Acceptability of Delivering and Accessing Health Information Through Text Messaging Among Community Health Advisors

Abstract

BackgroundCommunication technologies can play a significant role in decreasing communication inequalities and cancer disparities by promoting cancer control and enhancing population and individual health. Studies have shown that technology, such as the mobile phone short message service (SMS) or text messaging, can be an effective health communication strategy that influences individuals’ health-related decisions, behaviors, and outcomes.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore usage of communication technologies, assess the acceptability of mobile technology for delivery and access of health information, and identify cancer and health information needs among Deep South Network for Cancer Control trained Community Health Advisors as Research Partners (CHARPs).MethodsA mixed-method design was used, and a triangulation protocol was followed to combine quantitative and qualitative data. Focus groups (4 focus groups; n=37) and self-administered surveys (n=77) were conducted to determine CHARPs mobile phone and text message usage. The objective was to include identification of barriers and facilitators to a mobile phone intervention.ResultsAll participants were African American (37/37, 100%), 11/37 (89%) were women, and the mean age was 53.4 (SD 13.9; focus groups) and 59.9 (SD 8.7; survey). Nearly all (33/37, 89%) of focus group participants reported owning a mobile phone. Of those, 8/33 (24%) owned a smartphone, 22/33 (67%) had a text messaging plan, and 18/33 (55%) and 11/33 (33%) received and sent text messages several times a week or day, respectively. Similar responses were seen among the survey participants, with 75/77 (97%) reporting owning a mobile phone, and of those, 22/75 (30%) owned a smartphone, 39/75 (53%) had a text messaging plan, and 37/75 (50%) received and 27/75 (37%) sent text messages several times a week or day. The benefits of a text messaging system mentioned by focus group participants included alternative form of communication, quick method for disseminating information, and privacy of communication. The main barriers reported by both groups to using mobile technology to receive health information were cost and not knowing how to text message. Ways to overcome barriers were explored with focus group participants, and education was the most proposed solution. Majority of CHARPs were in favor of receiving a weekly text message that would provide cancer/health information.ConclusionsThe findings from this study indicate that CHARPs are receptive to receiving text messages focusing on cancer/health information and would be likely to engage in mobile health research. These findings represent the first step in the development of an interactive mobile health program designed to provide cancer/health information and a support network for the Deep South Network Community Health Advisors as Research Partners (DSN CHARPs).

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Health worker acceptability of an mHealth platform to facilitate the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Tanzania

“…11,16,17 Other aspects of acceptability of mHealth solutions include improved logistics, decreased travel, and increased work speed. 9,11,15,16,[18][19][20][21][22] Finally, the literature highlights a socio-cultural aspect to acceptability with the use of mobile devices in health care delivery. Social respect, "confidence" and "empowerment" are identified as important aspects of acceptability, 11,[15][16][17]23 as are perceived improvement in job knowledge and capability enhancement -aspects of self-efficacy.…”

“…Social respect, "confidence" and "empowerment" are identified as important aspects of acceptability, 11,[15][16][17]23 as are perceived improvement in job knowledge and capability enhancement -aspects of self-efficacy. 11,13,20,22,24 Given the lack of consistency in measuring acceptability, the DI framework was utilized to guide the measures of acceptability for this study. Sekhon et al stress the importance of theorizing the construct of acceptability, 25 and in the case of acceptability for use in mHealth interventions, the DI framework was considered to be a useful theoretical model.…”

A Spiritually-Based Text Messaging Program to Increase Cervical Cancer Awareness Among African American Women: Design and Development of the CervixCheck Pilot Study

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