Re-Connect App for Smoking Cessation

Overseen By Bethany Raiff, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Rowan University

Disqualifiers: Emphysema, Asthma, COPD, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

82 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a smartphone app called Re-Connect, which helps people quit smoking by restricting access to non-essential apps unless they meet specific smoking abstinence goals. The study examines the practicality and effectiveness of this approach in aiding smoking cessation. Participants are divided into two groups: one can unblock apps by submitting breath samples, while the other must meet specific smoke-free goals to unblock apps. This trial suits individuals who smoke at least 10 cigarettes a day, want to quit, and frequently use a smartphone. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods for smoking cessation.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on smoking cessation and smartphone app use, so it's best to ask the trial organizers for more details.

What prior data suggests that the Re-Connect App is safe for smoking cessation?

Research has shown that smoking cessation apps, such as the Re-Connect app, are generally safe for users. For instance, a study of the Ex-Smokers iCoach app, used by over 400,000 people in Europe, found no major safety issues. These apps typically offer personalized plans to help users quit smoking and manage cravings. Since the Re-Connect app functions similarly, it is likely safe for most users.

It is also important to note that this trial tests a digital tool, not a new drug or medical device. This generally means a lower risk of side effects compared to trials involving new medications. Overall, using an app to quit smoking is considered a safe option for most people. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Re-Connect App for smoking cessation because it offers a fresh approach by using digital incentives to encourage quitting. Unlike traditional methods like nicotine replacement therapies or prescription medications, this app leverages behavioral strategies through its unique contingency models. The Abstinent Contingent (AC) arm of the app allows users to unlock desired apps like social media or games only if they meet specific carbon monoxide goals, providing an immediate, tangible reward for staying smoke-free. Meanwhile, the Submission Contingent (SC) arm offers flexibility by allowing users to unblock apps by simply submitting carbon monoxide samples. This innovative use of technology and behavior reinforcement could make quitting smoking more engaging and personalized, increasing the chances of success.

What evidence suggests that the Re-Connect App is effective for smoking cessation?

Research has shown that smartphone apps can help people quit smoking. One study found that digital tools for quitting smoking have high success rates, with one app reporting that 56% of users quit smoking over a year. In this trial, researchers are testing the Re-Connect app in two different approaches. The Abstinent Contingent (AC) Re-Connect arm blocks access to non-essential apps unless users meet their smoking abstinence goals, verified by carbon monoxide levels. The Submission Contingent (SC) Re-Connect arm allows users to unblock their applications contingent on submitting carbon monoxide samples, independent of meeting abstinence goals. Evidence suggests that using apps like Re-Connect can effectively support efforts to quit smoking. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Bethany Raiff, PhD

Principal Investigator

Rowan University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults who have smoked at least 10 cigarettes daily for over 2 years, want to quit smoking (strong desire), can use a smartphone, and speak English. They must not have health issues like severe lung conditions or unmanaged mental health problems.

Inclusion Criteria

I strongly want to quit smoking.

I do not have any major health issues like severe lung problems or lactose intolerance.

Exclusion Criteria

My mental health condition is either not treated or has been under treatment for less than 6 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Usability and Acceptability Testing

Small focus groups and feedback sessions to gain insight into the acceptability and usability of Re-Connect, followed by single-case design studies for extended app use

12 weeks

Multiple sessions (in-person and virtual)

Randomized Control Trial (RCT)

Pilot RCT to test feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Re-Connect with two groups: Submission Contingent and Abstinent Contingent

6 months

Regular monitoring and CO sample submissions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Re-Connect

Trial Overview

The study tests two methods using smartphone apps that reward quitting smoking: one restricts app access unless you prove you're smoke-free, while the other rewards abstinence with more app features.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Abstinent Contingent (AC) Re-Connect Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will be able to unblock highly desired, but non-essential (e.g., social networking, shopping, games) applications contingent on meeting goals for smoking abstinence, as verified by meeting carbon monoxide goals (CO\<=6ppm).

Group II: Submission Contingent (SC) Re-Connect Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will also be able to unblock their applications, but contingent on submitting CO samples and independent of meeting CO goals for smoking abstinence.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Rowan University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

25

Recruited

3,000+

University of Kentucky

Collaborator

Trials

198

Recruited

224,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Among 311,567 users of the iCoach app for smoking cessation, 26,785 steady users were identified, with more intensive app use linked to higher rates of smoking cessation, improved quitting stages, and increased self-efficacy over time.

The most significant improvements in smoking-related outcomes were observed within the first 3 months of app use, particularly among older users and women, who were more likely to engage with the app intensively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of the Smoking Cessation App Ex-Smokers iCoach and Associations With Smoking-Related Outcomes Over Time in a Large Sample of European Smokers: Retrospective Observational Study. Mansour, MB., Busschers, WB., Crone, MR., et al.[2023]

Mobile health applications are effective tools for helping individuals change their smoking habits, as they provide counseling and motivation for smoking cessation.

The review analyzed 12 studies that highlighted four different technological approaches, demonstrating the versatility and potential of mobile devices in supporting smokers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Smoking Cessation: Services and Applications for Mobile Devices. Kefaliakos, A., Pliakos, I., Chardalias, K., et al.[2018]

A survey of 264 nicotine dependence treatment providers and 40 smokers revealed that most providers believe smoking cessation apps could be effective, especially if they are empirically validated, but many feel that effective apps are currently lacking.

Both groups agreed on key features for successful cessation apps, such as being free or low-cost, ensuring privacy, and adapting to individual needs, although providers prioritized privacy while smokers emphasized low cost and personalized content.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design Considerations for Smoking Cessation Apps: Feedback From Nicotine Dependence Treatment Providers and Smokers. McClure, JB., Hartzler, AL., Catz, SL.[2022]

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the 'CureApp Smoking Cessation' (CASC) app in improving smoking cessation rates among individuals with nicotine dependence, alongside a standard 12-week treatment program, with a total of 580 participants expected to be recruited.

CASC is designed to enhance treatment outcomes by providing personalized support through video tutorials, AI advice, and CO monitoring, and the primary outcome will be the continuous abstinence rate from weeks 9-24, which is anticipated to be significantly higher than that of a control app.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Novel Smoking Cessation Smartphone App Integrated With a Mobile Carbon Monoxide Checker for Smoking Cessation Treatment: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. Nomura, A., Tateno, H., Masaki, K., et al.[2020]

Out of 112 smoking cessation apps reviewed, only six were identified as high-quality and partially adhered to Australian smoking cessation treatment guidelines, indicating a lack of robust options for users.

Only two of the high-quality apps had their efficacy evaluated, highlighting the need for more research to assess the effectiveness of smoking cessation apps and ensure they provide reliable support for users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Free smoking cessation mobile apps available in Australia: a quality review and content analysis. Thornton, L., Quinn, C., Birrell, L., et al.[2022]

The Quit Sense app, designed to help smokers manage their situational cues, showed a significant increase in biochemically verified sustained abstinence rates at 6 months (11.5%) compared to usual care (2.9%), suggesting its potential effectiveness in smoking cessation.

The trial demonstrated feasibility with high engagement rates, as 75% of participants installed the app and 51% engaged for over a week, indicating that smokers are likely to use such digital interventions when offered.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Automated, Online Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial of a Just-In-Time Adaptive Intervention for Smoking Cessation (Quit Sense). Naughton, F., Hope, A., Siegele-Brown, C., et al.[2023]

Smartphone applications for smoking cessation have been shown to increase quit rates among smokers, particularly when users engage with features like audiovisual content, quit plans, and progress tracking.

While these apps can help reduce relapse rates, the effectiveness varies based on how well users adhere to the app's features, indicating that user engagement is crucial for success.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Mobile Apps for Smoking Cessation: A Review. Regmi, K., Kassim, N., Ahmad, N., et al.[2020]

A study of 252 smoking cessation apps for iPhone and 148 for Android revealed that popular apps generally have low adherence to U.S. Public Health Service guidelines, scoring an average of only 12.9 out of 42 on the Adherence Index.

None of the apps recommended calling a quitline, and only 4.1% suggested using approved medications, indicating a significant gap in evidence-based support for users trying to quit smoking.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A content analysis of popular smartphone apps for smoking cessation. Abroms, LC., Lee Westmaas, J., Bontemps-Jones, J., et al.[2022]

Out of 651 smartphone apps analyzed for smoking cessation, only 15 were focused specifically on this goal, with a majority categorized as calendars or information tools.

The evaluated apps showed a low adherence to established smoking cessation guidelines, with a mean score of only 12.8, indicating a need for improvement and the development of future apps based on evidence-based practices.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A review of smartphone apps for smoking cessation available in Portuguese. Formagini, TD., Ervilha, RR., Machado, NM., et al.[2018]

A smartphone app designed for smoking cessation effectively assessed real-time risk for smoking lapses and provided tailored messages, leading to greater reductions in smoking urges, stress, and cigarette availability among participants (N=59) over a 3-week period.

Messages specifically tailored to individual triggers, such as smoking urges and stress, were more effective in reducing those triggers compared to generic messages, suggesting that personalized interventions can enhance smoking cessation efforts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An ecological momentary intervention for smoking cessation: The associations of just-in-time, tailored messages with lapse risk factors. Hébert, ET., Stevens, EM., Frank, SG., et al.[2022]

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