PROBTEC Program to Manage Problematic Technology Use in Adolescents

Summary

Excessive engagement with digital devices among adolescents has become a significant public health concern, contributing to reduced physical activity and associated health risks. This study assessed the impact of the PROBTEC Management Program-an intervention structured around the Health Promotion Model-on technology-related behaviors and activity levels in adolescents. A randomized controlled trial was implemented in 10 public middle schools in Türkiye with a total sample of 200 students aged 14-15 years. Schools were allocated to either the intervention or control condition using cluster randomization. The intervention spanned six weeks and combined health education sessions, guided physical activity practices, and parent-focused components. Measures were obtained at four time points (baseline, 1 week, 3 months, 6 months) using validated questionnaires, pedometer-based step counts, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using repeated measures statistical techniques and standardized effect size calculations.

Participants receiving the PROBTEC intervention demonstrated notable improvements over time. Compared with controls, the intervention group exhibited reduced indicators of problematic technology engagement and perceived exercise barriers, alongside increases in perceived exercise benefits, physical activity self-efficacy, and total MET scores.

Findings indicate that the PROBTEC Management Program supports positive behavioral changes by reducing unhealthy technology use and encouraging more active lifestyles among adolescents. The sustained effects observed across the 6-month follow-up period suggest that this school-based, theory-driven model may be a practical and scalable strategy for adolescent health promotion

Conditions

• Health Promotion Model (HPM)
• Randomized Controlled Trial
• Technology Use
• Adolescents

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

PROBTEC Management Program

Intervention Description (Distinctive Features) - PROBTEC Program The PROBTEC Management Program is a multi-component behavioral intervention specifically designed to address problematic technology use among adolescents within a school setting. Unlike standard health education approaches, this program integrates all core constructs of the Health Promotion Model (HPM) and combines them with structured physical activity strategies and a family-engagement framework. Its distinguishing features include: Theory-Driven Structure: The entire intervention is explicitly grounded in the Health Promotion Model. Each session targets specific HPM constructs such as perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, situational influences, and interpersonal support. This provides a comprehensive theoretical basis that differentiates the program from generic technology reduction or physical activity programs. Combined Digital Behavior + Physical Activity Approach: Most existing adolescent inte

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karabuk University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Nesrin Arslan,, PhD · Karabuk University

• aysun Ardic · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

14 Years

Max Age

15 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-03-27

Primary Completion

2023-05-12

Completion

2023-11-29

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations