Quitting smoking holds essential health benefits; however, abstaining in the attempt often remains challenging, with a lot of the efforts reverting to smoking. There is a growing necessity for innovative and evidence-based approaches toward helping prevent the return to smoking.
Recent research led by the University of Bristol has developed a smartwatch-based system to help individuals quit smoking. The system is based on passive monitoring for detecting smoking behavior and offers just-in-time support to help maintain smoke-free living.
In this feasibility study, the researchers created software that used the smartwatch’s motion sensor to determine the unique hand movements related to smoking. Once a lapse in smoking was detected, the smartwatch issued a timely message reminding the individual to stay abstinent.
The two-week pilot trial was conducted with 18 people who were keen on quitting smoking. Every participant wore an Android smartwatch loaded with custom-made software throughout the trial period.
Participants reported that the smartwatch intervention increased their awareness of smoking habits. This awareness helped them identify and interrupt automatic behaviors, ultimately motivating them to stay committed to their quit attempts.
The results showed that using a smartwatch as a platform for relapse prevention and just-in-time behavioral support was practical and acceptable to most participants, with 66% (12 out of 18) expressing positive feedback.
This study is the first to create a standalone smartwatch-based just-in-time intervention for smoking relapse prevention, which does not require pairing with a smartphone.
Chris Stone, Senior Research Associate in Wearable Technology Application Development at Bristol’s Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group and the Integrative Cancer Epidemiology Programme (ICEP), highlighted the potential impact of this approach:
“For individuals trying to quit smoking, an initial lapse is a critical moment that can lead to a full relapse. Smartwatches are well-liked, and the idea of receiving a timely message when a lapse occurs resonates with users. If we can detect the lapse and deliver an intervention at precisely the right moment, we can enhance the chances of a successful quit attempt.”
Chris Stone elaborated on the project’s goals:
“In this project, we aimed to leverage the latest advancements in intervention design, delivering it in a convenient wearable package that minimizes user burden while maximizing engagement with behavior change. Our goal is to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Alizée Froguel, Cancer Research UK’s Prevention Policy Manager, emphasized the broader context:
“Smoking is the leading cause of cancer in the UK, and quitting entirely is the best decision for your health. This study highlights the potential of smartwatches to support smoking cessation, but further research is needed to determine their effectiveness.”
“There are many resources available to help people quit smoking, and accessing support through your free local stop smoking service offers the best chance of success. To build a smoke-free future, the UK government must ensure cessation services are sustainably funded and accessible to everyone.”
Journal Reference:
- Chris Stone et al. Presenting and evaluating a smartwatch-based intervention for smoking relapse (StopWatch): feasibility and acceptability study. JMIR Formative Research. DOI: 10.2196/56999
