Testing a Novel Smartphone Application for Smoking Cessation With the Oklahoma Helpline

Over 470,000 tobacco users have been served by the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (OTH). The OTH reaches a substantial number of smokers each year, but follow-up rates are notoriously low and many smokers may prefer smartphone-based smoking cessation interventions rather than web- or phone-based OTH programming (e.g., counseling). Highly flexible and low burden technology-based treatment approaches may overcome barriers that have limited the use and effectiveness of traditional smoking cessation treatments among underserved adult smokers (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities, rural residence, low socioeconomic status). This study is a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the feasibility and initial efficacy of an innovative, evidence-based smoking cessation app tailored for smokers that contact the OTH for services. A total of 500 treatment-seeking men and women will be randomly assigned to receive either Standard Helpline Care plus brief (30 second) daily check-ins and weekly smartphone-based surveys through the Insight app (SC) or SC plus the OKquit smoking cessation app (OKq). All participants will receive standard Helpline services (e.g., nicotine replacement therapy), but only the OKq group will receive on-demand content and tailored messages through the app. All participants will be followed for 27 weeks after they are randomized to an intervention group and complete smartphone-based survey assessments. Participants that report smoking abstinence during the 26-week EMA will be sent a low-cost carbon monoxide monitor to verify smoking status.