StepOne: An Interactive Smartphone Application to Motivate Smokers to Quit

OHSN-REB #20220696-01H

This innovative study, led by Dr. Hassan Mir and his team at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, explores the use of a smartphone application to motivate smokers who are not interested in quitting to increase their readiness to quit and make quit attempts. The trial focuses on addressing a critical gap in smoking cessation efforts by targeting smokers in the pre-action stage of behaviour change.

The 14-day interactive smartphone application incorporates features like daily reminders, gamification, and behaviour change models to engage users and encourage reflection on their smoking habits. Participants will be randomized into two groups: an intervention group using the app and a control group receiving usual care (educational brochures and brief counselling). Outcomes such as readiness to quit, quit attempts, and smoking abstinence will be measured at 30 days and six months post-intervention.

With a planned sample size of 382 participants, this study aims to provide robust evidence on the effectiveness of digital health interventions in reaching hard-to-engage populations. Supported by the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, this research aligns with Canada’s goal to reduce smoking prevalence to less than 5% by 2035. By leveraging digital technology and behavioural science, this project could significantly impact public health and smoking-related morbidity and mortality.