Method: In Phase 1 (feasibility) adults aged ≥18 years were passively recruited over 5 months by downloading the Study app via the app stores. Participants were invited to enter data about demographics, smoking behavior, stage of change and use of health-related apps. In Phase 2 (effectiveness,) the RCT app will be released in the app stores. When the app is opened for the first time, participants are asked to answer the baseline questionnaire. The app then randomizes them in blocks to the decision aid or information only sub-apps. Participants will be followed up at 4 time-points (10 days, 1 month, 3 months, and six months) to measure their smoking behavior. In addition, comparing groups in terms of informed choice, on our multidimensional measure of informed choice for smoking, at the first follow up (10 days).
Result: The total number of app downloads (after 5 months) was 451 (31% Australia and 69% Singapore), with 84% being Apple users. 140 participants of the 451 completed the questionnaire (55% Australia and 44% Singapore). There were no significant differences between countries in terms of education, operation system used, quitting attempts last year, and stage of change. Majority of participants 73% in Australia, and 61% in Singapore were ready to quit within the next 30 days. Participants that never seek professional quitting help (e.g. Quitline) were about 70% in both countries.
(Phase 2) will be commenced September 2013, results of the first follow up will be presented.
Conclusion: The study results show that the smartphone app effectively reaches smokers across a both countries who are most ready to quit and eschewing professional help. In addition to comparing the interventions effects on quitting decision and period of quitting, this project provides a new method of conducting an automated global RCT with no human intervention utilizing smartphone capabilities.
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