AI-Enhanced App-based Intervention for Adolescent E-cigarette Cessation

This quasi‐experimental study aims to develop and evaluate an AI‐enhanced smartphone appdesigned to support adolescents aged 14‐20 in quitting e‐cigarettes. Given the highprevalence of e‐cigarette use among youth, this app‐based intervention focuses onproviding personalized, real‐time support for cravings and motivation to quit. The appintegrates interactive features to engage users and is designed for scalability, enablingwide‐reaching impact in various settings such as schools, clinics, and communities.Study Phases and ObjectivesPhase 1: Development and Usability Testing Phase 1 focuses on refining an existing betaversion of the app. In this formative stage, the app's design, content, and features willbe adjusted based on adolescent feedback to ensure it is user‐friendly and engaging.Participants will test the app and provide insights through usability surveys andinterviews, which will inform necessary changes.Key activities in this phase include: ‐ Gathering feedback on usability and design. ‐ Modifying app features to better meet the preferences and needs of adolescent users. ‐ Finalizing the app to meet high usability benchmarks for deployment in the nextphase.Phase 2: Clinical Feasibility Testing In Phase 2, the app's effectiveness will be testedusing a quasi‐randomized design with two groups: one group of participants will beginusing the app immediately, while the second group will start after a three‐month delay.This approach will help determine if earlier access to the intervention leads to improvedoutcomes in terms of e‐cigarette cessation.The study will assess how the app impacts participants' readiness to quit, actualquitting attempts, and ongoing motivation over time. Engagement levels with the app'sfeatures, such as real‐time craving support and AI‐driven educational modules, will alsobe tracked to evaluate the intervention's overall feasibility and appeal.App Features and PersonalizationThe app's core features include: 1. Goal Setting and Progress Tracking: Users set personal quitting goals, track theirprogress, and access daily training modules to build skills for managing cravingsand quitting. 2. Real‐Time Craving Management: The "urge" feature provides immediate support duringcravings, using mindfulness exercises and coping strategies tailored to each user'sneeds. 3. AI Chatbot Support: A chatbot offers 24/7 assistance, answering questions andproviding motivation based on users' quitting status and individual characteristics.These AI‐driven tools are customized according to user data and interactions within theapp, ensuring the intervention feels personal and responsive to each user's progress.Data Collection and Analysis Data will be collected on app usage, engagement withspecific features, and changes in e‐cigarette use over time. Analysis will include bothuser feedback and statistical evaluation of the app's impact on participants' quittingsuccess. Insights from this data will contribute to the ongoing refinement of the app andinform its potential for broader use as an adolescent‐focused e‐cigarette cessation tool.Anticipated Impact This study aims to create a user‐friendly, scalable app that leveragesAI to support adolescents in quitting e‐cigarettes effectively. If successful, thisdigital intervention could be a valuable resource for youth cessation programs and serveas a model for similar health‐related app‐based interventions.