Associations between Nicotine Dependence, Smartphone Usage Patterns, and Expected Compliance with a Smoking Cessation Application among Smokers

Abstract

Objectives Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease. However, smokers have shown poor compliance with smoking cessation clinics. Smartphone applications present a promising opportunity to improve this compliance. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nicotine dependence, smartphone usage patterns, and anticipated compliance with a smoking cessation application among smokers, with the goal of informing future development of such applications. Methods A total of 53 current smokers were surveyed using a questionnaire. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Variables included the number of hours spent using a phone, willingness to quit smoking, number of previous quit attempts, desired number of text messages about smoking cessation, expected duration of application usage, and FTND scores. Kendall’s partial correlation, adjusted for age, was employed for the analysis. Results The amount of time smokers spent on their mobile devices was negatively correlated with the number of smoking cessation text messages they wanted to receive (τ coefficient = −0.210, p = 0.026) and the duration they intended to use the cessation application (τ coefficient = −0.260, p = 0.006). Conversely, the number of desired text messages was positively correlated with the intended duration of application usage (τ coefficient = 0.366, p = 0.00012). Conclusions Smokers who spent more time on their mobile devices tended to prefer using the cessation application for shorter periods, whereas those who desired more text messages about smoking cessation were more inclined to use the application for longer durations.

Keywords

• tobacco use disorder
• surveys and questionnaires
• smoking cessation
• smartphone
• mobile applications