RecruitingNot Applicable

Chatbot Intervention to Reduce Common Digital Addictions, Sedentary Behaviors and Mental Distress Among Adolescents

Hong Kong330 participantsStarted 2024-09-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of the study is to investigate the efficacy of a secondary low-intensity stage of change (SoC) and motivational interviewing (MI)-based Chatbot-assisted intervention in reducing digital addictions in adolescents with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and/or social media addiction (SMA) by conducting a RCT. Hypothesis: The intervention group will show a greater reduction in rates of IGD and/or SMA at post-treatment and 3-month follow-up than the control group. Design and subjects: A two-armed RCT between the intervention group and psycho-educational control group for adolescents aged 10-19 with excessive screen time. Screening, baseline, post-programme, and 3-month follow-up evaluations will be conducted. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to online brief intervention or psycho-educational control Complete questionnaires evaluating 1 ) Primary outcomes (IGD, SMA), 2) Secondary outcomes (sedentary lifestyle, mental distress, quality of life, eHealth literacy) and 3) Mediators/mechanisms (autonomy, competence)

Who can participate

Age range

10 Years – 19 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Students at grades 5-6 in primary schools or grades 7-12 in secondary schools, * Positive screening results of IGD and/or SMA) based on the validated screening tools * Using smartphone or Internet on a daily base, 4) students' and parental consent, * Chinese speaking. Exclusion Criteria: * Current use of any psychotropic medication.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Internet gaming disorder (IGD)

Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of follow-up at 3 months

Social media addiction (SMA)

Timeframe: From enrollment to end of follow-up at 3 months

Composite score of IGD and SMA

Timeframe: From enrollment to end of follow-up at 3 months.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06821373

SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-12

Contact for this trial

Xue Yang, Doctoral

+85256237005 sherryxueyang@cuhk.edu.hk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Internet Gaming Disorder trials