@article{ref1,
title="Piloting health text messages for rural low-income mothers: effects of source similarity and simple action steps",
journal="Health promotion practice",
year="2016",
author="Aldoory, Linda and Yaros, Ronald A. and Prado, Antonio A. and Roberts, Erica and Briones, Rowena L.",
volume="17",
number="5",
pages="702-710",
abstract="Approximately 85% of people living in rural settings own a cell phone, and of those, 76% send or receive text messages. Thus, text messaging may be an effective way to reach rural low-income mothers with important information and resources that will improve their health and well-being. This exploratory study examined the utility of using text messaging for disseminating health information to rural low-income mothers. Researchers tested messages that were personalized and sent from a source similar to participants, a mom named Ms. Peg. Ms. Peg sent text messages about physical activity, oral health, nutrition, and health insurance-facts and tips that addressed barriers and lifestyles in rural low-income contexts-over a 4-week period. Participants completed a prequestionnaire assessing healthy behaviors, text message use and preference, and demographic information. Participants then received two text messages for 4 weeks. <br><br>FINDINGS indicated that participants were satisfied receiving information through text messages, with half finding it &quot;easy&quot; and &quot;convenient.&quot; The majority reported being highly motivated by the messages, and for 41% the messages were associated with self-efficacy and intention to act. Close to half of the participants found the use of personalization effective and perceived the messages as &quot;relatable.&quot;<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1524-8399",
doi="10.1177/1524839915627457",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1524839915627457"
}