobacco use disorder among young adults with serious mental illness
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