Abstract
Background
While smartphone apps for smoking cessation have shown promise for combustible cigarette smoking cessation, their efficacy in helping dual users of combustible and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to quit cigarettes remains unknown. This study utilized data from a randomized trial to determine if an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based app (iCanQuit) was more efficacious than a US Clinical Practice Guidelines-based app (QuitGuide) for combustible cigarette smoking cessation among 575 dual users.
Methods
The primary cessation outcome was self-reported, complete-case 30-day abstinence from combustible cigarettes at 12 months. Logistic regression assessed the interaction between dual use and treatment arm on the primary outcome in the full trial sample (N = 2,415). We then compared the primary outcome between arms among dual users (iCanQuit: n = 297; QuitGuide: n = 178). Mediation analyses were conducted to explore mechanisms of action of the intervention: acceptance of cues to smoke and app engagement. Results: There was an interaction between dual use of combustible and e-cigarettes and treatment arm on the primary outcome (p = 0.001). Among dual users, 12-month abstinence from cigarettes did not differ between arms (23% for iCanQuit vs. 27% for QuitGuide, p = 0.40). Mediation analysis revealed a significant positive indirect effect of the iCanQuit app on 12-month abstinence from cigarettes through acceptance of emotions that cue smoking (p = 0.004).
Conclusions
Findings from this study of dual users of combustible and e-cigarettes showed no evidence of a difference in quit rates between arms. Acceptance of emotions that cue smoking is a potential mechanism contributing to cigarette smoking abstinence among dual users.
Acknowledgments
We appreciate the tireless contributions of the entire study staff, most notably, Eric Meier, Eric Strand, Carolyn Ehret, Alanna Boynton, the design services of Ayogo, Inc., and the development services of Moby, Inc. We are very appreciative of the study participants.
Declaration of interest
None of the authors have a financial interest in the iCanQuit application.
Data availability statement
The code for the data analysis underlying this article will be shared on reasonable request to Jonathan B. Bricker at [email protected].