Using smartphone messages to help young adults quit smoking
Official title: Testing the Impact of Smartphone-based Messaging to Support Young Adult Smoking Cessation
Run by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health · NCT05836103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if smartphone messages based on therapy techniques can help young adults quit smoking by reducing their urges and changing their smoking habits.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 22, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05836103 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18 to 30 who smoke regularly and are planning to quit within the next month.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not own a smartphone or are not planning to quit smoking may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research evaluates the effectiveness of smartphone-based messaging interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness/acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to support smoking cessation among young adults. Participants will first track their smoking urges in real-time for 14 days, identifying high-risk situations for smoking. Following this, they will receive tailored messages triggered by their location for 30 days, aimed at reducing smoking urges and changing smoking behavior over time. The study compares the efficacy of CBT and ACT messages against control messages to assess their impact on smoking urges and behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide young adults with effective, real-time support to reduce smoking urges and improve cessation rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using technology-based interventions for smoking cessation, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. live in the U.S. 2. read English; 3. are between 18 and 30 years of age; 4. own an iPhone or Android smartphone; 5. have smoked ≥100 cigarettes in their lives and currently smoke at least 3 cigarettes per day on 5 or more days of the week; 6. are planning to quit smoking within the next 30 days. Exclusion Criteria: * None
Where it's running
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Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Johannes Thrul, PhD — Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Johannes Thrul, PhD
- Email: jthrul@jhu.edu
- Phone: 410-502-0925
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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.