(PS8-72) Feasibility Study: Digital Light-Touch Prevention Intervention and Biometric Monitoring for College Student Well-Being

Abstract Text: The transition to college presents significant mental and physical health challenges, requiring preventive support that fits within students’ demanding schedules. While digital mental health interventions show promise, they often suffer from high attrition rates, dropping below 50% by mid-intervention and as low as 3–5% in real-world applications, underscoring the need for low-burden, feasible interventions. This study pilot-tested a Light-Touch Prevention Intervention (LTPI) designed to support early college student well-being. We assessed feasibility, acceptability, and potential protective effects in maintaining mental health stability while monitoring sleep and physical health through biometric data.
A total of 110 college students (63% women; Mage = 18.55, SD = 0.61) completed a digital LTPI, followed by a 4-week incentivized wellness logging period and a 4-week follow-up. Participants selected a focus domain (physical activity, sleep, or emotional health) and logged wellness practices via a mobile app. Outcomes were assessed through biweekly surveys (depression: DASS-21), continuous Oura ring monitoring, and a post-intervention questionnaire on LTPI effectiveness.
Participants engaged in daily wellness practices, with 62% completing at least 10 days and 44% completing 20 or more. Despite digital interventions typically declining by day 15, engagement exceeded this range (p < .001), indicating sustained participation. Most participants (81%) truthfully completed activities, with few instances of misreporting (p < .001). A Chi-square test showed significant differences in perceived helpfulness across wellness activity components (χ²(5) = 60.70, p < .001), with barriers addressed (83%), incentives (69%), and flexibility (65%) most cited, while wearable integration was least mentioned (6%).
Retention declined significantly (χ² = 84.03, p < .001), decreasing from 100% at baseline to 50% by Week 3, before stabilizing at 49% by Week 8. Biometric data showed a significant reduction in inactive time (p < .001), with a linear mixed model indicating a steady decline (b = -2.49, p < .001), suggesting a gradual reduction in sedentary behavior. Participants also experienced fewer nightly wake-ups over time (b = −0.031, p = .0034).
A linear mixed model assessing depression and anxiety found both remained stable throughout the intervention. Participants reported low baseline anxiety (M = 7.15, SD = 6.18) and depression (M = 7.77, SD = 6.12), with no significant changes (p > .05), indicating no increase in distress over time. Perceived health improvement was rated highest (M = 6.80, 95% CI: 6.37–7.24, p < .001), and likelihood of recommending the intervention was also significantly above neutral (M = 6.43, 95% CI: 5.99–6.87, p < .001). Functional improvement was lower but still significant (M = 5.66, 95% CI: 5.23–6.08, p = .003). Preliminary analyses showed a significant reduction in cannabis cravings over time (β = −0.041, SE = 0.016, p = 0.013).
Findings suggest LTPI is feasible and acceptable, with promising preliminary effects on engagement, sedentary behavior, sleep, and well-being. These insights will inform intervention refinement and scalability to enhance student well-being during the college transition.