Digital interventions for smoking abstinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

Objectives Technological advancements have improved patients' health and clinical care through digital interventions. This study investigated the effects of digital interventions on smoking abstinence. Methods PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus were systematically searched from inception until December 2021. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. The degree of heterogeneity, quality, and publication bias of the selected studies was further evaluated. Results A total of 43 randomized control trial studies were eligible for this study. 38,814 participants from 18 countries were included in the analysis. Digital interventions on seven-day point prevalence abstinence (1 month) showed increased smoking abstinence. The odds ratio was 2.02 and confidence interval (CI) was 1.67-2.43; p < 0.001; I-2 = 55.1%) . The result for a 30-day point prevalence abstinence (1 month) was 1.63 (CI 1.09-2.46; p = 0.018; I-2 = 0%). Digital intervention also had a significant effect on continuous abstinence (odds ratio = 1.68; CI 1.29-2.18; p < 0.001; I-2 = 70.1%) and prolonged abstinence (odds ratio = 1.60; CI 1.19-2.15; p = 0.002; I-2 = 53.6%). There was evidence of heterogeneity and publication bias. Conclusions Digital interventions led to increased smoking abstinence and can be a valuable tool in smoking cessation. Further research is required to evaluate the long-term impact of digital interventions on outcomes related to smoking cessation.