User preferences for text message-delivered skin cancer prevention and early detection

Abstract

Evidence is needed for the acceptability and user preferences of receiving skin cancer-related text messages. We prepared 27 questions to evaluate attitudes, satisfaction with program characteristics such as timing and spacing, and overall satisfaction with the Healthy Text program in young adults. Within this randomised controlled trial (age 18-42 years), 546 participants were assigned to one of three Healthy Text message groups; sun protection, skin self-examination, or attention-control. Over a 12-month period, 21 behaviour-specific text messages were sent to each group. Participants' preferences were compared between the two interventions and control group at the 12-month follow-up telephone interview. In all three groups, participants reported the messages were easy to understand (98%), provided good suggestions or ideas (88%), and were encouraging (86%) and informative (85%) with little difference between the groups. The timing of the texts was received positively (92%); however, some suggestions for frequency or time of day the messages were received from 8% of participants. Participants in the two intervention groups found their messages more informative, and triggering behaviour change compared to control. Text messages about skin cancer prevention and early detection are novel and acceptable to induce behaviour change in young adults.

A Mobile Technology Intervention With Ultraviolet Radiation Dosimeters and Smartphone Apps for Skin Cancer Prevention in Young Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The Healthy Text study recruited 574 participants (age, 18-42 years) who received 21 motivational messages on sun protection compared with physical activity attention control messages [20]. At 12 months postrandomization, the sun protection group had significantly greater improvement in its SPH index than the control group [16], and building behavioral capacity (eg, obtaining information and receiving reminders) was the most valued aspect of the messages [30]. Heckman et al [31] recently reported significant decreases in UV exposure and increases in SPH index 3 and 12 weeks after baseline for participants who received a tailored multimedia internet intervention program (UV4.me).…”

A Mobile Technology Intervention With Ultraviolet Radiation Dosimeters and Smartphone Apps for Skin Cancer Prevention in Young Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

“…The Healthy Text study recruited 574 participants 18-42 years who received 21 motivational messages on sun protection compared to physical activity attention control messages [19]. At 12 months post randomisation, the sun protection group had significantly greater improvement in their SPH index compared to control [16] and building behavioural capacity (e.g., obtaining information and receiving reminders) was the most valued aspect of the messages [28]. Heckman et al 2016 recently reported significant decreases in UV exposure and increases in SPH index 3 and 12 weeks after baseline for participants who received a tailored interactive multimedia internet intervention program (UV4.me) [29].…”