Evidence-based practices in text-based programs

The purpose of this course is to attendees of lessons learned and best practices for text message (SMS)-based health promotion interventions. Findings come from relevant literature, as well as process and outcome evaluations of Text2BHealthy, a collaborative project between Maryland Food Supplement Nutrition Education and the University of Maryland's School of Public Health. This school-based SMS program sends messages that encourage physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption to parents of elementary school children. The use of SMS programs to supplement or deliver health interventions has increased in recent years. These 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. Text messaging is a particularly common form of communication for non-white individuals, as well as those who with lower income and education (Smith, 2011).