Partnering with student health center to evaluate best practices to deliver sexually transmitted infection education via text messaging

Background: Although adolescents and young adults represent 25% of the sexually active population, they acquire 50% of all STIs. Sixty-seven percent of college students report having had sexual intercourse; only half of these usually have used a protective barrier. Research suggests cell phones may be an important disease prevention tool for college students because texting is a normal part of their lives. Description: The authors collaborated with a Midwestern university student health center to implement and evaluate a social marketing texting intervention. The project's evidence-based question: Does STI prevention education delivered via text messaging decrease the incidence of risky sexual behavior and increase knowledge of STIs among college students age 18-25? Participants (n=241) age 18-25 years received 18 educational text messages over six weeks. Messages were adapted from a previous study, Bull's 411 project, as well as developed by the author. A pre-test/post-test design with on-line data collection was used for evaluation. The survey instrument was adapted from (Turchik & Garske) Sexual Risk Survey and Bull's 411. Data was analyzed using paired t-tests. Lessons Learned: Evaluation results give credence to text messaging as an effective method of not only dispersing STI information but also increasing knowledge (STI facts, how to use a condom, screening and prevention), and likelihood of behavior change (carry a condom, use condom for oral sex, and screen for STIs). Recommendations: College health centers should consider adding text messaging to their armament against STIs. Further evaluation of this strategy for its long term impact is indicated.