The World Health Organization’s ‘Quit Tobacco App’ helps people kick the cigarette butt and give up use of tobacco in all forms – including smokeless and other newer products.
“Tobacco is deadly in every form. Innovative approaches such as this app are much needed to support people give up tobacco, which they may be aware is harmful, but are unable to quit for various reasons,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, launching the app.
The app, the first such by WHO, and the first that targets all forms of tobacco, helps users to identify the triggers, set their targets, manage cravings, and stay focused to quit tobacco.
Tobacco is the world’s leading cause of preventable death and kills nearly 8 million persons every year. It claims 1.6 million lives in the WHO South-East Asia Region which is amongst the largest producers and consumers of tobacco products.
Tobacco use is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCD) including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lung diseases and diabetes. Tobacco users are also at higher risk of complication and severe disease in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The UN health body has expanded tobacco surveillance to monitor tobacco use and tobacco control policies. Thailand was the first country in Asia to implement Plain Packaging. Timor-Leste, Nepal, Maldives, India, and Sri Lanka have implemented large-sized graphic health warnings on tobacco packs.
Six countries have banned electronic cigarettes. Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka are working towards moving tobacco farmers away from growing tobacco. Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste have established and scaled-up tobacco cessation services.
Nepal’s STEPS survey 2019 shows that 28.9 percent of the population (both sexes) uses tobacco. Of them, 24.1 percent use tobacco daily.
The ‘WHO Quit Tobacco App’, launched during WHO’s year-long ‘Commit to quit’ campaign, is the latest tobacco control initiative by the WHO South-East Asia Region.
Other Apps That Can Help You Quit Cigarette
While smokers in the past had to make do with a book or just sheer willpower, these days the right iPhone app can help make your quitting journey that much easier. Here are our picks for the five best iPhone apps to help you put down cigarettes for good.
Smoke Free
One of Smoke Free’s biggest selling points is how visual it is. Right off the bat, you’ll get a large indicator of your progress, tracking how long you’ve spent smoke-free, and how your health has improved so far. Smoke Free’s missions are daily tasks that help you on your quitting journey. Beginning up to one week before you stop quitting, they’re designed to encourage you and educate you on reasons to stop smoking. They can range from journaling, researching information, and giving you tips to help you succeed.
Quit Now!
While people have criticized smartphone apps and their continued gamification of our daily lives, they can be a force for good. QuitNow! tries to turn quitting smoking into a game you can win. As you progress on your journey to becoming smoke-free, you’ll earn awards for reaching important milestones like dollars saved and days you’ve gone without smoking. If you’re the type of person who loves to collect achievements while playing video games, you’re going to love QuitNow!
Kwit
Most apps designed to help you quit smoking assume you’ve already snuffed out that last cigarette, but Kwit takes a different approach. When you open the app for the first time, Kwit will ask you whether you’ve already quit smoking or are preparing to quit. If you’re ready to stop smoking but haven’t taken the plunge yet, Kwit will start you with a nine-step program designed to educate you and kick-start your journey to becoming smoke-free.
MyQuit Coach
If you’re looking for a streamlined approach to quitting smoking, check out MyQuit Coach from Livestrong. When you first open the app, you’ll start by inputting your smoking habits and your cost per pack. MyQuit Coach will then begin tracking the number of cigarettes you’ve skipped and the amount of money you’ve saved. If you’re feeling the urge to smoke, hitting the ‘I’m Craving’ button will shoot you a quick motivational message designed to keep you on track. Messages can include affirmations letting you know that you’re not on this journey alone, information about the many health benefits of quitting, or other reasons to not give up on quitting.
Quit Smoking
Quit Smoking can help you track your time spent without cigarettes and the money you’ve saved while doing it, all while giving advice tailored to help when you do feel those cravings. Unlike most apps, Quit Smoking targets each person’s different motivation for quitting. While lots of apps can help you track how much money you’ve saved by giving up tobacco, Quit Smoking lets you set your own unique financial goals. So, whether you’re saving for a new outfit, a new phone, or a new car, Quit Smoking can help you keep track of how giving up cigarettes is bringing you closer to your goals.
While a lot of apps will give you general advice about what to do when you feel the urge to smoke, Quit Smoking provides specific scenarios and advice for when cravings might strike. For example, if you’re at a party or bar and feel the urge to light up, Quit Smoking’s guide can give you tips designed to help you fight cravings. Advice like trying a drink you’ve never had before or moving away from where people are smoking can help you stay smoke-free.
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