Mobile For Health: A Digital Intervention To Reduce Smoking In The United Arab Emirates

Smoking is a global problem. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), about 34% of men are smokers, and there are around 3000 smoking-related deaths each year. Smoking is also an increasing problem in the UAE, with smoking/smokingrelated products responsible for many fatal diseases, including lung cancer, myocardial infarction, diabetes, and high blood pressure. In addition to these diseases, smoking is a major contributor to air pollution. Many countries offer smoking cessation programs to promote population health, but these programs are often time consuming and costly. In this paper, we proposed a novel method based on a mHealth application that uses customized and automated SMS messages to support smokers to quit smoking. A hybrid motivational theory will be used to motivate participants who are willing to enroll in our program for a 1-year period. During this time, all program users will be monitored and motivated by the mHealth application. The main objective of this project was to develop a framework for use by 200 UAE participants. It is intended that our program will motivate and encourage participants, and build their confidence to quit smoking.