A proof-of-concept trial of a smoking cessation and anxiety sensitivity reduction smartphone application for Black adults

Abstract

Black persons who smoke are recognized as a smoking health disparity group and face higher rates of tobacco-related disease and morbidity. These disparities result from, in part, exposure to minority-related stress, which results in lower rates of quit success. Anxiety sensitivity (AS), which refers to the fear of stress, is associated with lower rates of cessation and impedes quit success among Black adults who smoke. The current study evaluated the feasibility, utilization, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a smoking cessation and AS reduction smartphone application for Black adults with elevated AS who smoke (The Mobile Anxiety Sensitivity Program for Smoking [MASP]). Participants (N = 24; 62.50% female; M_age = 47.83 years, SD = 9.32) participated in a 6-week trial of MASP. Retention was 83.33% at the 6-week follow-up and MASP utilization was high, with all features used by most participants. Participants reported that MASP was acceptable and 25% of participants reported 7-day point-prevalence abstinence, demonstrating strong utility and impact potential. Results also indicated a statistically significant reduction in AS from baseline to follow-up (p = .003, Cohen's d=.76). Black persons who smoke with AS may benefit from an accessible, adaptive app with culturally tailored treatment that addressed AS in the context of smoking cessation.

Keywords: Black adults; Smoking cessation; anxiety sensitivity; culturally tailored; smartphone app.