WeChat-based Intervention for Internet Addiction

NCT05906108 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: SF IA
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 120
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The study aims to design an integrated model which combined self-initiated online learning and personalized interactive behavioral support delivered via WeChat for university students to reduce internet addiction level.

Conditions

Internet Addiction

Keywords

Internet addiction; University students; WeChat-based

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• internet addiction score

  The primary outcome will be the internet addiction score change assessed by Internet Addiction Test (IAT) which is the most valid instrument for IA assessment. The test contains 20 items which rated on a 5 point Likert Scale (1 point refers to rarely, and 5 point refers to always). Score higher than 50 is considered as experiencing occasional or frequent problems because of internet, and the impact on daily life should be aware

  at 1-, 3- and 6-month after baseline

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Online hours per week

  at 1-, 3- and 6-month after baseline

• Sleep time

  at 1-, 3- and 6-month after baseline

• Physical activity level

  at 1-, 3- and 6-month after baseline

• Self-rated health

  at 1-, 3- and 6-month after baseline

• Depression and anxiety

  at 1-, 3- and 6-month after baseline

Study Arms (2)

Intervention group

EXPERIMENTAL

WeChat-based self-initiated learning, personalized and interactive behavioural support

Behavioral: Self-initiated learning; Behavioral: Personalized and interactive behavioural support

Control group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

General health information

Behavioral: General health information

Interventions

Self-initiated learning BEHAVIORAL

A WeChat Subscription will be created for delivering the intervention. The educational materials involving introduction to internet addiction, the impact of internet addiction and strategies in coping with IA will be posted to the account at the beginning of the intervention. The materials will be prepared in different format including text and video followed by 3 to 5 multiple choice questions (MCQs), and one post for one topic. Relevant materials can be found by typing the keywords in the account or searching under the content list. Participants will be required to follow the account to study the materials at their own pace and complete the MCQs. There will be no limited access to the materials and attempts for MCQs.

Intervention group

Personalized and interactive behavioural support BEHAVIORAL

The intervention group will receive 3-month personalized and interactive behavioural support via WeChat, which including regular messages and real-time conversation. The regular messages will cover the generic information about abstinence support, health warnings, benefits of reducing internet time, knowledge reinforcement, goal setting, encouragement and reminders for self-initiated online learning. The messages will be personalised according to baseline demographic characteristics and internet addiction level, and continually adapted to any change in internet behaviours change reported by subjects during the conversations. A total of 19 messages with a tapering schedule. Personalized real-time conversation via WeChat will be available based on participants' demand.

Intervention group

General health information BEHAVIORAL

Participants in control group will receive WeChat messages on general health information (similar frequency as the intervention group) and reminders on follow-up surveys via WeChat. Various topics will be involved in the general health information such as healthy diet, sleep management, exercise and mood management.

Control group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• ). Currently a full-time university student in HK;
• ). Aged 18-25 years;
• ). Internet Addiction Test (IAT) \> 50;
• ). Able to understand and communicate in Chinese;
• ). Own a smartphone can access internet and proficiency in using WeChat;

You may not qualify if:

• \) Currently participating in other internet addiction controlling projects or services;
• \) Experiencing psychiatric/psychological diseases or receiving regular psychotropic medication.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Prof. Wang Man-Ping: lead

Study Sites (1)

School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Please Select, 000000, Hong Kong

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Internet Addiction Disorder

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Technology Addiction; Behavior, Addictive; Compulsive Behavior; Impulsive Behavior; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 6, 2023
• First Posted: June 15, 2023
• Study Start: March 10, 2023
• Primary Completion: November 30, 2023
• Study Completion: December 30, 2023
• Last Updated: July 31, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Locations

HK (1)