# Mobile applications (apps) for tobacco cessation: Behaviour change potential and heuristic analysis using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS)

## TL;DR

This study evaluates mobile apps for quitting tobacco in India, finding that newer apps focused on behavior change are more effective than older ones.

## Contribution

The study identifies high-quality tobacco cessation apps in India and highlights the shift toward behavior change-focused mHealth solutions.

## Key findings

- Top-rated apps like Quitsure and Craving to Quit! scored highest on the MARS scale.
- Newer apps emphasize behavior change, while older apps focus on goal setting or substance use.
- Behavior change-focused apps offer higher quality content and functionality.

## Abstract

Given the high prevalence of tobacco use, India presents a significant challenge in tobacco control. Yet, the support received for tobacco cessation is suboptimal. Hence, the aim was to identify and heuristically evaluate ‘high-quality’ and ‘engaging’ tobacco cessation mobile apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). Also, to categorize and analyse their features with respect to engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality.

A systematic search of tobacco cessation apps was done within app stores of prominent smartphone platforms developed by Apple and Android. The following search terms: ‘quit smoking,’ ‘smoking cessation, ‘stop smoking,’ ‘smoking therapy,’ ‘quit tobacco,’ ‘cigarette cessation,’ ‘cold turkey,’ and ‘quit cigarette.’ Pearson’s correlations were used to analyse correlations between app scores (Total score app-quality/mean score) and downloads/ratings and number of downloads with the overall MARS score. A Chi-square test was performed to analyse any association between app focus and app release dates.

Total MARS scores ranged from 3.1 to 4.9. Quitsure app (4.9), Craving to Quit! app (4.8) and Stop Tobacco Mobile Trainer: Quit Smoking App (4.74) were ranked the highest according to the MARS overall mean score. Older apps focussed more on mere goal setting or substance use, as compared to behaviour change; whereas, recently developed apps are now focussing more on behaviour change.

The content and functionality of behaviour change-focused apps were of higher quality than those of other app categories. These recently developed mHealth apps can effectively supersede the traditional smoking cessation methods.