Actively Recruiting
Developing and Evaluating a Low-intensity Chatbot Intervention to Reduce Digital Addictions, Sedentary Behaviors and Mental Distress Among Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by Chinese University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2025-02-12
330
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a low-intensity chatbot intervention based on the stages of change and motivational interviewing to reduce digital addictions in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years. The study focuses on Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and social media addiction (SMA), comparing the chatbot-assisted program to a psycho-educational control group. This randomized controlled trial aims to see if the chatbot group shows greater reductions in IGD and SMA rates after treatment and at a 3-month follow-up. Participants are randomly assigned to either the chatbot intervention or a psycho-educational control group. The chatbot intervention consists of five weekly modules tailored to the participant's stage of change, delivered via WhatsApp and taking about 10-15 minutes per module, totaling one hour. The control group receives educational materials about digital use and addictions but without the stages of change or motivational interviewing elements. Throughout the study, participants complete questionnaires assessing primary outcomes like IGD and SMA, as well as secondary outcomes including sedentary lifestyle, mental distress, quality of life, and eHealth literacy. Evaluations occur at screening, baseline, post-program, and at 3-month follow-up. The study monitors motivation and self-efficacy as mechanisms behind changes. Total participation spans from enrollment through the 3-month follow-up period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Chatbot Intervention to Reduce Common Digital Addictions, Sedentary Behaviors and Mental Distress Among Adolescents
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Students in grades 5-6 of primary school or grades 7-12 of secondary school
- Positive screening for Internet gaming disorder and/or social media addiction
- Use a smartphone or the Internet daily
- Have student and parental consent
- Chinese speaking
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently using any psychotropic medication
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 3 months
Participants engage with a chatbot intervention designed to reduce digital addictions, sedentary behaviors, and mental distress. The chatbot provides stage-tailored modules weekly to enhance motivation and self-efficacy.
Weekly interactions via WhatsApp for up to 3 months
Duration - Up to 3 months post-intervention
Participants are monitored for changes in internet gaming disorder, social media addiction, sedentary lifestyle, mental distress, and quality of life after completing the intervention.
Periodic assessments during follow-up lasting 3 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
X
Xue Yang, Doctoral
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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