Focus Groups and Experiments for Health Message Development: Creating a Text Message Program for College Women About Alcohol and Hook-Ups

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Fitts Willoughby ◽  
Jared Brickman ◽  
Zhaomeng Niu ◽  
Shuang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
College Women ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Health Message ◽  
Message Development

scholarly journals Development and Pilot Testing of Text Messages to Reduce Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake in Rural Caregivers and Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Yuhas ◽  
Kathleen Joyce Porter ◽  
Donna-Jean Brock ◽  
Annie Loyd ◽  
Brittany Alexandra McCormick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Utilization Rate ◽  
Rural Caregivers ◽  
Message Development ◽  
Caregiver Behaviors

BACKGROUND High consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) poses significant health concerns, particularly for rural adults and adolescents. Developing innovative strategies that target caregivers as the agents of change could be a promising way to improve both caregiver and adolescent health. Sending text messages through mobile phones has been cited as an effective way to improve behavioral outcomes, although little research has been conducted in rural areas, particularly focusing on SSB intake. OBJECTIVE Targeting rural caregivers, the objectives of this two phase study were to: 1) understand caregivers’ perceptions and language preferences for SSB-related text messages to inform and refine message development and delivery, and 2) evaluate the acceptability of text messages for SSB behavior change, and examine short-term effects on SSB behaviors. METHODS A convergent mixed-methods design was used to systematically develop and pilot test text messages with caregivers in Southwest Virginia. In phase one, five focus groups that included a card-sorting activity were conducted to explore advantages/disadvantages, language preferences (i.e., tone of voice, audience, phrase preferences), and perceived use of text messages. In phase two, caregivers participated in a 5-week text message pilot trial that included weekly educational and personalized strategy messages and SSB assessments at baseline and follow-up. Before the focus groups and after completing the pilot trial, caregivers also completed a pre-post survey that assessed SSB intake, SSB home availability, and caregiver SSB-related practices. Caregivers also completed individual follow-up telephone interviews following the pilot trial. RESULTS In phase one, caregivers (n=33) reported that text messages were convenient, accessible, and easy to read. Additionally, caregivers preferred messages with empathetic and authoritative tones of voice that provided useful strategies and stayed away from using absolute words (e.g., always, never). In the phase two pilot trial (n=30), 87% of caregivers completed baseline and 77% completed follow-up assessment suggesting a high utilization rate. Other ways caregivers reported benefiting from the text messages included sharing messages with family members, friends, and coworkers (80%), making mental notes (57%), and looking back at messages as reminders (50%). Caregivers reported significant improvements in home environment, parenting practices, and rulemaking around SSB (all P <0.05). Also, the frequency of SSB intake among caregivers and adolescents significantly decreased (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS Spending time in the formative phases of text message development helped to understand the unique perspectives and language preferences of the target population. This study also found that delivering an intervention through text messages has the potential to improve caregiver behaviors and reduce SSB intake in rural caregivers and adolescents. Findings from this study were used to develop a larger bank of text messages, which will be used in a future study testing the effectiveness of a text message intervention targeting SSB-related caregiver behaviors.

scholarly journals How Acceptable Is A Wireless Pill Bottle That Monitors and Texts In Response To Missed Doses: Focus Groups With Young African American MSM Living With HIV

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S422-S422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Dworkin ◽  
Palak Panchal ◽  
Antonio Jimenez ◽  
Robert Garofalo ◽  
Jessica E Haberer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Case Manager ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Pill Bottle ◽  
African American Msm ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background African American MSM (AAMSM) living with HIV are less likely to have viral suppression than other racial groups. Wisepill, a wireless pill bottle, transmits a cellular signal to a server when opened and is designed to measure antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The objective of this study was to explore the acceptability of a proposed intervention in these young AAMSM using the Wisepill device opening data to trigger a real-time text alert that ART may not have been taken during a planned time to either the user, a trusted social contact, or a healthcare worker, depending on the duration of consecutively missed doses (1 dose, 3 doses, 7 doses, respectively). Methods From December 2016 – May 2017, AAMSM living with HIV age 18–34 years (N = 25) participated in a study that included five focus groups (n = 23) and one on one interviews (n = 2). We performed theory-based discussion grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model. Specifically, we explored usefulness, convenience, concerns, and intention to use. Results Fifty-two percent missed at least one dose in the 4 days prior to the focus group meeting. Almost all participants (94%) favored the idea of a wireless pill bottle monitor and linked text message notification that ART may have been missed. The device was considered convenient for use at home or in a backpack, but too large for a pocket. Stigma and privacy were common concerns. For example, participants did not want to carry the device with them if the pills would “sound like a walking pharmacy” and did not want a text message that said, “You missed your HIV meds.” They preferred text message notifications that ranged from emoji icons to cryptic short texts and wanted to receive an email as a backup plan. Most believed that the device appearance would not gain unwanted attention. Thirty percent of the participants identified a partner as a social contact to whom the 3-day missed dose reminders would be sent whereas others designated their mother, aunt, brother, friend, pastor, and case-manager. Conclusion An adherence intervention using a wireless pill bottle monitoring device linked to text notifications was acceptable to most of the young AAMSM in this study. Acceptability may be enhanced by personalization of the responsive text messages and a backup email option. Disclosures J. E. Haberer, Merck: Consultant, Consulting fee; Natera: Shareholder, Stock ownership

scholarly journals Usability and Acceptability of a Text Message-Based Developmental Screening Tool for Young Children: Pilot Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Ryden Johnson ◽  
Jessica Bushar ◽  
Margaret Dunkle ◽  
Sharon Leyden ◽  
Elizabeth T Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Developmental Screening ◽  
Screening Questions ◽  
Low Income Mothers ◽  
Developmental Screening Tool

BACKGROUND Only 30% of parents of children aged 9-35 months report that their child received a developmental screening in the previous year. Screening rates are even lower in low-income households, where the rates of developmental delays are typically higher than those in high-income households. Seeking to evaluate ways to increase developmental screening, Text4baby, a national perinatal texting program, created an interactive text message-based version of a validated developmental screening tool for parents. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess whether a text message-based developmental screening tool is usable and acceptable by low-income mothers. METHODS Low-income mothers of infants aged 8-10 months were recruited from the Women, Infants and Children Program clinics in Prince George’s County, MD. Once enrolled, participants used text messages to receive and respond to six developmental screening questions from the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status: Developmental Milestones. After confirming their responses, participants received the results and feedback. Project staff conducted a follow-up phone survey and invited a subset of survey respondents to attend focus groups. A representative of the County’s Infants and Toddlers Program met with or called participants whose results indicated that their infants “may be behind.” RESULTS Eighty-one low-income mothers enrolled in the study, 93% of whom reported that their infants received Medicaid (75/81). In addition, 49% of the mothers were Hispanic/Latina (40/81) and 42% were African American (34/81). A total of 80% participated in follow-up surveys (65/81), and 14 mothers attended focus groups. All participants initiated the screening and responded to all six screening questions. Of the total, 79% immediately confirmed their responses (64/81), and 21% made one or more changes (17/81). Based on the final responses, 63% of participants received a text that the baby was “doing well” in all six developmental domains (51/81); furthermore, 37% received texts listing domains where their baby was “doing well” and one or more domains where their baby “may be behind” (30/81). All participants received a text with resources for follow-up. In a follow-up survey reaching 65 participants, all respondents said that they would like to answer screening questions again when their baby was older. All but one participant would recommend the tool to a friend and rated the experience of answering questions and receiving feedback by text as “very good” or “good.” CONCLUSIONS A mobile text version of a validated developmental screening tool was both usable and acceptable by low-income mothers, including those whose infants “may be behind.” Our results may inform further research on the use of the tool at older ages and options for a scalable, text-based developmental screening tool such as that in Text4baby.

A text-message intervention for adolescents with depression and their parent/caregiver to overcome cognitive barriers to mental health treatment initiation: Focus groups and a pilot trial (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Suffoletto ◽  
Tina Goldstein ◽  
David Brent
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Test Engagement ◽  
Text Message Intervention

BACKGROUND Many adolescents with depression do not pursue mental health (MH) treatment following referral by a heathcare provider. We developed a theory-based automated text message intervention (Text to Connect, T2C) that attempts to reduce cognitive barriers to initiation of MH care. OBJECTIVE In this 2-phase study, we sought to first understand potential for T2C and then test engagement, usability, and potential efficacy of T2C among adolescents with depression and their parent/caregiver. METHODS In phase 1, we conducted focus groups with adolescents with depression (n=9) and their parent/caregiver (n=9) separately and transcripts were examined for themes. In phase 2, we conducted an open trial of T2C with adolescents with depression referred to MH care (n=43) and their parent/caregiver (n=28). We assessed usability by examining program engagement, usability ratings and qualitative feedback at 4-weeks follow-up. We assessed potential effectiveness by examining change in perceived barriers to treatment and MH care initiation from baseline to 4-weeks. RESULTS In phase 1, we found that themes supported the T2C approach. In phase 2, we found high engagement with daily negative affect check-ins, high usability ratings, and self-reported decreases in barriers to MH treatment over time among adolescents. At 4-weeks follow-up, most adolescents reported either having initiated MH care (52%) or pending scheduling (15%), leaving only 15% of adolescents still not interested in MH care. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study suggest that T2C is acceptable to adolescents with depression and most parent/caregivers, is used at high rates, and may be helpful to reduce cognitive barriers to MH care initiation. CLINICALTRIAL NCT04560075

Focus Groups Inform SMS/Text Message Nutrition Education for College Athletes

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. S39
Author(s):  
Holly Bill ◽  
L. Kessler ◽  
E. Jo ◽  
B. Burns-Whitmore
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
College Athletes ◽  
Text Message

scholarly journals Development and Pilot Testing of Text Messages to Help Reduce Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Rural Caregivers and Adolescents: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/14785 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. e14785
Author(s):  
Maryam Yuhas ◽  
Kathleen J Porter ◽  
Donna-Jean P Brock ◽  
Annie Loyd ◽  
Brittany A McCormick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Rural Caregivers ◽  
Caregiver Behaviors

Background A high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) poses significant health concerns, particularly for rural adults and adolescents. A manner in which the health of both caregivers and adolescents can be improved is by developing innovative strategies that target caregivers as the agents of change. Sending text messages through mobile phones has been cited as an effective way to improve behavioral outcomes, although little research has been conducted in rural areas, particularly focusing on SSB intake. Objective By targeting rural caregivers, this 2-phase study aimed to (1) understand caregivers’ perceptions and language preferences for SSB-related text messages to inform and refine message development and delivery and (2) evaluate the acceptability of text messages for SSB intake behavior change and examine short-term effects on SSB intake behavior. Methods A convergent mixed methods design was used to systematically develop and pilot-test text messages with caregivers in Southwest Virginia. In phase 1, 5 focus groups that included a card-sorting activity were conducted to explore advantages/disadvantages, language preferences (ie, tone of voice, audience, and phrase preferences), and perceived use of text messages. In phase 2, caregivers participated in a 5-week text message pilot trial that included weekly educational and personalized strategy messages and SSB intake assessments at baseline and follow-up. Before the focus groups and after completing the pilot trial, caregivers also completed a pre-post survey that assessed SSB intake, SSB home availability, and caregivers’ SSB-related practices. Caregivers also completed individual follow-up telephone interviews following the pilot trial. Results In phase 1, caregivers (N=33) reported that text messages were convenient, accessible, and easy to read. In addition, they preferred messages with empathetic and authoritative tones that provided useful strategies and stayed away from using absolute words (eg, always and never). In the phase 2 pilot trial (N=30), 87% of caregivers completed baseline and 77% completed follow-up assessment, suggesting a high utilization rate. Other ways in which caregivers reported benefiting from the text messages included sharing messages with family members and friends (80%), making mental notes (57%), and looking back at messages as reminders (50%). Caregivers reported significant improvements in home environment, parenting practices, and rulemaking around SSB (P=.003, P=.02, and P=.04, respectively). In addition, the frequency of SSB intake among caregivers and adolescents significantly decreased (P=.003 and P=.005, respectively). Conclusions Spending time in the formative phases of text message development helped understand the unique perspectives and language preferences of the target population. Furthermore, delivering an intervention through text messages has the potential to improve caregiver behaviors and reduce SSB intake among rural caregivers and adolescents. Findings from this study were used to develop a larger bank of text messages, which would be used in a future study, testing the effectiveness of a text message intervention targeting SSB intake–related caregiver behaviors.

scholarly journals Assessing the Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Translation of a Text-Based Mobile Smoking Cessation Program in Samoa (TXTTaofiTapaa): Pilot Study (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith McCool ◽  
Helen Tanielu ◽  
Elaine Umali ◽  
Robyn Whittaker
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Smoking Cessation Program

BACKGROUND Samoa faces a persistently high prevalence of adult tobacco use and few existing cessation support services. Mobile phones are ubiquitous and generally affordable. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to adopt a text message (short message service, SMS) smoking cessation program designed in New Zealand (stop smoking with mobile phones, STOMP) for use in Samoa to assist national objectives in reducing the tobacco use. METHODS Using focus groups with smokers and ex-smokers, we explored the context for tobacco use and preferences for SMS text messages. Postintervention focus groups were held after participants received SMS text messages for 1 week. Frequent face-to-face meetings with the primary partner (Ministry of Health Samoa) and key stakeholders contributed to the adaptation process. Participatory feedback and collaboration from stakeholders became an integral part of the cultural adaptation and translation of the program. Furthermore, detailed document analyses were included as part of the formal evaluation of the initiative to explore the core determinants of success in adapting the program to the Samoan cultural context. RESULTS The SMS text messages evolved remarkably following an iterative process of consultation, in situ testing, revision, and retesting to arrive at an acceptable country-specific version of the mobile smoking cessation program. The SMS text messages retained in the final set were consistent with the theory of behavioral change but reflected both linguistic and cultural nuances appropriate for Samoa. Adapting messages required simultaneous multilevel processes, including complex high-level engagement, between the team and the stakeholders, along with crafting the precise content for (character limited) messages. CONCLUSIONS Receiving cessation support messages through a mobile phone is promising and appears to be an acceptable and accessible mode of delivery for tobacco cessation, particularly in the absence of alternative support. Adapting a text-based program in Samoa requires fastidious attention to the nuances of culture, language, and sociopolitical structures in the country.

Sexting 101, or How to Send Nudes

2020 ◽  
pp. 13-29
Author(s):  
Rachel Kalish
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
College Women ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Group Data ◽  
Sexually Explicit ◽  
Hookup Culture ◽  
Focus Group Data

Sexting has been defined as the exchange of sexually explicit materials via electronic means, such as text message or social media, and it has been emerging as a trend among young adults. This qualitative research project seeks to understand the extent of this phenomenon among college women, situating the practice within hookup culture. Using focus group data, this chapter examines how and why young women engage in sexting. Results show that young women do not approach sexting casually, although many do it to add “spice” to their relationships.

SMS for sexual health: A comparison of service types and recommendations for sexual health text message service providers

2016 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Fitts Willoughby ◽  
Adrienne Muldrow
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Sexual Health Information ◽  
Message Service

Objectives: Text message–based interventions may provide sexual health information to young people through a number of service types, from sending information on a regularly scheduled timeline, to providing an automated menu, to allowing young people to connect directly with health educators. While such service types exist, it is not clear which features young adults feel are most effective at allowing them to engage with sexual health information. Design: This study used a mixed-methods design (survey and focus groups) to assess perceptions of three types of sexual health text message services with young adults, a population particularly at risk of negative sexual health outcomes. Setting: College students from the US Pacific Northwest participated in the project. Method: Participants heard about three sexual health text message services, completed questionnaires and discussed each type. Focus groups were gender-separated. Results: Participants reported that services that allowed them to connect with a health educator would be highly useful, but automated services would be beneficial in bringing new topics to their attention. Participants perceived the purpose of the service types as different and felt each could be a useful resource, depending on the situation. Regardless of service type, participants wanted to personalise their experience. Participants wanted messages tailored to them and options to interact with the systems, from influencing topic selection to message timing. Conclusion: Each of the service types can be useful for young adults. Young adults perceive services that provide the opportunity to tailor information and interact with the system as beneficial.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document