The tobacco epidemic remains one of Asia’s most pressing public health crises. Despite decades of cessation campaigns, smoking continues to cause more than a million preventable deaths each year across the region, with men in countries such as China, Indonesia, and Vietnam being disproportionately affected. As traditional efforts yield limited gains, a growing body of evidence suggests that technology may offer a new, more effective approach to help smokers quit.
Prof. Dr. Goh Khang Wen, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) of INTI International University, led the review on how digital tools help with smoking cessation in Asian regions.
A 2024 systematic review led by Prof. Dr. Goh Khang Wen, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) at INTI International University, provides timely insight into this emerging shift. Covering 25 studies across nine Asian countries and over 22,000 participants, the review found that digital health interventions — ranging from mobile applications to social media platforms — produced strong results in smoking cessation outcomes, often surpassing the performance of conventional programmes.
“Digital interventions offer a level of accessibility, affordability, and personalisation that traditional methods often lack,” explains Prof. Dr. Goh. “In resource-limited settings, where smoking rates are high, but healthcare access is limited, these tools could serve as a turning point in public health delivery.”
Among the standout findings, social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp proved to be particularly effective in this regard. Interventions based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered through Facebook achieved smoking abstinence rates as high as 70%. WhatsApp-based programmes followed closely with a 59.5% quit rate and reported lower relapse rates, making them not only effective but also sustainable. These digital platforms go beyond simple communication — they provide structured support, offer guidance, and enable real-time interaction with trained facilitators and peer groups.
Smartphone apps also showed strong results, particularly when combined with behavioural science principles. CBT-based apps guided users through mental conditioning and habit-breaking exercises, helping 60% of participants quit smoking in one study. In another example from Thailand, pharmacist counselling paired with the “Quit with US” app led to a 58.4% abstinence rate, demonstrating the strength of hybrid models that marry professional guidance with digital tools.
WeChat, China’s most widely used messaging platform, also showed promising outcomes. In one intervention combining WeChat messages with Quitline support, a 41.8% seven-day point prevalence abstinence rate was recorded. Participants who received both smoking-related and oral health messages were notably more motivated to quit, citing increased awareness and encouragement.
Text messaging and telephone-based interventions were less interactive but remained relevant, especially in areas with limited smartphone access. Quit rates through these channels ranged from 6.3% to 16.8%, and some studies recorded abstinence rates up to 44.3% when messages were paired with live counselling. However, effectiveness was highly dependent on the frequency, tone, and content of messages, which highlights the need for carefully tailored delivery.
While digital tools hold substantial promise, the review also highlights areas of concern. Web-based learning programmes and general media messages did not produce significant cessation outcomes, suggesting that passive consumption is less effective than active engagement. Furthermore, many available apps have not been tested in clinical settings, raising questions about quality control, data privacy, and long-term efficacy.
The broader challenge lies in reaching those most in need. Without inclusive design and language accessibility, the digital divide could exclude vulnerable populations — those who not only smoke more but also have fewer resources to access support. The findings call for deliberate investment in locally relevant, culturally sensitive digital health solutions.
These insights offer strong direction for policymakers, public health agencies, and technology providers. Scalable, evidence-based programmes — particularly those delivered via platforms already popular in the region — can and should be integrated into national tobacco control strategies. Governments could support such efforts through regulation, public-private partnerships, and investment in digital health infrastructure.
The digitalisation of healthcare has advanced rapidly in recent years. This review provides concrete evidence that technology can serve as a cost-effective, scalable, and personalised solution to one of the region’s most enduring public health challenges. If deployed effectively, digital tools could mark the beginning of a significant decline in smoking prevalence across Asia.
For millions of smokers, quitting remains a personal struggle. But with a smartphone in hand and the right support on screen, the path to a smoke-free future has never been more attainable
Interventions based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered through Facebook achieved smoking abstinence rates as high as 70%. WhatsApp-based programmes followed closely with a 59.5% quit rate and reported lower relapse rates, making them not only effective but also sustainable.