Text Messaging for Longitudinal Data Collection From Adults With Glomerular Disease: Lessons From the Cure...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Digital Health
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, like text messaging, are increasingly used for chronic disease self-management.
• This study investigates the utility and responsiveness of text messaging for data collection in an international, longitudinal, observational study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reach, response rates, and engagement of text messaging for data collection in the Cure Glomerulonephropathy Network.
• To identify participant characteristics associated with responsiveness to text message-based data collection.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal text messaging program was implemented in the Cure Glomerulonephropathy Network observational study.
• Participants received monthly texts regarding symptoms, medication adherence, relapses, or remissions and responded via text.
• Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between responsiveness and participant characteristics (age, education, language).

Main Results:

• 71% of participants did not opt out of the text messaging program.
• 54% of non-opt-out participants responded to at least one text message.
• Younger age, higher education, and primary English language were associated with higher response rates. Responders also lived in areas with greater community resources.

Conclusions:

• Text messaging can facilitate remote data collection in chronic disease studies, potentially reducing participation barriers.
• Vulnerable populations, including older adults and those with lower education or non-English primary language, showed lower responsiveness.
• Targeted engagement strategies are necessary to ensure equitable data collection and research participation across diverse populations.