NCT05836103 · Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Testing the Impact of Smartphone-based Messaging to Support Young Adult Smoking Cessation
What this study is about
Clinical practice guidelines for smoking cessation emphasize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients develop coping strategies for urges. Mindfulness or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offer a different approach, which teaches smokers psychological flexibility through accepting negative experiences.
View original scientific description
Clinical practice guidelines for smoking cessation emphasize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients develop coping strategies for urges. Mindfulness or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offer a different approach, which teaches smokers psychological flexibility through accepting negative experiences. While there is evidence for the efficacy of both CBT and Mindfulness/ACT smoking cessation interventions, it is unclear if these approaches are efficacious when implemented in real-time and with young adults. The overall goal of this proposal is to evaluate the efficacy of CBT and Mindfulness/ACT messages for young adults targeted at specific high-risk situations for smoking.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Smartphone-based intervention messages
Intervention messages in the proposed trial will address specific high-risk situations for smoking and smoking urges. Messages will focus on two key situational triggers for message matching: 1. Stress (high/low) and 2. Presence of other smokers (yes/no). For each situation, characterized by a combination of these characteristics, several messages were developed. To improve user engagement with the intervention, all messages contain visual content in form of pictures.
Primary outcome measures
Change in smoking urge as assessed by a single item
Time frame: 15 minutes after message delivery
The primary outcome will be change in participants' rating of smoking urge in EMA-post surveys, prompted 15 minutes after intervention message delivery, and controlling for the ratings in EMA-pre surveys. Urge will be assessed by a single item on a 5-point scale, ranging from 1 (very low) to 5 (very high).
Change in cigarettes smoked per day in past week as assessed by a single item
Time frame: Baseline, 45-day, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up
The primary outcome will be change in self-reported number of cigarettes smoked per day in the past week from baseline to 45-day, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- live in the U.S.
- read English;
- are between 18 and 30 years of age;
- own an iPhone or Android smartphone;
- have smoked ≥100 cigarettes in their lives and currently smoke at least 3 cigarettes per day on 5 or more days of the week;
- are planning to quit smoking within the next 30 days.
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 26, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations