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A Review of Android Apps for Smoking Cessation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 February 2014

Melanie E. Bennett ,
Kristin Toffey ,
Faith Dickerson ,
Seth Himelhoch ,
Emily Katsafanas  and
Christina L.G. Savage
Melanie E. Bennett*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD VISN 5 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Baltimore, MD
Kristin Toffey
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Faith Dickerson
Affiliation:
Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD
Seth Himelhoch
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD VISN 5 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Baltimore, MD
Emily Katsafanas
Affiliation:
Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD
Christina L.G. Savage
Affiliation:
Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD
*
Address for Correspondence: Melanie E. Bennett, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 737 W. Lombard Street, Suite 551, Baltimore, MD21201. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Introduction: The use of applications (apps) on smartphones and tablet devices is a fast growing component of health behaviour change efforts, including smoking cessation. While the content and utility of iPhone apps for smoking cessation have been systematically reviewed, Android apps have not been examined.

Aims: This study reviewed and evaluated free Android apps for smoking cessation available for download from Google Play and Amazon's USA homepage in January 2013.

Methods: Apps were reviewed; those targeting smoking cessation were identified and examined to ensure that they targeted tobacco smoking and were focused on quitting. Remaining apps were independently rated by three reviewers for 24 clinical strategies for smoking cessation. Results: Overall, 284 free apps were identified using the search terms ‘quit smoking’, ‘smoking cessation’, and ‘stop smoking’; 113 apps that targeted smoking cessation were downloaded for further review. Of these, 21 targeted tobacco smoking and were focused on quitting. These apps had moderate to low ratings for the 24 strategies, indicating that they lacked several of the most helpful strategies for quitting smoking. The apps were strongest in helping users track the number of cigarettes smoked. None connected users to on-line sources of support, referred users to smoking cessation counselling, or recommended the use of nicotine replacement therapies.

Conclusions: While Android apps for smoking cessation have some strengths, they would benefit from incorporating a broader range of strategies for helping people quit smoking.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Smoking Cessation , Volume 10 , Issue 2 , December 2015 , pp. 106 - 115
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Australian Academic Press Pty Ltd 2014 

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