Participatory design of a text message system to support health ministries

Background: The emergence of technology has increased access to information, which is essential to empowering people to lead healthy lives. The purpose of this study is to conduct formative research among Health Ministry Leaders and congregations members to assess the feasibility and acceptability of technology to identify and deliver cancer information. Methods: Focus groups have been conducted with Health Ministry Leaders and congregation members 19-40 years and 41 and older. Questions include sources of cancer information, knowledge and use of texting, and acceptability of a texting system. In addition, perceived barriers and facilitators to acceptability of a mobile phone intervention and suggestions for addressing these issues are explored. Results: Majority of participants, irrespective of age, think that a text messaging based system to access cancer information would enhance the work of their health ministry leaders as well as offer an additional source for congregants willing to participate. Current methods of receiving information include internet, brochures, and face to face contact. Barriers to a texting system were access to cell phones, privacy, cost of sending and receiving text, and inability to text. Suggestions to facilitate the acceptability of a mobile phone intervention include creating a user-friendly system, training health ministry leaders and congregants of the basic use of text messaging, and tailoring cancer information to specific audiences. Discussion: Findings from the focus groups will assist in the design and delivery of a tailored texting system to support Health Ministry Leaders in their knowledge of community resources and cancer information.