Exploring opportunities for and applications of texting in health education

This section of the learning institute will familiarize participants with the current state of text message use in health promotion. The use of text messages, also known as Short Message Service (SMS), programs to supplement or deliver health interventions has increased in recent years. Text messages have been used to deliver health information, send appointment reminders, connect patients directly with practitioners, and aid in the development and tracking of goals (Ahlers-Schmidt, 2010). SMS programs have been used to address a wide variety of health issues, including smoking cessation (Berkman et al., 2011), diabetes (Arora et al., 2012), depression (Aguliera & Munoz, 2011), weight management (Donaldson & Fallows, 2011), and sexual health (Gold et al., 2010). The appeal of SMS-based interventions comes from its relatively low cost for participants and researchers, as well as its potential to reach a broad audience. Approximately 83% of adults in the U.S. own a cell phone, and 73% send and receive text messages (Smith, 2011). Texts may be a particularly useful way of reaching parents, as 96% of have phones that can receive text messages, and 81% have unlimited texting plans (Ahlers-Schmidt, 2010). Text messages may also be a useful tool for accessing underserved groups. It is a particularly common form of communication for non-white individuals, as well as those who with lower income and education (Smith, 2011). Though several studies evaluate SMS –based health interventions, research concerning the development of evidence-based practices is limited (Jordan et al., 2011).