Development and usability of a Spanish/English smoking cessation website: Lessons learned

Melissa H. Bond, Eduardo L. Bunge, Yan Leykin, Alinne Z. Barrera, Robert E. Wickham, M. Rose Barlow, Sara Reyes, Blanca Pineda, Angelica M. Ceja, Monique Cano, Ricardo F. Muñoz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Smoking cessation Internet interventions have been shown to be comparable in effectiveness to the nicotine patch. The aim of this study was to develop a Spanish/English smoking cessation web app using input from low-income smokers, and to evaluate modifications to the online intervention in terms of its ability to engage smokers. Methods: Three versions of a smoking cessation web app were developed and tested. Measures of engagement, such as completion of study registration, utilization of cigarette, mood, and craving trackers, and completion of follow-up assessments, were collected to determine whether changes in the website resulted in increased engagement. Results: The third version of the website, which featured improved look-and-feel and fewer barriers to engagement, markedly increased tracker engagement from the first two versions. However, follow-up rates remained low across all three versions. Conclusions: The increase in engagement was attributed to the following modifications: A more inviting landing page with key intervention elements available immediately; an easily accessible dashboard with users' data; and tracking tools that were more user friendly. We conclude that in addition to adequate and functional elements, design principles are key factors in increasing engagement in online interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number255
JournalmHealth
Volume7
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Internet intervention
  • Low-income
  • Smoking
  • Spanish-speaking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Informatics
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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