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Modifying Text Messages from a Faith-Based Physical Activity Intervention with Latino Adults in Response to the
Margaret D Whitley1, Lilian G Perez1, Gabriela Castro1
1Behavioral and Policy Sciences Department, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA.
Background:
Text messages are useful for health promotion and can be modified during public health emergencies.
Purpose:
Describe how we developed and implemented a physical activity (PA) text messaging component within a faith-based intervention, modified the text message content in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluated participants' perceptions of the modified text messages.
Research Design And Study Sample:
PA promotion text messages were delivered to predominately Spanish-speaking, churchgoing Latino adults (n = 284) in Los Angeles, California. In 2020, we modified the messages to disseminate COVID-19-related information and support and share virtual PA resources.
Data Collection And Analysis:
We analyzed quantitative and qualitative survey data to gauge participants' experiences with the text messages.
Results:
COVID-19 related text messages were a feasible, acceptable addition to a PA intervention for a sample of Latinos.
Conclusions:
Throughout the pandemic, the messages enabled continued communication and support for PA and protection from COVID-19 in a population at high-risk of health inequities.
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