Supporting snus cessation among young women in Sweden through digital nudging and a conversational AI

Abstract

The rising prevalence of snus use among young women in Sweden has become a growing public health concern, especially with the increased popularity of tobaccofree nicotine pouches. Among women aged 16-29, daily snus use has increased by 500% between 2018 and 2024, highlighting an urgent need for tailored cessation strategies. Digital health interventions, such as mobile applications, offer a scalable and accessible alternative to traditional cessation methods. This thesis explores the development of a mobile snus cessation application tailored to young Swedish women aged 16-29, combining principles from nudge theory with support from a conversational AI chatbot. Through a literature review, state-of-the-art cessation apps, and semi-structured interviews with young female snus users, the study identifies key behavioural, emotional, and social factors influencing snus use and quitting attempts. The resulting application incorporates digital nudges such as milestone tracking and health progress visualizations, alongside conversational support from the chatbot. Usability testing revealed that participants responded very positively to the conversational AI chatbot, describing it as helpful and empathetic. The majority also expressed that the integrated features designed in line with nudge theory, such as the health timeline and achievement feature, would motivate them to use the app regularly as part of their daily routine. This study contributes to the growing field of digital health interventions and demonstrates the potential of combining nudge theory and conversational AI in promoting snus cessation among targeted populations.