Use of Mobile Technologies for Smoking Cessation Among Smokers and Former Smokers: Systematic Review
Abstract
Abstract Background In an era of widespread mobile phone usage, digital public health interventions offer a new cost-effective way of improving public health. In the context of smoking cessation, studies indicate that mobile technologies have the potential to support individuals to quit smoking. However, there is no systematic synthesis of how often they are used by smokers and former smokers. Objective The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of mobile technology use for smoking cessation among smokers and former smokers and to examine their intention to use. Methods MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo were searched from inception to February 13, 2025. Studies were eligible if they reported how often smokers and former smokers in high-income countries used mobile technologies for smoking or vaping cessation. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for prevalence studies. Data synthesis was conducted narratively. Results Twenty-seven cross-sectional studies were included, 25 on smoking and 2 on vaping cessation. The 25 studies on smoking cessation collected data between 2005 and 2024 and comprised 117 to 27,323 participants (mean age 19.9‐50.3 years; n=8). Lifetime prevalences of mobile technology use for smoking cessation ranged between 2.5% and 35.9% (n=8), depending on technology type and population. Period prevalences (0%‐12%; n=4) and point prevalences (1.1%‐10.9%; n=11) were generally lower. Regardless of the prevalence type, the…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 27,323 participants or records.
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