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.