A protocol for establishing a core outcome set for studies examining treatments for Problematic Internet use

Background:
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating Problematic internet use (PIU) have reported many different outcomes, which are themselves often defined and measured in distinct ways. Numerous clinical trials have been conducted on the efficacy and safety of different interventions in the treatment of PIU, resulting in many different outcome measures and different ways of measuring them. In order to facilitate the future research of PIU, it is necessary to produce the core Outcome Set (COS), which can help to translate the results into high-quality evidence.
Methods and analysis:
This mixed-method project has a three-phase tool: Phase 1, a scoping review of the literature to identify outcomes that have been reported in clinical trials and systematic reviews of interventions for PIU. Phase 2, a systematic review of PIU literature was conducted to identify potential outcome indicators. Phase 3, final outcome indicators were determined through Modified Delphi Method, Consensus Meetings, Stakeholder Perspectives and Stakeholder Consultations.
Conclusions:
We will develop a COS that should be reported in future clinical trials of PIU.

Aim

To develop a core outcome set in Problematic Internet use (PIU).

Contributors

Liu Wu, Yang Wang, Xinyu Zhao, Mingze Zhou, Ping Gao, Ting Yi, Jiarui Cui, Hui Li, Tianmin Zhu

Publication

Journal: Research square
Volume:
Issue:
Pages: -
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2113610/v1

Further Study Information

Current Stage: Ongoing
Date:
Funding source(s): This research was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81072852 and No.81574047). The Key Research and Development Projects of Sichuan Science and Technology Department (2019YFS0175).


Health Area

Disease Category: Other

Disease Name: Problematic Internet use

Target Population

Age Range: 18 - 40

Sex: Either

Nature of Intervention: Any

Stakeholders Involved

Study Type

- COS for clinical trials or clinical research
- COS for practice

Method(s)