Psychology-Based Mobile Apps Triple Smoking Cessation Success in Spain

A recent study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine reveals that mobile applications grounded in psychological principles are three times more effective at helping individuals quit smoking compared to minimal support methods. These apps increase short-term abstinence rates by 36% at three months and show enhanced long-term abstinence at six months, making them a promising tool in Spain's fight against tobacco-related health issues.

Tobacco causes over 50,000 deaths annually in Spain due to conditions such as heart attacks and lung cancer. Despite a decline in smoking rates from 32% in 2001 to 20% in 2020, smoking remains a significant health challenge alongside cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which account for more than half of all deaths nationwide. Importantly, 25% of deaths are linked to behavioral risks, underscoring the need for effective cessation tools.

Carlos Jiménez, a key expert cited in the study, supports the use of these mobile apps but notes their accessibility is often limited to wealthier individuals. He stresses that long-term success is best evaluated at 12 months and advocates combining psychological support with pharmacological treatments. He also highlights that many patients attempt quitting without medical consultation; thus, apps provide a versatile and accessible support platform. Furthermore, advancements in artificial intelligence might enhance the efficacy of these digital tools in the near future.

While the evidence quality is moderated by high dropout rates and reliance on self-reported data without biochemical verification, this innovative approach offers a significant boost in quitting smoking efforts in Spain's aging population, where tobacco-related mortality remains a pressing public health issue.