Managing cigarette cravings using the Physical over Smoking (PoS) App: a randomized control trial

Abstract

Research evidence on smokers show that even small doses of exercise can help to manage cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The purpose of this study is to test the effects of the PoS app (developed to support quitters to manage cigarette cravings by counter suggesting short exercises) on behavioral and psychological variables. An RCT intervention program is in progress with 50 participants, equally and randomly assigned to 2 groups, with the experimental group using the PoS app as a support tool after quit day. Data are now being collected, from both groups, before quitting, after quitting and for a 6 months follow up period, assessing behavioral (number of cigarettes, number of relapses and amount of physical activity) and psychological variables (e.g.: TPB constructs for physical activity, power of control on manage cravings and cravings awareness effectiveness). Repeated measures MANOVA will be performed to compare groups and it is expected that users of the PoS app will score higher than the control group in all measures. Implications for effective health communication practice are expected to be drawn among other results.