Health
Quit Sense: The AI-Powered App Revolutionizing Smoking Cessation Efforts
If you’re a smoker trying to quit, you may have tried various methods, from nicotine patches to behavioral therapy. However, a new mobile app called Quit Sense may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Developed by the University of East Anglia, Quit Sense is the first app to use artificial intelligence (AI) and location sensing technology to help users quit smoking.
The app has the ability to detect when users enter a location where they used to smoke and offer tailored support to manage their smoking triggers. By providing personalized assistance in real-time, Quit Sense aims to empower users to overcome environmental cues that may prompt them to smoke.
A recent study showed that the app was significantly more effective in aiding smokers to quit compared to those who only received online support from the National Health Service (NHS). The app’s approach of helping individuals learn about and effectively manage trigger situations is a promising method to improve the success rate of smoking cessation efforts. By providing real-time support and tailored strategies for dealing with triggers, the app aims to enhance a smoker’s ability to quit successfully.
The app uses machine learning to gather information about the timing, locations, and triggers of past smoking events, and then utilizes this data to determine when and what messages to display to users in real-time to assist them in managing their urges to smoke. This personalized and adaptive approach allows the app to offer tailored support to users precisely when they need it the most.
The study involved 209 smokers who were recruited via social media. Participants were provided with a link to the NHS online stop smoking support, while half of them also received access to the Quit Sense app as an additional intervention. After six months, participants were requested to complete follow-up measures online, and those who claimed to have quit smoking were asked to submit a saliva sample to verify their abstinence from smoking.
During the study, it was observed that 75% of the smokers offered the Quit Sense app installed it on their smartphones. Among those who initiated a quit attempt with the app, the average duration of usage was approximately one month. This indicates a substantial uptake of the app among the study participants, suggesting that the Quit Sense app is feasible and engaging for smokers who are attempting to quit.
While the study results were promising, there were some limitations to consider. Less than half of the participants who claimed to have quit smoking returned a saliva sample to verify their abstinence, which could affect the accuracy of the findings. Additionally, the study was conducted on a relatively small scale. Therefore, further research is needed to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the app’s effectiveness in supporting smoking cessation.
In conclusion, Quit Sense offers a promising approach to smoking cessation, providing personalized and adaptive support to help individuals quit smoking successfully. By identifying and managing trigger situations, the app has the potential to significantly improve the success rates of smoking cessation efforts. While further research is needed, the initial study results are promising, and the app is poised to become a valuable tool in helping smokers quit and achieve their goal of becoming smoke-free.
https://www.newswise.com/articles/how-ai-and-a-mobile-phone-app-could-help-you-quit-smoking?sc=sphn