Teen DrinkingNCT07143565
Online Education Hubs and Chat-based Text Messaging for Reducing Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking in Adolescents: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
A study testing Online platform hub and mHealth Text Messaging and Self-help material in people with Teen Drinking, run by The University of Hong Kong at 2 sites in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
Online education hubs and Chat-based text messaging for reducing alcohol consumption and binge drinking in adolescents: A pilot randomized controlled trial Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 12 to 18 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Teen Drinking
- What is being tested?
- Online platform hub and mHealth Text Messaging and Self-help material
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesHong Kong
- Study dates
- 28 Nov 2025to 31 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 12 to 18 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- being a Hong Kong resident aged between 12-18 years;
- having consumed alcohol in the past 12-month;
- Using WhatsApp in their cell phone.
Who cannot join
- cannot communicate in Cantonese or read Chinese;
- currently using other alcohol control programs.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Hong Kong2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Not yet recruiting
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Derek Yee Tak CHEUNG, 39176652, derekcheung@hku.hk
- Recruiting
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Derek Yee Tak CHEUNG, phd, +852 3917 6652, derekcheung@hku.hk
About this study
Official title: Chat-based Text Messaging and Online Education Hubs for Reducing Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking in Adolescents: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Online education hubs and Chat-based text messaging for reducing alcohol consumption and binge drinking in adolescents: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Read the detailed description
It is urged to alleviate the problem before it become worse. Department of Health in Hong Kong developed 3 information hubs (Alcohol Fails, Young and Alcohol Free and Understanding Alcohol Harm) to distribute alcohol-related messages, such as binge drinking. Yet, it lacks interactive and individualized elements, which makes it difficult to attract secondary school students to search for information. Our previous research also reveals that more than 80% of the respondents are willing to receive message reminders for controlling or avoiding binge drinking. They also suggest that those messages should include drinking limits, health risks, psychological support, and alternative activities. It proves that an interactive and personalized intervention package should be included in secondary school in terms of binge drinking prevention. This could be a research gap to investigate in this project.
We expect that this study result would demonstrate the main effects of the interventions, including mHealth text messaging, and online platform hub. By analyzing those intervention results, we could deeply understand the effective methods to lower the risk of young adult binge drinking phenomenon. We could provide more precise interventions to secondary school students. This study will also prepare for future RCTs to explore the possibility on the integration of other intervention components or factors for binge drinking prevention research. In the long run, the proportion of binge drinking in population and young-aged will be lowered. Department of Health or other future research could implement this intervention as a fundamental to enhance the effectiveness of the alcohol control intervention.
A pilot 2-arm, parallel, open-labelled randomized controlled trial randomly allocated participants (1:1 ratio) to intervention and control groups. The intervention group has 2 intervention components: (1) Online information hub (compulsory: game), (2) mHealth text messaging at last to people who needed (Audit score >7). The control group will receive self-help materials during the same period. The sample size is 100 participants (50 for each group).
100 ever-drinkers will be recruited from the secondary schools through online and offline. Study information will be disseminated via online advertisements, mass emails, and in-person interactions at schools in various districts, including New Territories, Kowloon, and Hong Kong Island. Interested participants can enroll by completing an online application form using Qualtrics or Google form).
During offline recruitment sessions, staff will approach secondary school students and their parents (if the participants are under 18 years old) to obtain consent and have them complete a baseline questionnaire for further contact and intervention delivery.
- Conditions
- Teen Drinking
- Being tested
- Online platform hub and mHealth Text Messaging, Self-help material
- Keywords
- Gamification, Information Hub, Randomized Controlled Trial, Teen Drinking, Binge Drinking
- Medical subject headings
- Underage Drinking, Binge Drinking
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Online platform hub and mHealth Text MessagingBehavioural
The treatment package includes both optional and mandatory treatments. The mandatory treatments consist of mHealth text messaging and an online platform hub. We have developed a game which educates teenagers about alcohol reduction and promotes awareness of alcohol-related harm. Designed to be both engaging and informative, the game uses real-life scenarios, interactive storytelling, and decision-based gameplay to help young people understand the risks of excessive drinking. Also, participants with Audit Score > 7 will receive individualized chat-based instant text messages from WhatsApp for 8 weeks. They will have real-time and one-to-one interaction. The conversation intensity depends on the participants' need.
Self-help materialBehavioural
Self-help material like leaflet is a common method used in preventing teenage Drinking.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention group | Experimental | The treatment package includes both optional and mandatory treatments. The mandatory treatments consist of mHealth text messaging and an online platform hub. Receives: Behavioral: Online platform hub and mHealth Text Messaging |
| Control Group | Active comparator | The control group will be provided a self-help material like leaflet for alcohol reduction, which involves education on alcohol harm and strategies for alcohol reduction. Receives: Behavioral: Self-help material |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Number of drinking days
The primary outcome is the number of drinking days in the past 30 days at 3-month follow-up.
Measured: 3-month follow-up
Secondary outcomes (4)
Number of ever binge drinking days
Number of ever binge drinking days in the past 3 months at 3-month follow-up since trial participation
Measured: 3-month follow-up
Number of binge drinking days
Number of binge drinking days in the past 30 days at 3-month
Measured: 3-month follow-up
Intention to reduce or quit alcohol drinking
Intention to reduce or quit alcohol drinking in 10 points Likert scale at 3-month follow-up. [0: no intention | 10: Highest Intention]
Measured: 3-month follow-up
Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test
Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) score is a validated scale in measuring the impact of alcohol consumption on individual's health.
Measured: 3-month follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Aug 2025
- Study start28 Nov 2025
- Primary completion31 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 May 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (9)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Teen DrinkingStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by The University of Hong KongThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- 2-arm: Intervention group and Control group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Hong Kong
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dr. Derek Yee-Tak Cheung, The University of Hong Kong
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07143565
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- knowledgehub
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 19 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 5 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Research data and documentation will be available upon request
Publications
Garnett CV, Crane D, Brown J, Kaner EFS, Beyer FR, Muirhead CR, Hickman M, Beard E, Redmore J, de Vocht F, Michie S. Behavior Change Techniques Used in Digital Behavior Change Interventions to Reduce Excessive Alcohol Consumption: A Meta-regression. Ann Behav Med. 2018 May 18;52(6):530-543. doi: 10.1093/abm/kax029.
PubMed 29788261Wang H, Hu R, Zhong J, Du H, Fiona B, Wang M, Yu M. Binge drinking and associated factors among school students: a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang Province, China. BMJ Open. 2018 Apr 12;8(4):e021077. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021077.
PubMed 29654047Ho DSY, Huang R, Wang MP, Lo WS, Lam TH. Adolescent alcohol drinking in Hong Kong: a school-based survey. Hong Kong Med J. 2019 Feb;25 Suppl 3(1):13-15. No abstract available.
PubMed 30792366Silveri MM. Adolescent brain development and underage drinking in the United States: identifying risks of alcohol use in college populations. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2012 Jul-Aug;20(4):189-200. doi: 10.3109/10673229.2012.714642.
PubMed 22894728Hunt WA. Are binge drinkers more at risk of developing brain damage? Alcohol. 1993 Nov-Dec;10(6):559-61. doi: 10.1016/0741-8329(93)90083-z.
PubMed 8123218Zeigler DW, Wang CC, Yoast RA, Dickinson BD, McCaffree MA, Robinowitz CB, Sterling ML; Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association. The neurocognitive effects of alcohol on adolescents and college students. Prev Med. 2005 Jan;40(1):23-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.04.044.
PubMed 15530577Paljarvi T, Koskenvuo M, Poikolainen K, Kauhanen J, Sillanmaki L, Makela P. Binge drinking and depressive symptoms: a 5-year population-based cohort study. Addiction. 2009 Jul;104(7):1168-78. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02577.x. Epub 2009 May 11.
PubMed 19438420Dahl RE. Adolescent brain development: a period of vulnerabilities and opportunities. Keynote address. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Jun;1021:1-22. doi: 10.1196/annals.1308.001.
PubMed 15251869Knight JR, Sherritt L, Harris SK, Gates EC, Chang G. Validity of brief alcohol screening tests among adolescents: a comparison of the AUDIT, POSIT, CAGE, and CRAFFT. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2003 Jan;27(1):67-73. doi: 10.1097/01.ALC.0000046598.59317.3A.
PubMed 12544008
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Chat-based Text Messaging and Online Education Hubs for Reducing Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking in Adolescents: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07143565
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- knowledgehub
- Conditions
- Teen Drinking
- Keywords
- Gamification, Information Hub, Randomized Controlled Trial, Teen Drinking, Binge Drinking
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Hong KongUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 28 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 27 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Online education hubs and Chat-based text messaging for reducing alcohol consumption and binge drinking in adolescents: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Detailed description
It is urged to alleviate the problem before it become worse. Department of Health in Hong Kong developed 3 information hubs (Alcohol Fails, Young and Alcohol Free and Understanding Alcohol Harm) to distribute alcohol-related messages, such as binge drinking. Yet, it lacks interactive and individualized elements, which makes it difficult to attract secondary school students to search for information. Our previous research also reveals that more than 80% of the respondents are willing to receive message reminders for controlling or avoiding binge drinking. They also suggest that those messages should include drinking limits, health risks, psychological support, and alternative activities. It proves that an interactive and personalized intervention package should be included in secondary school in terms of binge drinking prevention. This could be a research gap to investigate in this project.
We expect that this study result would demonstrate the main effects of the interventions, including mHealth text messaging, and online platform hub. By analyzing those intervention results, we could deeply understand the effective methods to lower the risk of young adult binge drinking phenomenon. We could provide more precise interventions to secondary school students. This study will also prepare for future RCTs to explore the possibility on the integration of other intervention components or factors for binge drinking prevention research. In the long run, the proportion of binge drinking in population and young-aged will be lowered. Department of Health or other future research could implement this intervention as a fundamental to enhance the effectiveness of the alcohol control intervention.
A pilot 2-arm, parallel, open-labelled randomized controlled trial randomly allocated participants (1:1 ratio) to intervention and control groups. The intervention group has 2 intervention components: (1) Online information hub (compulsory: game), (2) mHealth text messaging at last to people who needed (Audit score >7). The control group will receive self-help materials during the same period. The sample size is 100 participants (50 for each group).
100 ever-drinkers will be recruited from the secondary schools through online and offline. Study information will be disseminated via online advertisements, mass emails, and in-person interactions at schools in various districts, including New Territories, Kowloon, and Hong Kong Island. Interested participants can enroll by completing an online application form using Qualtrics or Google form).
During offline recruitment sessions, staff will approach secondary school students and their parents (if the participants are under 18 years old) to obtain consent and have them complete a baseline questionnaire for further contact and intervention delivery.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- 2-arm: Intervention group and Control group
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention group | Experimental | Behavioral: Online platform hub and mHealth Text MessagingThe treatment package includes both optional and mandatory treatments. The mandatory treatments consist of mHealth text messaging and an online platform hub. |
| Control Group | Active comparator | Behavioral: Self-help materialThe control group will be provided a self-help material like leaflet for alcohol reduction, which involves education on alcohol harm and strategies for alcohol reduction. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 12 to 18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- being a Hong Kong resident aged between 12-18 years;
- having consumed alcohol in the past 12-month;
- Using WhatsApp in their cell phone.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- cannot communicate in Cantonese or read Chinese;
- currently using other alcohol control programs.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Online platform hub and mHealth Text MessagingThe treatment package includes both optional and mandatory treatments. The mandatory treatments consist of mHealth text messaging and an online platform hub. We have developed a game which educates teenagers about alcohol reduction and promotes awareness of alcohol-related harm. Designed to be both engaging and informative, the game uses real-life scenarios, interactive storytelling, and decision-based gameplay to help young people understand the risks of excessive drinking. Also, participants with Audit Score > 7 will receive individualized chat-based instant text messages from WhatsApp for 8 weeks. They will have real-time and one-to-one interaction. The conversation intensity depends on the participants' need. | Behavioural | Intervention group |
| Self-help materialSelf-help material like leaflet is a common method used in preventing teenage Drinking. | Behavioural | Control Group |
Primary outcome
Number of drinking days
Time frame: 3-month follow-up
The primary outcome is the number of drinking days in the past 30 days at 3-month follow-up.
4 secondary outcomes
Number of ever binge drinking days
Time frame: 3-month follow-up
Number of binge drinking days
Time frame: 3-month follow-up
Intention to reduce or quit alcohol drinking
Time frame: 3-month follow-up
Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test
Time frame: 3-month follow-up
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Jan 2026.
- Background: PubMed 29788261Garnett CV, Crane D, Brown J, Kaner EFS, Beyer FR, Muirhead CR, Hickman M, Beard E, Redmore J, de Vocht F, Michie S. Behavior Change Techniques Used in Digital Behavior Change Interventions to Reduce Excessive Alcohol Consumption: A Meta-regression. Ann Behav Med. 2018 May 18;52(6):530-543. doi: 10.1093/abm/kax029.
- Background: PubMed 29654047Wang H, Hu R, Zhong J, Du H, Fiona B, Wang M, Yu M. Binge drinking and associated factors among school students: a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang Province, China. BMJ Open. 2018 Apr 12;8(4):e021077. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021077.
- Background: PubMed 30792366Ho DSY, Huang R, Wang MP, Lo WS, Lam TH. Adolescent alcohol drinking in Hong Kong: a school-based survey. Hong Kong Med J. 2019 Feb;25 Suppl 3(1):13-15. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 22894728Silveri MM. Adolescent brain development and underage drinking in the United States: identifying risks of alcohol use in college populations. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2012 Jul-Aug;20(4):189-200. doi: 10.3109/10673229.2012.714642.
- Background: PubMed 8123218Hunt WA. Are binge drinkers more at risk of developing brain damage? Alcohol. 1993 Nov-Dec;10(6):559-61. doi: 10.1016/0741-8329(93)90083-z.
- Background: PubMed 15530577Zeigler DW, Wang CC, Yoast RA, Dickinson BD, McCaffree MA, Robinowitz CB, Sterling ML; Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association. The neurocognitive effects of alcohol on adolescents and college students. Prev Med. 2005 Jan;40(1):23-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.04.044.
- Background: PubMed 19438420Paljarvi T, Koskenvuo M, Poikolainen K, Kauhanen J, Sillanmaki L, Makela P. Binge drinking and depressive symptoms: a 5-year population-based cohort study. Addiction. 2009 Jul;104(7):1168-78. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02577.x. Epub 2009 May 11.
- Background: PubMed 15251869Dahl RE. Adolescent brain development: a period of vulnerabilities and opportunities. Keynote address. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Jun;1021:1-22. doi: 10.1196/annals.1308.001.
- Background: PubMed 12544008Knight JR, Sherritt L, Harris SK, Gates EC, Chang G. Validity of brief alcohol screening tests among adolescents: a comparison of the AUDIT, POSIT, CAGE, and CRAFFT. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2003 Jan;27(1):67-73. doi: 10.1097/01.ALC.0000046598.59317.3A.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Research data and documentation will be available upon request
Related trials for Teen Drinking
Recruiting
Evaluating Caregiver Involvement in Primary Care-Based Brief Interventions for Adolescent Alcohol Use Problems
Alcohol Use, Adolescent
Not yet recruiting
Hybrid Type 1 Trial of a Parent-Based Intervention Addressing Social Media and Adolescent Alcohol Use
Adolescent Alcohol Use
Recruiting
ChangeGradients: Promoting Adolescent Health Behavior Change
Alcohol Drinking, Self Efficacy
Not yet recruiting
Parent-Focused Alcohol Prevention Program for Hispanic Families in Faith-Based Settings
Alcohol Use, Underage Drinking
Recruiting
Virtual Reality (VR-GINSO) as an Complement to Intervention for Alcohol and Cannabis Use in Youth in Residential Care
Dual Diagnosis, Risk Youth
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Online platform hub and mHealth Text Messaging and Self-help material in people with Teen Drinking, run by The University of Hong Kong at 2 sites in Hong Kong.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Hong Kong. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Derek Yee Tak CHEUNG (+852 39176652, derekcheung@hku.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Number of drinking days (time frame: 3-month follow-up). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07143565, which also lists 9 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Jan 2026.