Just about everyone who smokes has tried to quit at some point. Last week, we had a post covering how some folks seek out massage therapy to kick the habit. We've also done posts on the hidden financial burden smokers endure, as well as the added health hazards smokers face.
We've even covered the proposed smoking ban at the Arizona Health Sciences Center.
We explore the technology route
Judith Gordon, PhD, a behavioral psychologist with the Department of Family and Community Medicine in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, is seeking participants to help test a mobile phone app designed to help people take medication to quit smoking.
Study participants will spend two hours testing the app, called RxCoach, in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, and will be compensated for their time. Knowing how to use a smart phone is required. It will be a plus – but not required – for a participant to be a smoker, former smoker and/or using the prescription drug Chantix to curb their nicotine cravings.
Dr. Gordon, a recognized leader in smoking-cessation research, is principal investigator on the study, which is funded with a National Institutes of Health Small Business Technology Transfer Grant. She is partnering with InterVision Media of Eugene, Ore., which is programming the app.