Expectations and Preferences for Digital Cessation Treatment: Multimethods Study Among Older Adults Who Smoke Cigarettes

Abstract

Background To address enduring age-related tobacco disparities, it is critical to promote cessation treatment among older adults (aged 65+ years). Digital health platforms offer opportunities for wide dissemination of evidence-based behavioral cessation support. However, existing digital cessation treatments are not tailored to unique aging-related needs and preferences, resulting in low uptake. Detailed information is needed about how to best adapt these treatments for this age group. Objective We aimed to collect detailed, hypothesis-generating information about expectations and preferences for cessation digital treatment among older adults who smoke cigarettes. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with adults aged 65+ years currently smoking or who had quit within the past month. Interviews included open-ended questions regarding prior experiences with digital health platforms and expectations and preferences for cessation treatment via various modalities (app-delivered, texting-based, or videoconferencing counseling). Interviews also elicited questions regarding digital modalities that integrated social components (app-delivered social forums and group videoconferencing counseling). Using an iterative, team-based approach, the thematic analysis identified meaningful themes. Interviews were supplemented with quantitative measures assessing sociodemographics, digital literacy, and physical health symptoms. Results Participants (12/20, 60% men; 15/20, 75% White; 4/20, 20% Black or African American; 1/20, 5% Asian) were currently smoking (17/20, 85%) or had recently quit (3/20, 15%). Thematic analysis identified 3 meaningful themes across all digital modalities: convenience, accessibility, and personalization. Expected benefits of digital platforms included convenient treatment access, without reliance on transportation. Participants preferred treatments to be personalized and deliver content or strategies beyond standard education. Most (17/20, 85%) were unfamiliar with cessation apps but found them appealing given the potential for offering a novel quitting strategy. App ease of use (eg, easy navigation) was preferred. Half (10/20, 50%) would try a texting-based intervention, with many preferring texting with a counselor rather than automated messaging. Most (17/20, 85%) would use videoconferencing and expected this modality to deliver better quality counseling than via telephone. Expected videoconferencing challenges included looking presentable onscreen, technological difficulties, and privacy or security. Videoconferencing was regarded as the most personalized digital treatment, yet benefits unique to app-delivered and texting-based treatments included anonymity and access to treatment 24/7. Participants expected integrating social components into digital treatment to be useful for quit success and social connection, yet were concerned about possible interpersonal challenges. Conclusions Because a long history of quit attempts and familiarity with standard quitting advice is common among older adults who smoke cigarettes, digital platforms might offer appealing and novel strategies for cessation that are accessible and convenient. Overall, this population was open to trying digital cessation treatments and would prefer that these platforms prioritize ease of use and personalized content. These findings challenge the bias that older adults are uninterested or unwilling to engage with digital treatments for behavioral health.