WeChat public-account intervention based on the IMB model reduces internet addiction and increases sleep duration in college students
A 6-week WeChat-based IMB intervention significantly reduced internet addiction (adjusted mean change -4.531, 95% CI -7.281 to -1.781; P=.001) and increased sleep duration (odds ratio 2.186, 95% CI 1.142-4.183; P=.02) in college students aged 18-24 with internet addiction. The intervention also improved motivation and behavioral skills, with effects varying by addiction severity.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
WeChat public-account intervention based on the IMB model reduces internet addiction and increases sleep duration in college students The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 44/100 (low).
The Claim
WeChat public-account intervention based on the IMB model reduces internet addiction and increases sleep duration in college students
This conclusion is most relevant to: 226 college students aged 18-24 years with internet addiction from a university in Anhui Province, China.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Effectiveness of WeChat Public Account Intervention Based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model Among College Students With Internet Addiction: Randomized Controlled Trial. (Journal of medical Internet research, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Intervention delivered via WeChat public account
- ▸Participants engaged with information, motivation, and behavioral skills modules
- ▸Increased motivation (adjusted mean change 4.283) and behavioral skills (adjusted mean change 3.407)
- ▸Result: Reduced internet addiction and increased sleep duration
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸226 college students aged 18-24 years with internet addiction from a university in Anhui Province, China
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Single university in China limits generalizability
- ▸Control group received no intervention, so placebo effects cannot be ruled out
- ▸Self-reported measures may introduce bias
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IMB model?▼
The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model posits that behavior change requires information about the behavior, motivation to change, and behavioral skills to execute the change.
How long was the intervention?▼
The intervention lasted 6 weeks, delivered via a WeChat public account.
Did the intervention improve sleep quality?▼
No significant differences were observed between groups in sleep quality; only sleep duration increased significantly.
Was the effect stronger for severe internet addiction?▼
Yes, the decline in IAT scores in the moderate to severe subgroup was twice as large as that in the mild subgroup.
References
- 1.Yang H, Geng A, Ruan W, Yang Y, Xu F, Shi H, Xu W, Jiang K, Guo H, Wang S, Hu Z, Man M, Zhang Z. “Effectiveness of WeChat Public Account Intervention Based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model Among College Students With Internet Addiction: Randomized Controlled Trial..” Journal of medical Internet research, 2026. PMID: 42398925 DOI: 10.2196/84664