Smartphone Mobile Applications in Enhancing Smoking Cessation Treatment in Current Smokers

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To test the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a smartphone health application
(app), Kick Ash, which will incorporate brief behavioral activation versus (vs.) a relaxation
app, Breathe2Relax in a small randomized controlled trial of smokers with elevated depressive
symptoms.

OUTLINE: Participants are randomized to 1 of 2 groups.

GROUP I: Participants receive KickAsh smartphone mobile application designed to help the
learning of relaxation skills over 8 weeks.

GROUP II: Participants receive Breathe2Relax smartphone mobile application designed to help
improve mood and increase level of enjoyable activities over 8 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

- MD Anderson patient

- Current smoker (i.e., at least 5 cigarettes/day)

- Smoking for at least one year

- Carbon monoxide (CO) level of 5 ppm or greater, confirming smoking status

- Willing to set a quit date in the next 30 days

- Not engaged in smoking cessation treatment other than the MD Anderson Cancer Center
(MDACC) Tobacco Treatment Program

- Currently elevated depressive symptoms; (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ] 2 = or >
2)

- English speaking and ability to read and comprehend English

- Currently own an iOS mobile phone (iPhone) using iOS 9.0 or later and reports regular
use (at least weekly) of at least 1 iOS app

Exclusion Criteria:

- Any medical or psychiatric condition, illness, disorder, or concomitant medication
that could compromise participant safety or treatment, as determined by the principal
investigator or collaborator

- Subject considered by the investigator an unsuitable candidate for receipt of a
smoking cessation treatment or unstable to be followed up throughout the entire
duration of the study