Young Smokers' Therapy Preferences: App-Based vs. Face-to-Face Treatment in the Context of Co-Addictions.

Background

Tobacco use remains a major public health concern among young adults and is often complicated by co-occurring addictive behaviors.

Objective

This study analyzed motivation for change, assessed with the decisional balance framework, in relation to multiple addictions among young smokers seeking treatment.

Methods

Ninety-eight participants from the University of Granada enrolled in either an app-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program (n = 35) or a traditional face-to-face CBT program (n = 63). Recruitment relied on self-identification and voluntary participation. Standardized instruments were applied to measure nicotine dependence (FTND), behavioral and substance-related addictions (MULTICAGE CAD-4), cannabis dependence (SDS), and motivation for change (DBQ). Logistic and stepwise regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of treatment choice and motivational outcomes.

Results

Younger participants and students were more likely to choose the app-based program. Compulsive buying was linked to perceiving more disadvantages of smoking, whereas sex addiction, cannabis dependence, and other substance addictions were associated with perceiving fewer disadvantages.

Conclusions

Treatment preferences and motivational profiles differ according to age, academic status, and co-occurring addictions. These findings highlight the need to tailor smoking cessation strategies to individual profiles and support the role of mobile health tools in engaging digitally oriented populations.