<aside> ℹ️ Kwit is an application based on scientific research to give you every chance of successfully quitting smoking! On this page, you'll find a non-exhaustive list of the primary references on which we rely.
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French health authorities consider cognitive and behavioral techniques as the only approved non-drug approach for smoking cessation (best practices, 2014). Cognitive and behavioral therapies can be used as first-line treatments with high levels of proof (Hartmann-Boyce et al., 2021).
Kwit’s benevolent and gratitude-based approach have shown their efficacy, for example in the management of depressive symptoms (Iodice et al, 2021).
According to the transtheoretical model of change (Prochaska, DiClemente & Norcross, 1992), behavioral change is a step-by-step process. Each step is associated with specific strategies. The COM-B model (Michie, Van Stralen & West, 2011) shows the importance of several factors contributing to a successful change: opportunity, self-efficacy, motivation.
Only a few programs integrate those three factors. That’s why we have created a 9-step intervention following motivational interviewing principles and using cognitive and behavioral strategies. In accordance with the above-cited models, this program aims to reinforce users’ willingness to change, to fight difficulties and barriers to smoking cessation, to challenge themselves, and to plan their quit date. This program was designed for people at the preparation stage, which corresponds to this state of mind: “I want to change, but I don’t know how to do it”.
Two standardized and validated questionnaires are used during the program: Fagerström's test for nicotine dependence, and Horn's test to evaluate the type of dependence. Several behavioral change techniques were used to design the 9-step path. Breathing exercises are provided to the users as a strategy to overcome cravings (Loftalian et al, 2020).
Accomplishments to be unlocked within the app are based upon data from the scientific literature. For environmental accomplishments, see Zafeiridou et al. (2018). For accomplishments related to smoke and tobacco components (nicotine, tars, carbon monoxide), see Calafat et al. (2004). For health-related accomplishments, see the references on the CDC and the WHO websites.
The mood tracker allows the user to increase their knowledge about themselves, about their reactions, and to stay proactive in the management of their mental wellbeing (Church et al., 2010; Gay et al., 2011). Mental health is a component of general health, according to the WHO definition. Being in a positive mood has benefits on physical health and reinforces engagement in healthier behaviors. Tracking one’s mood also allows one to determine which contexts trigger definite feelings, so that one can adapt their environment and routine in order to increase their wellbeing.
Users can set personal time and/or money goals. Goal setting is a well-known behavior change technique (Michie et al, 2013).
Journaling has been studied, particularly in people struggling with anxiety, depression (Smyth et al., 2018), and major depressive disorder (Krpan et al., 2013).
HAS, 2014. Arrêt de la consommation de tabac : du dépistage individuel au maintien de l’abstinence en premier recours. (Source)
Hartmann-Boyce J, Livingstone-Banks J, Ordóñez-Mena JM, Fanshawe TR, Lindson N, Freeman SC, Sutton AJ, Theodoulou A, Aveyard P. Behavioural interventions for smoking cessation: an overview and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Jan 4;1:CD013229. (Source)