Smoking Cessation Apps and Technology Acceptance Factors: Focusing on the Sense2Quit Application.

Abstract

Background: Cigarette smoking remains a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, with significant health and economic consequences. Mobile health (mHealth) applications such as Sense2Quit, which integrate advanced technologies (e.g., smart watch-based detection of smoking gestures) and leverage technology acceptance theories (TAM, TPB, UTAUT), have emerged as innovative tools for smoking cessation.

Methods: This study employed a Meta-synthesis of 38 studies retrieved from reputable databases to evaluate factors influencing app acceptance at individual organizational and supra-organizational levels. The research adopted an interpretive-critical meta-synthesis approach, following the methodological framework established by Sandelowski and Barroso. Thematic coding was simultaneously applied to extract emerging concepts from qualitative data. The data extraction and coding were performed manually through dual researcher consensus to ensure rigorous interpretation of qualitative content, particularly given the limited number of eligible studies.

Findings: Findings revealed that Sense2Quit excels in high-accuracy detection of smoking gestures, personalized interventions (e.g., progress tracking, Cognitive-behavioral exercises, and social support), and user-centered design, particularly among high-risk populations such as people living with HIV (PWH). Key acceptance factors included perceived usefulness, ease of use, intrinsic motivation (aligned with SDT), and technological infrastructure compatibility.

Conclusion: However, challenges such as limited digital literacy among older adults and chronic patients and socio-economic barriers in developing countries were identified. Proposed solutions include localized user interfaces, collaboration with local institutions, and policy reforms. Ultimately, Sense2Quit exemplifies how blending technical innovation with community-specific interventions can enhance smoking cessation efforts, while underscoring the need to address contextual challenges and strengthen digital infrastructure for broader public health impact.