TUBSIS 2.0 - Tobacco Use Behavioral Support and Intervention System (TUBSIS_2_0)

Background:

Tobacco smoking and vaping remains public health concern, with many adults continuing to experience difficulties accessing appropriate support for smoking cessation in Switzerland and Türkiye. Structural barriers, including stigma related to attempting to quit, limited financial and time resources, low awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco smoking- and vaping-reduce engagement with traditional services. TUBSIS 2.0 aims to address these access inequities by providing a fully remote, anonymous and free internet-based program tailored to diverse adult populations in both countries.

Objectives:

The "TUBSIS 2.0: An Adaptation Study of Tobacco Addiction Support Programme - TUBSIS for Tobacco Users in Switzerland and Türkiye" project aims to support readiness to reduce or quit tobacco smoking/vaping, improve well-being and self-compassion and strengthen health-related behaviors. The intervention targets German-, English-, and Turkish-speaking adults and includes mindfulness-based strategies for quitting or reducing tobacco smoking and vaping. Motivation to cease tobacco smoking/vaping varies considerably across the lifespan. Younger individuals may perceive smoking/vaping cessation as unnecessary, often due to limited awareness of long-term health risks or a sense of invulnerability. In later adulthood, although addiction tends to be more deeply established, many individuals hesitate to attempt cessation because of concerns about the psychological and behavioral challenges associated with the process. It is therefore essential to provide individuals with support that helps them understand the cessation process, prepare for the challenges that can be expected and identify strategies that align with their psychological needs. Such strategies may include stress management and self-compassion practices that can be utilized before, during and after cessation attempts. TUBSIS 2.0 offers structured and accessible guidance to support this preparation by providing a clear, evidence-based pathway for individuals at different stages of readiness to change.

Methods:

TUBSIS 2.0 is a web-based, individual and asynchronous program consisting of eight modules delivered over four weeks. A total of 406 participants will be recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Data are collected anonymously at four measurement points (baseline, mid-term, post-term and 8-week follow-up) from participants. The program focuses on supporting participants' reducing or quitting tobacco smoking or vaping; to increase their readiness for smoking/vaping cessation, mental well-being, self-compassion and stress management with mindfulness strategies.

Within the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), the process of behaviour change is conceptualised as a dynamic, non-linear process that progresses through motivational and volitional phases. TUBSIS 2.0 has been adapted to reflect this structure by integrating phase-specific components. These components include modules that enhance risk awareness and outcome expectancies, planning and self-regulation tools to support action initiation and mindfulness-based strategies that are embedded throughout all phases to strengthen self-efficacy and coping. By addressing these shifting needs across the change process, the programme provides a responsive and theory-driven pathway for reducing/quitting tobacco smoking or vaping.

Relevance:

TUBSIS 2.0 is highly relevant to public health priorities, as it provides a cost-effective, scalable and environmentally sustainable intervention that eliminates barriers commonly associated with traditional cessation services. By requiring no travel, printed materials or in-person appointments, the programme offers equitable access to adults across all age groups, genders and diverse migrant communities in Switzerland and Türkiye. Its multilingual and culturally adapted structure addresses significant service gaps for populations that are underserved or hesitant to seek conventional support. By reducing tobacco smoking- or vaping-related harm and facilitating early behavioural change, TUBSIS 2.0 has the potential to decrease long-term healthcare costs while expanding access to evidence-based digital prevention tools.