Exploring the potential of a smartphone application (“FreshStart”) for tobacco cessation: A feasibility and acceptability study from India

Introduction: Tobacco use is a significant health burden, particularly in India. Smartphone applications potentially offer a scalable solution for tobacco cessation. This pilot study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, usage, and satisfaction of “FreshStart,” a newly developed smartphone application for tobacco cessation among Indian adults seeking to quit smoking. Methods: A quasi-experimental, single-group pre–post intervention study was conducted from January to June 2024. Participants ( n = 56), aged 18–50, were recruited online and used the “FreshStart” app for 30 days. The app includes motivational tools, educational resources, and interactive challenges. Primary outcomes were changes in cigarettes smoked daily and intention to quit. Results: The mean age of participants was 28.1 years, and 83.9% were male. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the intention to quit smoking with the median intention score increasing from 9 (5–10) at baseline to 9 (7–10) ( P < 0.001) at endline. The number of cigarettes smoked per day also significantly reduced, from 5 (4–7.25) at baseline to 4 (3–6) ( P < 0.001) at endline. Participants demonstrated notable engagement with the app, and user satisfaction was generally high, with most reporting being extremely or very satisfied. Conclusions: The “FreshStart” app is feasible and acceptable for initiating tobacco cessation. The significant positive changes in quit intention and reduced cigarette consumption, along with high user engagement, indicates merit for large scale evaluation.