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Article: Perceptions of Using Instant Messaging Apps for Alcohol Reduction Intervention Among University Student Drinkers: Semistructured Interview Study With Chinese University Students in Hong Kong

TitlePerceptions of Using Instant Messaging Apps for Alcohol Reduction Intervention Among University Student Drinkers: Semistructured Interview Study With Chinese University Students in Hong Kong
Authors
Issue Date27-Feb-2023
PublisherJMIR Publications
Citation
JMIR Formative Research, 2023, v. 7 How to Cite?
Abstract

Background: Mobile instant messaging (IM) apps (eg, WhatsApp and WeChat) have been widely used by the general population and are more interactive than text-based programs (SMS text messaging) to modify unhealthy lifestyles. Little is known about IM app use for health promotion, including alcohol reduction for university students.

Objective: This study aims to explore university student drinkers' perceptions of using IM apps for alcohol reduction as they had high alcohol exposure (eg, drinking invitations from peers and alcohol promotion on campus) and the proportion of IM app use in Hong Kong.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with 20 Hong Kong Chinese university students (current drinkers) with Alcohol Use Disorder Identification test scores of ≥8 recruited using purposive sampling. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted from September to October 2019. Interview questions focused on drinking behaviors, quitting history, opinions toward IM app use as an intervention tool, perceived usefulness of IM apps for alcohol reduction, and opinions on the content and design of IM apps for alcohol reduction. Each interview lasted approximately 1 hour. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers independently analyzed the transcripts using thematic analysis with an additional investigator to verify the consistency of the coding.

Results: Participants considered IM apps a feasible and acceptable platform for alcohol reduction intervention. They preferred to receive IMs based on personalized problem-solving and drinking consequences with credible sources. Other perceived important components of instant messages included providing psychosocial support in time and setting goals with participants to reduce drinking. They further provided suggestions on the designs of IM interventions, in which they preferred simple and concise messages, chat styles based on participants' preferences (eg, adding personalized emojis and stickers in the chat), and peers as counselors.

Conclusions: Qualitative interviews with Chinese university student drinkers showed high acceptability, engagement, and perceived utility of IM apps for alcohol reduction intervention. IM intervention can be an alternative for alcohol reduction intervention apart from traditional text-based programs. The study has implications for developing the IM intervention for other unhealthy behaviors and highlights important topics that warrant future research, including substance use and physical inactivity.


Persistent Identifierhttp://hdl.handle.net/10722/328488
ISSN
2023 Impact Factor: 2.0
2023 SCImago Journal Rankings: 0.637
ISI Accession Number ID

 

DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributor.authorChau, Siu Long-
dc.contributor.authorWong, Yiu Cheong-
dc.contributor.authorZeng, Ying Pei-
dc.contributor.authorLee, Jung Jae-
dc.contributor.authorWang, Man Ping-
dc.date.accessioned2023-06-28T04:45:24Z-
dc.date.available2023-06-28T04:45:24Z-
dc.date.issued2023-02-27-
dc.identifier.citationJMIR Formative Research, 2023, v. 7-
dc.identifier.issn2561-326X-
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10722/328488-
dc.description.abstract<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mobile instant messaging (IM) apps (eg, WhatsApp and WeChat) have been widely used by the general population and are more interactive than text-based programs (SMS text messaging) to modify unhealthy lifestyles. Little is known about IM app use for health promotion, including alcohol reduction for university students.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to explore university student drinkers' perceptions of using IM apps for alcohol reduction as they had high alcohol exposure (eg, drinking invitations from peers and alcohol promotion on campus) and the proportion of IM app use in Hong Kong.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study was conducted with 20 Hong Kong Chinese university students (current drinkers) with Alcohol Use Disorder Identification test scores of ≥8 recruited using purposive sampling. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted from September to October 2019. Interview questions focused on drinking behaviors, quitting history, opinions toward IM app use as an intervention tool, perceived usefulness of IM apps for alcohol reduction, and opinions on the content and design of IM apps for alcohol reduction. Each interview lasted approximately 1 hour. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers independently analyzed the transcripts using thematic analysis with an additional investigator to verify the consistency of the coding.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants considered IM apps a feasible and acceptable platform for alcohol reduction intervention. They preferred to receive IMs based on personalized problem-solving and drinking consequences with credible sources. Other perceived important components of instant messages included providing psychosocial support in time and setting goals with participants to reduce drinking. They further provided suggestions on the designs of IM interventions, in which they preferred simple and concise messages, chat styles based on participants' preferences (eg, adding personalized emojis and stickers in the chat), and peers as counselors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Qualitative interviews with Chinese university student drinkers showed high acceptability, engagement, and perceived utility of IM apps for alcohol reduction intervention. IM intervention can be an alternative for alcohol reduction intervention apart from traditional text-based programs. The study has implications for developing the IM intervention for other unhealthy behaviors and highlights important topics that warrant future research, including substance use and physical inactivity.</p>-
dc.languageeng-
dc.publisherJMIR Publications-
dc.relation.ispartofJMIR Formative Research-
dc.titlePerceptions of Using Instant Messaging Apps for Alcohol Reduction Intervention Among University Student Drinkers: Semistructured Interview Study With Chinese University Students in Hong Kong-
dc.typeArticle-
dc.identifier.doi10.2196/40207-
dc.identifier.volume7-
dc.identifier.eissn2561-326X-
dc.identifier.isiWOS:000998561100049-
dc.identifier.issnl2561-326X-

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