[Guideline-based digital smoking cessation with computer, tablet or smartphone]. / Leitlinienbasierte digitale Tabakentwöhnung mit PC, Tablet oder Smartphone.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco smoking is related with a substantial morbidity and mortality as well as with tremendous socioeconomic burden. Therefore, an early successful smoking cessation bears an enormous medical and socioeconomic importance. The gold standard of smoking cessation, a combination of behavioral und pharmacologic therapy reaches only few smokers every year and so, guideline-based, low-threshold and broadly available digital cessation support could considerably increase the annual cessation rate. With the digital cessation program "Nichtraucherhelden" such a guideline-based program is available in Germany since December 2016. METHODS: The program consists of 2 preparation days and 10 program days und contains the major features of common smoking cessation courses. The present study examined the participants from December 2016 to November 2019 (n = 2491) regarding acceptance, adherence and effectivity. 69 % were female and the average age was 46 years. RESULTS: On average cessation was attained after 19 days. One year after the program a cessation rate of 15 % was achieved. Surprisingly, the cessation rate was higher in more addictive compared to less addictive participants. CONCLUSION: The study shows that a digital guideline-based cessation program is feasible and effectual. For confirmation a control and randomized study is required.