Don’t Forget the Humble Text Message: 25 Years of Text Messaging in Health
2024

The Role of Text Messaging in Health Interventions

Sample size: 1100 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Eysenbach Gunther, Bartlett Yvonne, Cupertino Paula, Redfern Julie, Dobson Rosie, Whittaker Robyn, Abroms Lorien C, Bramley Dale, Free Caroline, McRobbie Hayden, Stowell Melanie, Rodgers Anthony

Primary Institution: School of Population Health University of Auckland

Hypothesis

Text messaging remains a relevant and effective modality for health interventions despite technological advancements.

Conclusion

Text messaging continues to be a cost-effective and widely accessible tool for delivering health interventions globally.

Supporting Evidence

  • Text messaging has been used for health interventions for approximately 25 years.
  • Studies have shown that text messaging interventions can double quit rates for smoking cessation.
  • Text messages have a 95% open rate within 3 minutes of being received.
  • Text messaging is cost-effective and accessible across various demographic groups.

Takeaway

Text messages are like little reminders that help people stay healthy, and they can be sent to anyone with a phone, making them super helpful for everyone.

Methodology

The study reflects on the use of text messaging in health interventions, particularly focusing on smoking cessation programs and their effectiveness over 25 years.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in the selection of studies and reporting of outcomes.

Limitations

Not all studies of text messaging interventions have shown consistent positive results.

Participant Demographics

Participants included diverse sociodemographic and ethnic groups, including Māori and non-Māori populations.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.2196/59888

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