title: iPhone apps for smoking cessation: a content analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With the proliferation of smartphones such as the iPhone, mobile phones are being used in novel ways to promote smoking cessation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study set out to examine the content of the 47 iPhone applications (apps) for smoking cessation that were distributed through the online iTunes store, as of June 24, 2009.
  
  
  METHODS
  Each app was independently coded by two reviewers for its (1) approach to smoking cessation and (2) adherence to the U.S. Public Health Service's 2008 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. Each app was also coded for its (3) frequency of downloads.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Apps identified for smoking cessation were found to have low levels of adherence to key guidelines in the index. Few, if any, apps recommended or linked the user to proven treatments such as pharmacotherapy, counseling, and/or a quitline.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  iPhone apps for smoking cessation rarely adhere to established guidelines for smoking cessation. It is recommended that current apps be revised and future apps be developed around evidence-based practices for smoking cessation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, 2175 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, USA. Lorien@gwu.edu
authors.forename: Lorien C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Abroms
authors.forename: Nalini
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Padmanabhan
authors.forename: Lalida
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Thaweethai
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D040421:Cell Phone; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014481:United States; D014492:United States Public Health Service