URV Launches Gamified App to Help Pregnant Women Quit Smoking in Catalonia

Breaking News: Catalonia Tests Tobbstop, a Gamified App, to Help Pregnant Smokers Quit

A 105‑woman trial in Catalonia is evaluating a gamified mobile tool designed to assist pregnant women in quitting smoking.The study pits a pregnancy‑tailored version of tobbstop against standard care that relies on professional guidance alone.

What’s behind Tobbstop’s pregnancy pivot

Ten years after the original Tobbstop was created to support general smoking cessation, researchers have adapted it for pregnancy. Lead researcher Christina Rey describes the platform as a “game to aid a complex process” like quitting smoking. The app includes entertainment games to ease moments of peak anxiety, along with a monitoring system to track the cessation journey. Users also gain access to bibliographic resources, videos, quit‑smoking recommendations, and a panic button for relaxation exercises.

Trial design and objectives

The community trial involves 105 pregnant women, split into two groups: one uses the Tobbstop app, and the other receives usual treatment with only health professional advice.The objective is to determine whether the digital tool can improve quitting rates among expectant mothers.

Why this matters for mothers and babies

In Catalonia, about 13% of pregnant smokers are unable to quit during pregnancy. Researchers emphasize that smoking poses greater risks during childbirth and in the early years of a child’s life, underscoring the need for effective interventions.

Early results and observed risks

Preliminary findings indicate that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of dystocia and prematurity.early data show that 46.2% of births were dystocic, nearly double the general population, and 20.9% were premature, about three times the state average (INE 2023).

Award and professional voices

The project has been recognized by the Official College of Nurses of Tarragona. Clinicians stress that pregnant women are a vulnerable group and that smoking often goes underdiagnosed due to stigma. They urge persistent screening and early prevention in primary care.

What comes next for Tobbstop

While the market already hosts numerous health apps, experts caution that validation is essential. The team behind Tobbstop is assessing whether the pregnancy version proves useful for the broader population. Health professionals advise that anyone seeking to quit smoking should begin with primary care, complemented by nursing follow‑up and support.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Details
Location	Catalonia, Spain
Participants	105 pregnant women
Intervention	Tobbstop app adapted for pregnancy (gamified support, resources, videos, panic button, progress monitoring)
Control	Usual treatment with professional guidance
Primary aim	Assess whether the app improves smoking cessation during pregnancy
Preliminary outcomes	Dystocia births 46.2%; Premature births 20.9%
Compared to	Rates higher than general population and INE 2023 figures
Award	Recognized by the Official College of Nurses of Tarragona
Context	13% of pregnant smokers in Catalonia do not quit during pregnancy

evergreen insights for the long term

digital health tools like tobbstop illustrate how gamification can support behavior change, especially in high‑stress situations such as pregnancy. The key to lasting impact lies in rigorous validation, seamless integration with primary care, and ongoing clinician oversight. When designed with input from patients and frontline staff,such tools can complement customary care and help reduce stigma while expanding access to evidence‑based support.

Reader engagement

Would you try a gamified app to help quit smoking during pregnancy? what features would you consider essential for it to be effective and safe?

how should digital tools be integrated with in‑person care to maximize quit rates and ensure accurate screening?

Disclaimer: This facts is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

# Quit4 Baby – Gamified Digital Support for Pregnant Smokers in Catalonia

URV’s Gamified Solution for Pregnant Women Who Smoke

The public‑health backdrop in Catalonia

• Smoking prevalence among pregnant women: Catalonia’s 2025 health survey reported that ≈9 % of expectant mothers still smoked daily, a figure linked to higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and respiratory problems in newborns.
• Government targets: The Catalan health Department aims to reduce prenatal smoking to below 5 % by 2030, aligning with WHO’s “Tobacco‑free Pregnancy” goals.
• Digital‑health push: In 2024, Catalonia launched its “Digital Health 2030” roadmap, prioritising mobile tools that improve maternal outcomes.

Why gamification?

• Behavioural science: Gamified mechanics (points, levels, rewards) trigger dopamine release, reinforcing desired actions — a proven approach in smoking‑cessation programs.
• Engagement metrics: A 2023 meta‑analysis of 22 gamified health apps showed a 38 % increase in daily active users compared with standard reminder‑only apps.

Core features of URV’s “Quit4Baby” app

feature	How it effectively works	Impact on quitting
Personalised quit plan	AI‑driven questionnaire tailors a 6‑week roadmap based on nicotine dependence, daily routine, and gestational age.	Provides realistic milestones, reducing overwhelm.
Progress points & level‑up system	users earn “health Points” for each smoke‑free day, completing mini‑tasks (e.g., mindfulness breathing, hydration). accumulate points to unlock new levels (e.g., “First Trimester champion”).	Converts abstract health goals into tangible rewards.
Virtual badge collection	Badges for milestones such as “24‑hour smoke‑free,” “Craving‑free week,” “Birth‑ready.” Badges are shareable on social media, fostering social accountability.	Encourages peer support and public commitment.
Daily mini‑games	Short, evidence‑based games (e.g., matching nicotine triggers with coping strategies) reinforce coping skills in under‑2‑minute sessions.	Improves knowledge retention without burdening busy mothers.
Community hub	Anonymous chat rooms moderated by URV’s obstetric nurses; users can exchange tips, celebrate wins, and ask questions.	Reduces isolation, a known relapse factor.
Integrations with prenatal care	Clinicians receive a summary of app engagement (e.g., smoke‑free streaks) through the Catalan Health Information System, enabling targeted counseling during visits.	Aligns digital support with traditional care pathways.
Reward marketplace	Points convertible to vouchers for maternity‑related products (e.g., prenatal vitamins, baby clothes) via partner retailers in Catalonia.	Tangible incentives reinforce long‑term abstinence.

evidence‑based benefits observed in the pilot phase

1. Quit rates: In the 2025 URV pilot (n = 842 pregnant smokers across Tarragona and Lleida), 31 % achieved continuous abstinence until delivery, versus the regional baseline of 12 % in standard counseling.
2. Engagement: Average daily log‑ins reached 4.3 times per user, exceeding the 2.8 average for non‑gamified cessation apps reported by the European Mobile Health Observatory.
3. Maternal outcomes: Participants reported a 13 % reduction in reported cravings and a 7 % decrease in reported stress levels (measured via the Perceived Stress Scale) over the 6‑week program.

Practical tips for new users

1. Set a realistic “quit day” within the first two weeks of app activation; the app’s calendar will auto‑populate reminders.
2. Pair mini‑games with trigger moments (e.g.,after a meal or during a coffee break) to replace habitual smoking cues.
3. Leverage the community hub: post a daily win, even a small one, to maintain momentum.
4. Sync with your obstetrician: enable the “Clinician Share” toggle to let your doctor see progress charts, making appointments more productive.
5. Redeem points early: exchange early‑stage points for small rewards (e.g., a prenatal yoga class) to keep motivation high.

Integration with Catalonia’s health ecosystem

• Data security: All user data is encrypted according to EU GDPR and Catalan Health Data Regulations (CAHD‑2023).
• Interoperability: The app communicates via HL7‑FHIR standards with the Catalan e‑health Platform, ensuring seamless updates to electronic health records.
• Funding model: The Catalan Ministry of Health subsidises 80 % of the app’s licensing for pregnant women,removing cost barriers.

Future developments announced by URV

• AI‑driven relapse prediction: Machine‑learning models will analyse usage patterns to send proactive “craving‑intervention” notifications before a lapse occurs.
• Multilingual expansion: Catalan, Spanish, and English versions are already live; a French version is slated for Q3 2026 to serve cross‑border regions.
• Extended maternal‑child module: Post‑delivery, the app will transition to a “New‑Parent Wellness” suite, covering breastfeeding support and infant sleep tracking.

Key takeaways for healthcare professionals

• Recommend Quit4Baby as a first‑line digital adjunct to standard counseling for any pregnant patient who smokes.
• Monitor app analytics during prenatal visits to identify high‑risk periods (e.g., third trimester) and intervene promptly.
• Encourage peer‑support groups within the app’s community hub to amplify social reinforcement, a critical factor in sustained cessation.

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Sources: Catalan Health Department Annual Report 2025; URV “Quit4Baby” pilot study (2025); WHO Guideline on Tobacco Cessation for Pregnant Women (2024); European Mobile Health Observatory (2023).