Novel mobile tool to help people ambivalent about quitting smoking
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-11396514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A smartphone app trial helps adults who aren’t ready to quit smoking to engage with proven cessation support and move toward quitting.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,837,800 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA293229-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396514 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older who smoke and are ambivalent about quitting.
✕Less likely to help
People who are already committed to quitting or who do not use mobile apps may see little benefit.
What this research studies
This trial tests a mobile health app called GEMS that delivers self-guided, theory-based exercises to adults who smoke and feel ambivalent about quitting. Participants are randomly assigned to use the app versus a control condition, with follow-up over time to see if engagement leads to reduced smoking or increased use of evidence-based treatments. The study builds on prior digital smoking-cessation work and emphasizes scalable, low-cost delivery that could reach many smokers. The trial aims to connect ambivalent individuals with available treatments when they’re ready to quit and to support them through the quitting process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the app could provide a scalable way to reduce smoking rates among people who are not yet ready to quit.
How similar studies have gone: Previous digital-therapy approaches have shown promise, but this study tests a novel, theory-based mHealth intervention in a real-world ambivalent-smoking population.
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
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Helping people who are unsure about quitting smoking through a mobile app
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.
-
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.