Health Promotion Text Messaging Preferences and Acceptability Among the Medically Underserved

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Communication
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Background:

• The Colorado Healthy Heart Solutions program targets medically underserved, rural populations at risk for cardiovascular disease.
• Community health workers provide crucial health promotion and navigation services in these areas.
• Existing programs require innovative methods to enhance participant engagement and adherence to lifestyle changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot test a text messaging program aimed at increasing participant engagement and adherence to lifestyle changes.
• To evaluate participant preferences and feedback on text message content and delivery for chronic disease management.

Main Methods:

• A 6-week pilot program utilized text messages developed from preimplementation focus groups with English- and Spanish-speaking participants.
• Postimplementation focus groups and interviews were conducted to evaluate the pilot program's effectiveness and participant satisfaction.
• Analysis focused on participant preferences regarding message frequency, content, clarity, and the use of external resources.

Main Results:

• Participants favored concise, positive text messages delivered once daily, suggesting feasible daily actions.
• Clarity in message source, response expectations, and acknowledgment of responses were consistently desired.
• External links were acceptable as supplementary material but not primary content.

Conclusions:

• Text messaging can be an effective tool for reinforcing lifestyle changes in chronic disease management programs.
• Tailoring messages to participant preferences for conciseness, positivity, and clarity is crucial for engagement.
• Findings can inform the development and augmentation of digital health interventions in underserved communities.