Effectiveness of WeChat Public Account Intervention Based on the IMB Model for College Students With Internet Addiction

Background:

With the rise of digital technology, internet addiction has become a significant concern among college students, affecting their academic performance and mental health. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model has shown promise in understanding and addressing health behaviors, including addiction.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a WeChat public account intervention based on the IMB model in reducing internet addiction among college students. The study also aims to explore the underlying mechanisms that lead to changes in addictive behaviors, contributing to the development of a new online treatment model for internet addiction.

Methods:

A total of 226 college students diagnosed with internet addiction were recruited and randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=113) or a control group (n=113) using stratified randomization based on gender. The intervention group participated in a structured six-week program that leveraged a WeChat public account to deliver content designed to educate about internet addiction, identify triggers, enhance motivation to change, and improve behavioral skills. The control group maintained their regular routines without any intervention. Data were collected before and after the intervention period using standardized measures, including the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and assessed for internet usage time, sleep duration, sleep quality, and somatic-psychological symptoms.

Interventions:

The intervention was structured around three modules: information, motivation, and behavioral skills. Participants in the intervention group received automated push notifications with articles or videos every two days through the WeChat public account. The content was designed to provide knowledge about internet addiction, strategies to cope with cravings, and methods to enhance self-efficacy and access to support. The intervention was monitored through the account's backend data to track engagement.

Data Collection and Outcome Measures:

The main outcome measure was the IAT scale score, which assesses the severity of internet addiction. Secondary outcomes included changes in internet usage time, sleep duration, sleep quality, and somatic-psychological symptoms. Data were analyzed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to evaluate the impact of the intervention and to identify differences pre- and post-intervention.

Significance:

The findings of this study could provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of digital interventions for internet addiction and contribute to the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies for college students.

Inclusion criteria

• College students diagnosed with Internet addiction, as evidenced by an IAT scale score of 40 or above.
• Age range between 18 and 24 years.
• Use WeChat software.
• Good physical health, capable of completing the whole process of the study.
• Voluntary participation with a signed Informed Consent form.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of any mental illness or cognitive impairment.
• Current or impending receipt of psychological or pharmacological treatment for a mental health condition.
• Circumstances that would hinder participation, such as internships, suspensions, or other reasons for absence from school.
• Refusal to participate in the study.