The Contribution of Digital Treatment to Efforts to Reduce Global Tobacco Use

Abstract

This article explores the role of digital tools (apps, text messages, artificial intelligence) in helping people quit smoking worldwide, highlighting their potential to reduce costs and improve access to treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources are limited. Digital interventions, such as mobile applications or text messages, can reach a wide audience at low cost (e.g., £0.07 per user for an application used by one million people). Studies show that messaging interventions increase smoking cessation rates by 3 to 4 percentage points (from 6% to about 9%), with similar results in LMICs and wealthy countries. However, the effectiveness of apps remains poorly evaluated, particularly in LMICs, and their uptake is low (less than 10% of smokers attempting to quit use them). Popular apps are not always evidence-based, and their quality varies greatly. Innovations such as real-time adaptive interventions (based on AI or sensors) and chatbots offer promising prospects, but still lack robust data. To maximise the impact of digital tools, it is crucial to: promote access to scientifically validated applications, strengthen research, supervise their development and raise awareness among users.