The Use of Smoking Cessation Applications in China: A Realist Evaluation

Mobile applications (apps) have emerged as promising tools for smoking cessation, though limited research has explored how these apps work. This study employed a realist evaluation approach to develop programme theories that explain how, why and under which circumstances smoking cessation apps work. Initial programme theories (IPTs) were formulated and tested and subsequently refined. The refined programme theories can be useful resources for app developers to design smoking cessation apps that better meet user needs in their pursuit to quit smoking.