Pathway to evolve IEC materials for addressing technology addiction among adolescents: An iterative, participatory, mixed-method approach
Soumalya Ghosh, Senthil Amudhan, Vinayak Mishra, Ajit D. Burma, Prakasha Huruli, Avanti L. Gokhale, Sangappa Vaggar, A.B Devika, Priyanthi ArichandranBACKGROUND:
Technology addiction (TA), a compulsive or excessive use of digital devices and platforms, is an emerging public health concern among adolescents. Effective Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials tailored for young people are limited, particularly in culturally diverse low- and middle-income settings. To develop and validate culturally appropriate IEC materials aimed at increasing awareness of TA and promoting healthy technology use behaviors among adolescents.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Using behavior change–oriented theoretical framework, IEC materials were developed through a six-step process that included theme generation from literature and stakeholder consultations, multidisciplinary content drafting, expert validation, and professional design. Pretrial testing with adolescents, parents, and teachers was conducted during public exhibitions using semistructured questionnaires to assess clarity, relevance, visual appeal, and cultural appropriateness. Iterative feedback guided refinement and finalization of the IEC materials.
RESULTS:
The finalized IEC package included posters and pamphlets structured around the ‘4C’ risk model (Control, Craving, Compulsion, Consequences) and the ‘3A’ response strategy (Ask, Acknowledge, Allow). Pretrial testing (students, teachers, parents at outreach events and school programs) showed high acceptability: Over 90% of respondents provided positive ratings (mean scores > 4.3/5) for clarity, relevance, and visual appeal. Feedback informed simplification of language improved visual clarity, and the addition of practical resource information (helplines and referral pathways).
CONCLUSIONS:
A systematic, stakeholder-driven approach produced concise, culturally resonant IEC materials that are ready for implementation in school- and community-based adolescent health programs. Further research should evaluate their long-term impact on behavior change and scalability within national adolescent health initiatives.