The project aims to develop and test the first couples’ pregnancy smoking cessation Romanian language mobile app. The long term goal of our research program is to develop, implement, and disseminate effective and sustainable mHealth interventions to prevent and reduce smoking in families over the reproductive life span while building mHealth research capacity and developing research networks in CEE and neighboring countries.

Aim 1. Test the implementation feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a culturally-adapted mHealth smoking cessation intervention among couples during pregnancy and postpartum in Romania. We will recruit 60 pregnant smokers and their partners. The RCT will compare text messages, video counselling, and combined text and video counseling, delivered via smartphones, with a control group. Primary outcomes include maternal pregnancy smoking cessation and postnatal relapse, with secondary hypotheses regarding maternal smoking reduction, and spousal cessation, relapse and reduction.

Aim 2. Develop mHealth research capacity by enhancing individual and institutional research capabilities in Romania and expanding the existing international research network.  Formal, educational training will be provided, in addition to the collaborative research, leading to a sustainable network of mHealth scholars.