INTRODUCTION Smartphone-based smoking cessation interventions are increasingly used around the world. However, the effects of smartphone applications on applicability and efficacy on cessation rate and prevention of relapses are not often evaluated. Therefore, this review aims to assess the evidence on effectiveness of smartphone applications as an intervention tool for smoking cessation support. METHODS We conducted the search using Ovid Medline/PubMed, CENTRAL and Scopus databases dated (January 2007-June 2016. Inclusion criteria include randomized control trials or intervention studies with mobile applications that offer smoking cessation support. Two assessors independently extracted and evaluated the data from each included study. RESULTS The review of eight selected studies illustrate the use of smartphone applications in increasing quit rates among smokers, however adherence to app features influences quit rates. Audiovisual features followed by a quit plan, tracking progress and sharing features are most accepted and utilised app features. However, inconsistency was observed in their association with abstinence or quit rate. App engagement features increase the statistical significance in the quit rate. Development of smartphone applications was supported by behavior change theories in all studies nevertheless; heterogeneous forms of intervention were adopted within studies. Similarly, reduction in relapse attributed to enhanced discussion among quitters using social media applications was observed. CONCLUSIONS Quality evidence is warranted with large sample size to measure effect size of the intervention. Future research on effectiveness and efficacy of smartphone alone and comparisons with other mHealth interventions, such as text messaging would be useful.

INTRODUCTION Smoking cessation support with smartphone applications is widely practised, however, quality and novel content is yet to be established. This study examined content, quality and compliance of the STaR (Sihat Tanpa Rokok-Healthy Without Smoking) smartphone application to smoking cessation clinical practice guidelines. METHODS Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) was applied to assess the quality of the mobile application. A total of 33 compliance assessment criteria were developed, based on the smoking cessation clinical practice guidelines adopted by the Brunei Ministry of Health and used to rate the compliance. RESULTS The STaR app has an average quality and compliance score. The mean MARS score of 3.31 and a subjective quality score of 2.50 was measured on a 5-point scale (from 1=inadequate to 5=excellent). The application contents that adhere to smoking cessation clinical practice guidelines suggest adequate adherence to the 5A (Ask, Advice, Assess, Assist, Arrange) and 5R motivational interventions (Relevance, Risks, Rewards, Roadblocks, Repetition) approach for smoking cessation. CONCLUSIONS The STaR mobile app with the integration of all components of smoking cessation clinical practice guidelines (such as 5A approach and pharmacotherapy intervention) may improve quality scores.