Smoking Cessation Apps for People with Schizophrenia: How Feasible Are m-Health Approaches?

Abstract

Background: The large health disparities among those diagnosed with schizophrenia urgently need to be addressed. These disparities are partially caused by adverse health behaviours such as smoking. Smoking cessation apps vary in efficacy across various populations, and there are concerns regarding the accessibility and usability of apps for people with schizophrenia. Objective: This review identifies and examines the feasibility of using apps for smoking cessation in people with schizophrenia. Methods: A non-systematic narrative literature review of smoking cessation apps for individuals with schizophrenia was performed. Results: Eight studies were included in this review. Conclusion: Smoking cessation apps can be acceptable and feasible, but may need to be tailored to the needs of people with schizophrenia. Key messages: (1) Smoking cessation apps could be acceptable and feasible for use in people with schizophrenia; (2) Lack of motivation was perceived as the main potential barrier with regard to people with schizophrenia engaging with smoking cessation apps; (3) In order to improve motivation of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, apps could include games, rewards, and/or social support; (4) Smoking cessation apps with a simple interface seem to be beneficial for this population; (5) Apps may need to be tailored to consider this population’s mental health needs.

Determinants of the Mobile Health Continuance Intention of Elders with Chronic Diseases: An Integrated Framework of ECM-ISC and UTAUT

“…Results suggest that mHealth interventions are effective in improving cancer patients’ physical activities and diet. Sawyer et al [ 32 ] research shows that mHealth smoking cessation apps can be feasible and acceptable. Additionally, Mamom and Daovsan [ 33 ] evaluate telenursing for caregivers to prevent and treat pressure injury in bedridden patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.…”

The Impact of Digital Health on Smoking Cessation

“…By analyzing results among different groups of patients, overall, studies have demonstrated that smoking cessation apps are feasible for use among people diagnosed with mental illness, especially those with a high score on the System Usability Scale [ 37 ]—a reliable tool for measuring the ease of use of a wide variety of products and services, including hardware, software, mobile devices, websites, and applications. However, it appears clearly that apps designed specifically for patients with schizophrenia or other mental illnesses may be more accessible and user-friendly [ 38 ], emphasizing the importance of end user involvement in app development.…”

The role of human involvement and support in digital mental health interventions for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a critical review

“…More recently, app-based approaches have also been well received among this population for self-management of lifestyle behaviours (e.g. nutrition habits [14] and smoking [15]), as well as more complex outcomes (e.g. cognition [16 ▪▪ ,17] and social functioning [18]).…”