mHealth program for smokers who are unsure about quitting
Official title: Evaluation of a Novel mHealth Intervention for People Who Are Ambivalent About Quitting Smoking: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Kaiser Permanente · NCT07459621 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test two smartphone stop-smoking apps—one standard version and one with extra content for people not ready to quit—to see which better helps adults who are ambivalent about quitting smoking.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 800 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kaiser Permanente Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07459621 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) who currently smoke at least half a pack per day, are ambivalent about quitting, are not actively using cessation treatment, own and regularly use a smartphone, agree to install the app and receive study communications, and meet the study's geolocation requirements.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are already actively using cessation treatments, lack a compatible smartphone or adaptive visual devices, have contraindications to over-the-counter NRT, or have a history of dementia or psychosis are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults who smoke but are not ready to quit will be randomly assigned to one of two app-based interventions, both of which provide best-practice quitting advice and links to public stop-smoking resources. The experimental app adds tailored content designed to engage people who feel ambivalent about quitting. Outcomes include requests for additional stop-smoking resources, app engagement metrics, self-reported changes in smoking behavior, and smoking abstinence at six months. The study is conducted through the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research with remote app delivery and follow-up communications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the experimental app could better engage ambivalent smokers and increase their use of stop-smoking resources and chances of achieving abstinence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous mHealth and app-based smoking cessation studies have shown mixed but promising results for increasing quit attempts and engagement, while content specifically targeted to ambivalent smokers is less well tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age and older * Current cigarette smoker who is ambivalent about smoking * Not actively using any treatment to quit smoking * Own and regularly use a smartphone * State willingness to install and use their assigned app * Willingness to receive study communications * Smoke at least half a pack a day * Meet geolocation requirements Exclusion Criteria: * A lifetime history of dementia or psychosis * Visual impairments that prevent viewing phone content and they lack adaptive devices * Report medical contra-indications for over-the-counter NRT use * Due to the potential for bias introduced by fraudulent participants, other exclusions will be applied to deter fraudulent enrollment.
Where it's running
-
Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jennifer B McClure, PhD
- Email: jennifer.b.mcclure@kp.org
- Phone: 503-335-2400
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
High BMI and periodontitis in Thai adults under 60
This study tests how common high BMI and periodontitis are among Thai adults aged 18–59 and what factors are linked to them.
-
Omega-3s and low-dose aspirin for smokers with stage III periodontitis
In adults who smoke and have stage III periodontitis, this study tests whether adding omega-3 fatty acids and a small amount of aspirin to standard cleaning helps improve gum health.
-
Tirzepatide for Smoking Cessation in people who smoke and are overweight or obese
This study tests whether tirzepatide can help adults who smoke quit and manage weight better than placebo when combined with usual smoking-cessation support.
-
Stopping smoking before bronchoscopy or CT‑guided lung biopsy
This project tests whether offering immediate quit-smoking support and measuring nicotine markers helps people who smoke and are having a bronchoscopy or CT‑guided lung biopsy stop smoking.
-
Abuse potential of five modern oral nicotine products
This will test how five modern oral nicotine products compare with cigarettes and nicotine gum in how satisfying they feel and how much nicotine adult smokers absorb.
-
How modified-risk claims affect demand for Copenhagen and General Snus
This project will test whether new 'modified risk' claims for Copenhagen and General Snus change daily smokers' interest in trying them and how much they'd be willing to pay.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.