This network meta-analysis of 152 randomized controlled trials found that personalized and group-customized digital smoking-cessation interventions — particularly text messages and app-based tools — significantly improved cessation outcomes, as compared with standard care. These interventions demonstrated greatest efficacy in middle-aged adults and short-to-medium-term programmes. The work provides a foundation for future digital smoking-cessation frameworks.
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References
Chen, Y. F. et al. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of computer and other electronic aids for smoking cessation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Health Technol. Assess. 16, 1–205 (2012). This seminal network meta-analysis provided early evidence for digital interventions in smoking cessation but found marginal benefits and no delivery method superiority.
Mersha, A. G., Bovill, M., Eftekhari, P., Erku, D. A. & Gould, G. S. The effectiveness of technology-based interventions for smoking cessation: an umbrella review and quality assessment of systematic reviews. Drug Alcohol Rev. 40, 1294–1307 (2021). This umbrella review highlights the growing body of evidence supporting technology-assisted cessation while underscoring methodological variability.
Hartmann-Boyce, J. et al. Behavioural interventions for smoking cessation: an overview and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 1, CD013229 (2021). A comprehensive Cochrane review that evaluates behavioural strategies for smoking cessation, and establishes a benchmark for future digital comparisons.
Li, S., Qu, Z., Li, Y. & Ma, X. Efficacy of e-health interventions for smoking cessation management in smokers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine. 68, 102412 (2024). This study constitutes our preliminary exploration of digital intervention efficacy in aiding smoking cessation.
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This is a summary of: Li, S. et al. Efficacy of digital interventions for smoking cessation by type and method: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Nat. Hum. Behav. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02295-2 (2025).
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Personalized digital tools boost smoking quit rates. Nat Hum Behav 9, 2010–2011 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02296-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02296-1