Evaluating the effectiveness of a brief digital procrastination intervention targeting university students in Sweden: study protocol for the Focus randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION: The concept of procrastination can be described as a conscious, yet irrational, postponement of important tasks or decisions—despite awareness that the delay may lead to negative consequences. Procrastination behaviours are common among university students and is often described as a failure of self-regulation, and the behaviour is associated with stress, symptoms of depression and anxiety, poorer academic performance and negative effects on overall health and well-being. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A two-arm, parallel groups (1:1), single-blind randomised controlled trial will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of a brief digital procrastination intervention (Focus) among university students in Sweden. The intervention consists of a screening and feedback component based on Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS) score, allowing intervention participants to assess their current procrastination behaviours and receive behaviour change advice. Participants in the control group will be shown their total PPS score without any further feedback. Monte Carlo simulations (assuming a standardised effect of 0.35 Cohen’s d of the intervention on the primary outcome, to at least 80% of the time estimate a posterior probability of effect of at least 95%) indicated that data from 1000 participants are required for analysis, meaning that 2000 participants are required to be randomised when assuming a 50% attrition rate. The primary outcome will be procrastination behaviour measured at 2 months postrandomisation. Secondary outcomes will be anxiety and stress symptoms and lifestyle behaviours. Outcomes will be analysed using multilevel regression models estimated using Bayesian inference. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority on 2022-08-24 (dnr 2022-00353). Students will be asked to give informed consent before participation and after having been given information about the study. The results will be submitted for publication in open access, peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN13533793