QuitGuide

Description:

The QuitGuide app is based on the content and structure of the Smokefree.gov website. The content of the app is presented in four sections: 1) "Thinking About Quitting" - which focusses on clarifying the motivations behind the quit attempt. Information and facts about smoking are provided to inform this process, 2) "Preparing to Quit" - where users are prompted to develop a personalised quit plan with specific goals, 3) "Quitting" - focusses on building skills to deal with cravings, and 4) "Staying Quit" - which covers how to maintain the progress made in the quit attempt in the long run, including how to deal with relapses and resurgent cravings. The app tracks progress, including mood and cravings, and provides messages to keep users motivated. 

Service URL:

https://smokefree.gov/tools-tips/apps/quitguide

Agency Responsible:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute.

Mobile Platforms:

Apple and Android.

Details

Format:

Smartphone Application.

Intervention Type:

Educational (primarily educational material or psychoeducation). and motivational messages and skills training

Course Structure:

No Set Course. Can create personalised quit plan

Course Length:

Other. No set length

Support Option:

Automated only.

Target Audience

Primary Category:

Smoking.

Target Audience:

Adult.

Language:

English.

Access

Mobile platforms:

Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mmgct.quitguide2&hl=en_AU

Apple:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/quitguide-quit-smoking/id411766556?mt=8

Fee:

Free.

Access:

Open: No registration required.

Contact Details:

smokefreeteam@icfi.com

Research evidence

Research Trials:

1

Research RCTs:

0

Outcome Summary:

QuitGuide was tested in a study (1) with N=196, which compared its effectiveness to that of another smoking cessation app. Participants in the QuitGuide group had a quit rate of 8%, though when excluding participants who accessed other programs during the trial reduced this number to 5%. This provides some evidence that QuitGuide can be successful in aiding quit attempts for some people. 

Recommended rating, reviewer 1:

Recommended rating, reviewer 2:

Read more about Beacon's Smiley Rating System.

Research paper citations

(1) Bricker, J. B., Mull, K. E., Kientz, J. A., Vilardaga, R., Mercer, L. D., Akioka, K. J., & Heffner, J. L. (2014). Randomized, controlled pilot trial of a smartphone app for smoking cessation using acceptance and commitment therapy. Drug & Alcohol Dependence, 143, 87-94.