Helping people who are unsure about quitting smoking through a mobile app
Official title: Evaluation of a Novel mHealth Intervention for People Who Are Ambivalent About Quitting Smoking: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-10936438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly mobile app called GEMS that helps adults who are unsure about quitting smoking by offering fun exercises and support to think about quitting when they're ready.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $707,367 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA293229-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who currently smoke but are not actively seeking to quit.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already committed to quitting smoking or those who do not smoke will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a mobile health app designed to assist adults who are ambivalent about quitting smoking. The app, named GEMS, offers a series of self-guided exercises that aim to engage users, motivate them to consider quitting, and connect them to evidence-based treatments when they are ready. By focusing on the unique needs of individuals who are not actively seeking to quit, this intervention seeks to provide a low-cost and scalable solution to reduce smoking prevalence. Participants will be involved in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, accessible tool for individuals who are hesitant to quit smoking, potentially leading to higher rates of smoking cessation.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using mobile health interventions for smoking cessation, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcclure, Jennifer B — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Mcclure, Jennifer B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Novel mobile tool to help people ambivalent about quitting smoking
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This study is testing a friendly mobile app called Learn to Quit, which helps people with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to stop smoking by using helpful techniques and support.
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A digital app to help American Indians and Alaska Natives quit smoking
This study is testing a smartphone app that helps American Indians and Alaska Natives quit smoking by offering support and resources based on proven techniques, and it's designed to make it easier for them to overcome challenges in stopping smoking.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.