Acceptability and compliance with a remote monitoring system to track smoking and abstinence among young smokers. (3rd September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McClure, Erin A.; Tomko, Rachel L.; Carpenter, Matthew J.; Treiber, Frank A.; Gray, Kevin M.
• Is Part Of: American journal of drug and alcohol abuse. Volume 44:Number 5(2018:Sep.)
• Page Start: 561
• Page End: 570
• Publication Date: 2018-09-03
• Subjects: Technology -- smoking -- tobacco -- mobile health -- remote monitoring -- adolescents -- youth; Drug abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Substance-abuse -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Substance-Related Disorders -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2018.1467431
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0095-2990

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Similar to adult smokers, quit attempts among younger smokers almost inevitably result in relapse. Unlike adults, less is known about the process of relapse in this younger age group. A technology-based remote monitoring system may allow for detailed and accurate characterization of smoking and abstinence and would help to improve cessation strategies. Objectives : This study describes a mobile system that captures smoking using breath carbon monoxide (CO) and real-time self-reports of smoking behavior. Compliance, feasibility, acceptability, and accuracy of the system were measured during a quit attempt and subsequent monitoring period. Methods : The mobile application (My Mobile Monitor, M 3 ) combined breath CO with ecological momentary assessment, delivered via smartphone. Participants ( N = 16; 75% female) were daily smokers between the ages of 19 and 25, who used the app for 11 days during which they agreed to make a quit attempt. Acceptability, compliance, and abstinence were measured. Results : Participants averaged 22.3 ± 2.0 years old and smoked an average of 13.0 ± 6.1 cigarettes per day. Overall session compliance was 69% and during the quit attempt, 56% of participants abstained from smoking for at least 24 hours. Agreement between self-reported smoking compared to breath CO was generally high, when available for comparison, though underreporting of cigarettes was likely. Conclusion : This study demonstrates feasibility of a remote monitoring app with younger smokers, though improvements to promote compliance are needed. Remote monitoring to detect smoking and abstinence represents a step forward in the improvement of cessation strategies, but user experience and personalization are vital.