Poster #233 - A Pilot Online Intervention for Problematic Internet Use Symptoms Among Early Adolescents

• In Event: 1-061 - Poster Session 02
  In Poster Session: PS 02 Section - Technology, Media & Child Development

Integrative Statement

Problematic internet use (PIU) is a growing public health concern for adolescents which has been associated with poor sleep, social anxiety and withdrawal (Younes, 2016, Jelenchick 2014). Despite advances in the conceptualization of PIU as distinct from substance addiction, and validation of a screening tool in pediatric populations, few intervention approaches have been tested among adolescents. Identification and intervention with early adolescents reporting significant PIU symptoms may help prevent PIU. The purpose of this study was to test the AAP’s Family Media Use Plan (FMUP) for reduction in PIU symptoms among early adolescents ages 12-14 years. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, we recruited a sample of 12-14 year olds through Qualtrics panels. Participants completed a baseline survey at Time 1 and were randomized to receive the FMUP or no intervention. All participants were asked to complete a Time 2 survey 4 weeks later. Both surveys included the Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening scale (PRIUSS). Analysis examined all 18 items of the PRIUSS as well as total PRIUSS score, and participants were characterized as responders if item scores improved from Time 1 to 2. Intervention was entered as a predictor into separate logistic regression models predicting responder status for each PRIUSS item as well as total PRIUSS score. Associated 95% confidence intervals were obtained from the model for intervention and control groups. A total of 684 participants were recruited to the study; participants were mean age 13.6 years (SD 1.2), 48.8% female, 74.7% Caucasian. Among participants, 52% were randomized to the intervention and >99% completed data collection at Time 2. At Time 1, the mean PRIUSS score was 20.6 (SD 15.5) and 36.6% of participants met criteria as at risk for PIU. At Time 1 the most common PIU symptoms endorsed included choosing to socialize online instead of in person (87.3%), feeling irritated when unable to use the internet (74.3%) and use of the internet excessively (73.3%). Intervention participants were more likely to have improved symptoms at Time 2 for the following PIU symptoms: increased social anxiety (OR=1.67, 95%CI: 1.04-2.67), feeling anxious when away from the internet (OR=1.69, 95% CI 1.05-2.73), feeling withdrawal when away from the internet (OR=1.58, 95% CI 1.01-2.46) and feeling vulnerable when away from the internet (OR=1.70, 95% CI 1.06-2.75). When examining intervention effect modification by gender, girls were more likely than boys to have improvement on the symptoms “offline relationships suffer due to online time” (OR=2.75, 95% CI 1.23-6.16 versus OR=0.96, 95% CI 0.51-1.80, respectively; p=0.04). There were no intervention effects for the overall PIU score. Findings support the AAP Family Media Use Plan as an online intervention was effective in reducing PIU symptoms for anxiety, vulnerability and withdrawal, 3 of the most clinically significant PIU symptoms. Some PIU symptoms were improved for females receiving the intervention but not for males. Our study suggests that the FMUP shows promise as a preventive intervention for PIU, particularly among female early adolescents.

Authors

• Megan Moreno, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  Non-Presenting Author

• Aubrey Gower, University of Wisconsin Madison
  Presenting Author