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Houston, TX – Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a groundbreaking Spanish-language Android app called Impacto, specifically designed to help Hispanic smokers quit by addressing stress and anxiety, which often hinder cessation efforts.
The pilot study, recently published in the Journal of Substance Abuse & Addiction Treatment, indicates promising results, showing a reduction in daily smoking rates and an increase in successful quitting attempts.
A Unique Approach to Smoking Cessation
“Hispanic individuals who smoke face greater challenges in quitting and a higher risk of smoking-related health problems than the general population,” explained Michael Zvolensky, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished University Professor of psychology, who developed the app.
“These disparities are driven by factors like limited access to treatment and chronic stress from experiences such as racial and ethnic discrimination, making it even harder to quit smoking and overcome its harmful effects.”
The project is co-led by Richard A. Brown from Health Behavior Solutions, Inc.
Impacto’s approach is unique in its focus on managing stress and anxiety, which can often contribute to nicotine dependence. The app provides users with strategies tailored to their personal experiences of anxiety, including physical symptoms and negative emotions.
Encouraging Pilot Study Results
The initial pilot study involved 30 Hispanic smokers, with an average age of 31 years and over 15 years of daily smoking history. On average, participants smoked around 15 cigarettes per day. The app guides users through four lessons per week over an eight-week period, starting with interoceptive exercises aimed at helping them manage anxiety and stress.
“Participants practice these exercises daily and before their quit attempt,” Zvolensky explained. “These activities, such as spinning in a chair or fast breathing, help them get used to sensations like a racing heartbeat, reducing anxiety and making quitting easier.”
By the fourth week, participants were encouraged to quit smoking completely. The study reported that 65.4% of participants remained smoke-free four weeks post-quit. Additionally, daily cigarette consumption and anxiety sensitivity significantly decreased.
Next Steps for Impacto
The app will now undergo further evaluation in a randomized clinical trial across the United States. Researchers hope to confirm its effectiveness on a larger scale and refine its features for broader accessibility.
Additional collaborators on the project include The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas at Austin, and Bristol Myers Squibb.
For more information, see the full study: Michael J. Zvolensky et al, Impacto—A single-arm open-label pilot trial of a digital-based integrated smoking cessation program for Spanish-speaking Hispanic individuals who smoke: Development, feasibility, engagement, and clinical outcomes, Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2025.209632.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals seeking to quit smoking should consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
