User Engagement With Mood-Related Content on the National Cancer Institute Smokefree.Gov Initiative Cessation Resources

Abstract

Aims

This study aimed to examine engagement with mood-related content on the Smokefree.gov Initiative’s smoking cessation resources.

Methods

Smokefree.gov website analytics (July 2018–July 2019) were analyzed for user interactions with mood content on informational webpages and interactive self-assessment tools (mood quizzes, smoking quit plans). We also examined mood feature engagement (texting or pressing a command button for mood support) among text program and app users (July 2018–July 2019).

Results

Mood webpage views comprised 1.5% of all Smokefree.gov webpage views. Depression quizzes represented 82.9% of quiz completions, and stress quizzes represented 0.4% of quiz completions. Stress, anxiety, and low mood were the most reported smoking triggers on quit plans. Approximately 7,000 text program users and 3,000 app users sought real-time mood support.

Conclusions

Given the importance of mood management in the smoking cessation process these findings demonstrate promising opportunities to increase the reach of mood support resources.

Keywords

e-health general terms health behavior mental health mHealth quantitative methods Substance Use tobacco control & policy

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