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We describe results of the design process of the content of the SMS messages to promote mammography. We conducted four online focus groups with women aged 50 or more (n=14). We used participatory techniques to debate the advantages and disadvantages of different options for the five structural elements of the SMS message. Our results showed that women argued that the opening line should provide clear information about the topic of the SMS message. SMS messages should include the woman's name, information about who and how to get a mammogram and use a health institution as a sender. The closing line should encourage women to get a mammogram. A personalized SMS could be a good way of inviting women to perform the mammography. The content must be carefully designed to provide clear information about how to schedule an appointment.(AU)

Descrevemos os resultados do processo de concepção do conteúdo das mensagens SMS para promover a mamografia. Quatro grupos focais on-line foram conduzidos com mulheres com cinquenta anos ou mais (n=14). Técnicas participativas foram usadas para discutir opções para cinco elementos estruturantes da mensagem SMS. As mulheres indicaram que a linha de abertura deveria fornecer informações claras sobre o assunto da mensagem SMS. As mensagens SMS devem incluir o nome da mulher, informações sobre quem e como obter uma mamografia e usar uma instituição de saúde como remetente. A sentença final deve encorajar as mulheres a fazer uma mamografia. Um SMS personalizado poderia ser uma boa maneira de convidar mulheres, embora seu conteúdo deva ser cuidadosamente projetado para fornecer informações claras sobre como agendar uma mamografia.(AU)

Describimos los resultados del proceso de diseño del contenido de los mensajes SMS para promover la mamografía. Se realizaron cuatro grupos de discusión en línea con mujeres de 50 y más años (n=14). Se utilizaron técnicas participativas para debatir las distintas opciones para cinco elementos estructurantes del mensaje SMS. Nuestros resultados mostraron que las mujeres señalaron que la línea de apertura debía proporcionar información clara sobre el tema del mensaje SMS. Los mensajes SMS deberían incluir el nombre de la mujer, información sobre quién y cómo hacerse una mamografía y utilizar una institución sanitaria como remitente. La frase final debe animar a las mujeres a hacerse una mamografía. Un SMS personalizado podría ser una buena forma de invitar a las mujeres, aunque su contenido debe diseñarse cuidadosamente para proporcionar información clara sobre cómo programar una mamografía.(AU)

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BACKGROUND: Low adherence to triage after positive screening is a widespread problem for cervical cancer screening programs in Low- and Middle-income Countries. Adherence to cytology-based triage can be challenging, especially among women with self-collected tests. SMS-based interventions are accepted by women and can increase screening uptake. The ATICA study was an effectiveness-implementation hybrid type I trial, combining a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a mixed-methods implementation evaluation involving quantitative and qualitative methods. Although the RCT provided evidence regarding the effectiveness of the SMS-based intervention, less is known about its acceptability, relevance, and usefulness from the women´s perspective. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study based on a structured questionnaire among HPV-positive women who were enrolled in ATICA's intervention group. We measured acceptability, appropriateness, and message content comprehension. Also, we evaluated if the SMS message was considered a cue to encourage women to pick up their HPV test results and promote the triage. RESULTS: We interviewed 370 HPV-positive women. Acceptability of SMS messages among women who had received at least one message was high (97%). We found high levels of agreement in all appropriateness dimensions. More than 77% of women showed high comprehension of the content. Among women who received at least one SMS message, 76% went to the health center to pick up their results. Among those who got their results, 90% reported that the SMS message had influenced them to go. We found no significant differences in acceptability, appropriateness or message comprehension between women who adhered to triage and those who did not adhere after receiving the SMS messages. CONCLUSION: The intervention was highly acceptable, and women reported SMS was an appropriate channel to be informed about HPV test results availability. SMS was also a useful cue to go to the health center to pick up results. The implementation did not encounter barriers associated with the SMS message itself, suggesting the existence of other obstacles to triage adherence. Our results support the RCT findings that scaling up SMS is a highly acceptable intervention to promote cervical screening triage adherence.

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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate the use of digital health solutions in improving the implementation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines and review current evidence supporting it. RECENT FINDINGS: Healthy diet guideline recommendations can be improved by text-messaging programs and apps for reinforcing healthy food intake and reducing unhealthy nutrients purchase and consumption. Wearable activity trackers are also effective in increasing physical activity levels. Text-messaging programs for smoking cessation have demonstrated benefits in increasing quitting rates; however, evidence on smartphone apps for smoking cessation is still lacking. Smartphone apps have the potential to improve medication adherence; however, better quality evidence is needed. Digital pills are another promising digital solution to improve medication adherence. The use of digital health solutions in CVD prevention is an evolving field and, to date, there is an increasing body of evidence that supports that such technologies are effective in improving CVD prevention guideline implementation.

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Abstract Objective: to design and validate a text messages database to promote breastfeeding. Materials and methods: quantitative research, instruments validation type done in three phases: (1) creation of text messages from documental analysis, (2) validation of content with experts, (3) comprehension tests with pregnant and maternal women. The analyzed information was done with SPSS version 22. Results: the final database had 96 text messages, submitted to the content validation phase with the participation of 13 experts. The internal consistency was "very high" with Cronbach Alfa of 0.93. The results of comprehension tests showed an adequate understanding of messages by pregnant and maternal women. Conclusions: the quantitative results showed through Cronbach Alfa, and comprehension tests administered to pregnant and maternal women, allowed to keep all the messages elaborated in phase 0 of the research and justify their adequate use for the promotion of breastfeeding.

Resumen Objetivo: diseñar y validar una base de datos de mensajes de texto para el fomento de la lactancia materna. Materiales y métodos: investigación cuantitativa del tipo validación de instrumentos, realizada en tres fases, la primera, permitió elaborar los mensajes de texto a partir de indagación documental; en la segunda se llevó a cabo la validación de contenido con expertos en la temática y en la tercera se realizaron las pruebas de comprensión con gestantes y lactantes. La información fue analizada en el software SPSS versión 22. Resultados: la base de datos de mensajes de texto final estuvo conformada por 96 mensajes, los cuales fueron sometidos a la fase de validación de contenido donde participaron 13 expertos. La consistencia interna se ubicó como "muy alto" con el Alfa de Cronbach de 0,93. Los resultados de las pruebas de comprensión evidenciaron un adecuado entendimiento de los mensajes por parte de las gestantes y lactantes. Conclusiones: los resultados cuantitativos evidenciados a través del Alfa de Cronbach, junto con las pruebas de comprensión realizadas con madres gestantes y lactantes, permitieron conservar el total de mensajes elaborados en la fase 0 de la investigación y soportan su adecuada utilización para el fomento de la lactancia materna.

Resumo Objetivo: esenhar e validar uma base de dados de mensagens de texto para o fomento da lactância materna. Materiais e métodos: pesquisa quantitativa o tipo validação de instrumentos, feita em três fases, a primeira, permitiu elaborar as mensagens de texto a partir de indagação documental; na segunda se levou a cabo a validação de conteúdo com expertos na temática e na terceira se realizaram as provas de compreensão com gestantes e lactantes. A informação foi analisada no software SPSS versão 22. Resultados: a base de dados de mensagens de texto final esteve conformada por 96 mensagens, os quais foram submetidos à fase de validação de conteúdo onde participaram 13 expertos. A consistência interna se ubicou como "muito alto" com l Alfa de Cronbach de 0,93. Os resultados das provas de compreensão evidenciaram um adequado entendimento das mensagens por parte das gestantes e lactantes. Conclusões: os resultados quantitativos evidenciados a través do Alfa de Cronbach, junto com as provas de compressão feitas com mães gestantes e lactantes, permitiram conservar o total de mensagens elaborados na fase 0 da pesquisa e suportam sua adequada utilização para o fomento da lactância materna.

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BACKGROUND: Warfarin remains the most affordable oral anticoagulant in many countries. However, it may have serious side effects, and the success of the therapy depends on the patient's understanding of the medication and their adherence to treatment. The use of short messages services (SMS) is a strategy that can be used to educate patients, but there are no studies evaluating this intervention in patients taking warfarin. Therefore, we aimed to develop, implement, and assess the feasibility of an intervention using SMS to primary care patients taking warfarin in a medium-sized Brazilian city. METHODS: A bank of 79 SMS was drafted and validated by an expert panel. During 6 months, three times a week, patients received messages about anticoagulation with warfarin. At baseline and after 3 months, we assessed their knowledge and adherence with validated instruments. At the end of the follow-up, participants answered a satisfaction questionnaire. Subsequently, a scale-up phase was conducted, with another round of the intervention including 82 participants (29 from the first phase and 53 newly recruited). Seven months after the end of the scale-up, we asked the patients for their insights about the long-term effects of this program. All patients signed informed consent. The study was approved by the Research and Ethics committee of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. RESULTS: In the pilot, 33 (89.2%) patients completed the follow-up. Among the participants who answered the satisfaction questionnaire (n = 29), 86.2% considered that the intervention motivated a healthy lifestyle and improved their understanding of warfarin therapy. All patients were willing to continue receiving the messages. Adherence measured by the Measure of Adherence to Treatment (MAT) test was high in the pre-intervention assessment and remained high (96.7% vs. 93.3%; p = 1.0000). The proportion of patients who achieved > 75% correct answers on the Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge (OAK) test increased from 6.5% to 25.6, p = 0.0703. In the scale-up, 23 patients answered the long-term assessment questionnaire. The main long-term knowledge reported was dietary information. Nine patients received the messages but did not remember their content. CONCLUSION: The intervention was well-accepted and had a positive impact on patient's knowledge about oral anticoagulation therapy. The scale-up assessment reinforced the need to constantly monitor digital interventions.

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Abstract Background Short message service (SMS) to promote healthcare improves the control of cardiovascular risk factors, but there is a lack of evidence in low and middle-income countries, particularly after acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Objective This study aims to evaluate whether the use of SMS increases risk factor control after hospital discharge for ACS. Methods IMPACS is a 2-arm randomized trial with 180 patients hospitalized due to ACS at a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Eligible patients were randomized (1:1) to an SMS intervention (G1) or standard care (G2) upon hospital discharge. The primary endpoint was set to achieve 4 or 5 points in a risk factor control score, consisting of a cluster of 5 modifiable risk factors: LDL-C <70mg/dL, blood pressure (BP) <140/90mmHg, regular exercise (≥5 days/week, 30 minutes/session), nonsmoker status, and body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2] at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were components of the primary outcome plus rehospitalization, cardiovascular death, and death from any cause. Results are designated as significant if p<0.05. Results From randomized patients, 147 were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 58 (51-64) years, 74% males. The primary outcome was achieved by 12 (16.2%) patients in G1 and 15 (20.8%) in G2 (OR=0.73, 95%CI 0.32-1.70, p=0.47). Secondary outcomes were also similar: LDL-C<70 mg/dl (p=0.33), BP<140/90 mmHg (p=0.32), non-smoker (p=0.74), regular exercise (p=0.97), BMI (p=0.71), and rehospitalization (p=0.06). Death from any cause occurred in three participants (2%), including one cardiovascular death in each group. Conclusion SMS intervention did not significantly improve cardiovascular risk factor control when compared to standard care in patients discharged after ACS in Brazil.

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INTRODUÇÃO: O declínio no nível de atividade física durante a gravidez está relacionado a várias complicações relacionadas à gravidez. Portanto, a atividade física regular durante a gravidez tem um papel importante na manutenção da boa saúde reprodutiva e de um estilo de vida saudável. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o efeito de exercícios supervisionados, mensagens de texto e intervenções de atividade física baseadas em pedômetros durante a gravidez sobre os níveis de atividade física e parâmetros relacionados ao peso. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo piloto de grupo paralelo controlado e aleatório. Sessenta mulheres grávidas foram aleatorizadas em cinco grupos (N=12 em cada grupo): Grupo A: Exercício supervisionado; Grupo B: Pedômetro; Grupo C: Pedômetro mais mensagem de texto; Grupo D: Mensagem de texto e Grupo E: Controle. Mulheres grávidas de 20 a 30 anos de idade com uma gravidez de um botão e idade gestacional inferior a 16 semanas na inclusão, um IMC ≥ 18,5 kg /m2, uma disponibilidade de telefone celular e capacidade de falar e ler hindi e inglês foram selecionadas para participação no estudo. Mulheres com gestações gêmeas ou múltiplas, IMC >30kg/m2, gravidez de alto risco conforme decisão do ginecologista, quaisquer complicações relacionadas à gravidez, tais como hipertensão pré-gestacional, diabetes pré-gestacional e outras condições de saúde importantes que restringem sua atividade física no momento do recrutamento e mulheres grávidas analfabetas foram excluídas do estudo. O Grupo A recebeu um exercício supervisionado de luz a moderada intensidade de 45-60 minutos uma vez por semana a partir da 15ª semana até o parto. Os grupos B e C foram encorajados a melhorar o nível de atividade física, concentrando-se em uma contagem de passos de pelo menos 5000-7500 passos por dia avaliados por pedômetro em sete dias consecutivos por mês. O grupo C, além do pedômetro e o grupo D receberam SMS padrão relacionados aos cuidados da gravidez (atividade física, dieta, motivacional e educacional específica). Foi utilizada a ANOVA de uma via para estimar as diferenças entre os grupos e foi utilizado o teste t pareado para estimar a diferença dentro do grupo nas variáveis de resultado (p=0,05). RESULTADOS: O resultado do estudo mostrou estatisticamente significativo entre as diferenças de peso dos grupos no 9º mês (p=0,029) e a retenção de peso nos 2 meses pós-parto (p=0,005). O grupo de exercício supervisionado reteve menos peso durante o período pós-parto em comparação com o grupo de controle (Exercício supervisionado vs Controle, MD = 2,79kg, p=0,002). Entretanto, não houve melhora estatística significativa no ganho de peso gestacional, IMC, circunferência da cintura, circunferência do quadril e relação cintura/quadril em comparação com os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Pode-se concluir que os exercícios supervisionados são eficazes para aumentar a atividade física, reduzir os parâmetros relacionados ao peso e ajudar na adoção de um estilo de vida saudável durante a gravidez.

INTRODUCTION: The decline in the level of physical activity during pregnancy is related to various pregnancy related complications. Therefore, regular physical activity during pregnancy plays an important role in maintaining good reproductive health and healthy lifestyle. OBJECTIVES: was to assess the effect of supervised exercises, text messages, and pedometer-based physical activity interventions during pregnancy on physical activity levels and weight-related parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Controlled, randomized, parallel-group pilot study. Sixty pregnant women were randomized into five groups (N= 12 in each group): Group A: Supervised exercise; Group B: Pedometer; Group C: Pedometer plus text message; Group D: Text message and Group E: Control. Pregnant women aged 20-30 years with a singleton pregnancy and gestational age of less than 16 weeks at inclusion, a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg /m2, an availability of mobile phone and ability to speak and read Hindi and English languages were selected for participation in the study. Women with twin or multiple pregnancies, BMI >30kg/m2, high-risk pregnancy as decided by the gynecologist, any pregnancy related complications such as pre-gestational hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes, and other major health conditions restricting their physical activity at the time of recruitment and illiterate pregnant women were excluded from the study. Group A received supervised light to moderate intensity exercise of 45-60 minutes once weekly from the 15th week till delivery. Groups B and C were encouraged to improve physical activity level, focusing at a steps count of at least 5000-7500 steps per day assessed by pedometer on seven consecutive days per month. Group C in addition to pedometer and group D received standard SMS related to pregnancy care (physical activity, diet, motivational, and educational specific. One-way ANOVA was used to estimate the between-group differences and Paired t-test was used to estimate the within-group difference in the outcome variables (p=0.05). RESULTS: The result of the study showed statistically significant between groups differences in the weight at 9th month (p=0.029) and weight retention at 2months post-partum (p=0.005). The supervised exercise group retained less weight during post-partum period as compared to control group (Supervised exercise vs Control, MD = 2.79kg, p=0.002). However, there was no statistical significant improvement in gestational weight gain, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist to hip ratio as compared to groups. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that supervised exercises are effective in increasing physical activity, reducing weight-related parameters, and help in adopting a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy.

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La hipertensión arterial es una de las enfermedades crónicas de mayor incidencia a nivel mundial, produce una importante mortalidad y discapacidad. Este trabajo tuvo por objetivo evaluar el efecto del uso de mensajes de texto en dispositivos de telefonía móvil en la adherencia al tratamiento de hipertensión arterial. Se efectuó un estudio de intervención cuasiexperimental, de antes y después, en el cual se entrevistó a pacientes que pertenecían a un programa ambulatorio de enfermedades crónicas. Se formaron 4 grupos, uno de ellos, el grupo control. A los grupos intervenidos se les remitieron mensajes de texto (educativos/motivadores), con diferentes frecuencias de envío, por un período de 2 meses. Al término de la intervención, se pidió llenar el cuestionario Martín-Bayarre-Grau para determinar su adherencia al tratamiento antihipertensivo antes y después de la intervención. Se realizó un análisis bivariado, en el cual se comparó la variable adherencia al tratamiento, antes y después de la intervención, de los cuatro grupos del estudio. Se encontró solo una diferencia significativa en el grupo 3 (p = 0,011), al cual se le enviaron 8 mensajes al mes (2 por semana). También se comparó, después de los 2 meses, a los grupos sometidos a intervención versus el grupo control; se halló una diferencia significativa en el grupo 3 (p = 0,022). La intervención ha demostrado ser útil para mejorar la adherencia en esta población de estudio. Se obtuvo una respuesta positiva en el grupo 3, que recibió 8 mensajes al mes(AU)

Hypertension is one of the chronic diseases with the highest incidence worldwide and a cause of considerable mortality and disability. This paper aims to evaluate the effect of mobile phone text messaging on adherence to hypertension treatment. A quasi-experimental before-after intervention was conducted based on interviews with patients from a chronic disease outpatient program. Four groups were formed, one of which was the control group. The groups intervened were sent encouraging educational text messages at varying frequencies for a period of two months. At the close of the intervention, participants were asked to fill in the Martín Bayarre Grau questionnaire to determine their adherence to antihypertensive treatment before and after the intervention. A bivariate analysis was performed comparing the variable adherence to treatment before and after the intervention in the four study groups. A significant difference was only found in Group 3 (p = 0.011). This group was sent eight messages per month (two messages per week). Additionally, a comparison between the intervention groups and the control group conducted at two months found a significant difference in Group 3 (p = 0.022). The intervention proved was useful to improve adherence in the study population. A positive response was obtained in Group 3, who received eight messages per month(AU)

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In Argentina, cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the first cause of mortality, but effective coverage for CVD prevention is low. Strategies based on behavioral economics are emerging worldwide as key pieces to increase the effectiveness of CVD prevention approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the implementation of two strategies based on financial incentives and framing increased attendance to clinical visits as proposed by the national program for CVD risk factors management among the uninsured and poor population with moderate or high CVD risk in Argentina. We conducted a cluster randomized trial in nine primary care clinics (PCCs) in Argentina. Three PCCs were assigned to financial incentives, 3 to framing-text messages (SMS) and 3 to usual care. The incentive scheme included a direct incentive for attending the first clinical visit and the opportunity to participate in a lottery when attending a second clinical visit. The framing-text messages group received messages with a gain-frame format. The main outcome was the proportion of participants who attended the clinical visits. A total of 918 individuals with a risk ≥10% of suffering a CVD event within the next 10 years were recruited to participate in the study. The financial incentive group had a significantly higher percentage of participants who attended the first (59.0% vs 33.9%, p˂ 0.001) and the follow up visit (34.4% and 16.6%, p˂ 0.001) compared to control group. However, the framing-SMS group did not show significant differences compared to the control group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.govNCT03300154.

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Objective: Assess the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally- and linguistically-adapted smoking cessation text messaging intervention for Latino smokers. Methods: Using a community-based strategy, 50 Latino smokers were recruited to participate in a smoking cessation pilot study. Participants received a 12-week text messaging intervention and were offered Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at no cost. We assessed biochemically verified abstinence at 12 weeks, text messaging interactivity with the program, NRT utilization, self-efficacy, therapeutic alliance, and satisfaction. Results: Participants were 44.8 years old on average (SD 9.80), and they were primarily male (66%) and had no health insurance (78%). Most of the participants were born in Mexico (82%) and were light smokers (1-10 CPD) (68%). All participants requested the first order of NRT, and 66% requested a refill. Participants sent an average of 39.7 text messages during the 12-week intervention (SD 82.70). At 12 weeks, 30% of participants were biochemically verified abstinent (88% follow-up rate) and working alliance mean value was 79.2 (SD 9.04). Self-efficacy mean score increased from 33.98 (SD 10.36) at baseline to 40.05 (SD 17.65) at follow-up (p = 0.04). The majority of participants (90.9%, 40/44) reported being very or extremely satisfied with the program. Conclusion: A culturally- and linguistically-adapted smoking cessation text messaging intervention for Latinos offers a promising strategy to increase the use of NRT, generated high satisfaction and frequent interactivity, significantly increased self-efficacy, produced high therapeutic alliance, and resulted in noteworthy cessation rates at the end of treatment. Additional testing as a formal randomized clinical trial is warranted.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different mouth washes and to study the effect of text message reminder on the oral health status of orthodontic patients treated with fixed appliances. Methods: This study was a clinical trial with pre-test and post-test control group design, conducted on 24 patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment aged 15-30 years. The patients randomly divided into two groups; one received a weekly telephone text massage reminder for the instructions of brushing and rinsing while the second group did not receive any messages. Ortho-plaque index and gingival index were used to evaluate the patient's oral hygiene status. The reading indices after brushing only were regarded as a control, then the patients were instructed to use two mouth washes, one containing sodium fluoride with cetylpyridinium chloride, the second containing chlorhexidine digluconate with cetylpyridinium chloride and Aloe Vera. Each one was used routinely for 4 weeks with the same amount and method. The washout period between the two types mouth washes was 4 weeks with a standardized toothbrush and paste. Results: Ortho-plaque index values decreased over the time between first, second and third visits. However, this index raised up at the fourth visit and again dropdown at the fifth visit. Similar results were detected for gingival index. Also, significant interaction between messages and the assessments was recorded for gingival index with a significant difference between the group of text messages and without text messages group (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the combination of sodium fluoride with cetylpyridinium chloride was more potent for plaque control, while chlorhexidine digluconate with cetylpyridinium chloride and Aloe Vera combination showed a better gingival improvement. Moreover, the text messages reminder could enhance, but not replace direct oral hygiene instruction in orthodontic patients

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BACKGROUND: Of the 14.3 million Mexicans who smoke, only a minority take advantage of evidence-based approaches to smoking cessation. Mobile health interventions have the potential to increase the reach of effective cessation interventions in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative, personalized, and interactive smoking cessation mobile intervention developed for Mexican smokers. METHODS: We recruited 40 Mexican smokers to participate in Vive sin Tabaco... ¡Decídete!, a smoking cessation program that uses a tablet-based decision support software to drive a 12-week text messaging smoking cessation program and pharmacotherapy support. Outcome measures included participant text messaging interactivity with the program, participant satisfaction, and 12-week verified abstinence using urinary cotinine testing or exhaled carbon monoxide. RESULTS: Average age of the participants was 36 years (SD 10.7), and they were primarily male (65%, 26/40) with at least an undergraduate degree (62%, 25/40). Most participants (95%, 38/40) smoked daily and were interested in quitting in the next 7 days. As an indicator of participant interactivity, participants sent an average of 21 text messages during the 12-week intervention (SD 17.62). Of the 843 messages that participants sent to the program, only 96 messages (11.3%, 96/843) used keywords. At 12 weeks, 40% (16/40) of participants were biochemically verified (87%, 35/40, follow-up rate). The majority of participants (85%, 30/35) reported being very satisfied or extremely satisfied with the program. CONCLUSIONS: The Vive sin Tabaco... ¡Decídete! smoking cessation mobile intervention was accepted by participants, generated high satisfaction and high text messaging interactivity, and resulted in a noteworthy cessation rate at the end of treatment. This intervention is a promising strategy for smoking cessation in Mexico. Additional testing as a formal randomized clinical trial appears warranted.

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We report on a nationwide field experiment with a commercial bank in Colombia in which low-income youth (12 years old on average) who open new accounts are randomly assigned immediately after opening the account to control or to receive one of three twelve-month text-messaging campaigns: i) monthly savings reminders, ii) semimonthly reminders, iii) monthly action-oriented financial education messages. Relative to control, monthly and semimonthly reminders groups increase account balances during the campaign as a result of reduced withdrawals, potentially through savings shifts from home to bank accounts. After the campaign youth in both reminders groups continue to use the accounts but do not deplete balances. The financial education campaign had a smaller, not statistically significant, effect on account balances, but some short-term effect on reducing withdrawals, possibly through shifts from home savings.

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AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile applications and text messages, compared with conventional oral hygiene instructions, for improving oral health knowledge and/or reducing gingival inflammation, when delivered to adolescents, adults and mothers of young children. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials evaluating the use of mobile applications or text messages related to oral hygiene and/or oral health education were screened. A search was performed in the Medline-PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases and the grey literature. The eligible studies comprised those related to plaque, gingival bleeding and/or oral health knowledge as outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane tool and the GRADE system. Two meta-analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Among the fifteen studies selected, twelve (80%) used text messages and thirteen (87%) showed better results when mobile technology was used. The pooled SMD for the dental plaque index (n = 10 studies) was -9.43 (95% CI -14.36 to -4.495; I2  = 99%, p < 0.001), and that of gingival bleeding (n = 7 studies) was -8.54 (95% CI -13.16 to -3.91; I2  = 99%, p < 0.001), indicating significant improvement in dental plaque control and gingival bleeding for groups that received the mobile health (mHealth) strategy. CONCLUSION: mHealth can be used as an adjunct component in managing gingivitis, acquiring oral health knowledge and improving oral hygiene.

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Resumen El entrenamiento conductual a padres promueve la adquisición de habilidades de crianza para la reducción de problemas de conducta infantil. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el aprendizaje y mantenimiento de las habilidades de crianza y reducción de la conducta infantil, reportada por los padres, en función del entrenamiento conductual y el uso de sus mensajes de texto. Se trabajó con 62 padres de familia con un promedio de 40 años de edad. El promedio de edad de los niños fue de 9 años. Se trabajó con un diseño cuasi experimental con un grupo de comparación: presencial contra presencial con mensajes de texto, donde se llevaron a cabo cuatro fases: evaluación al inicio, al final del entrenamiento, al seguimiento (sesiones de 60 minutos) y entrenamiento conductual (cuatro sesiones de 120 minutos cada una). Se utilizaron el Inventario de Prácticas de Crianza, el Cuestionario de Habilidades de Manejo Conductual Infantil y el Inventario de Conducta Infantil. En la condición de comparación se agregaron 84 mensajes de texto sobre: análisis funcional de la conducta, elogio, ganancias, interacción social positiva, instrucciones claras, corrección del comportamiento, ignorar conducta inadecuada, actividades planeadas, establecimiento de reglas y solución de problemas. Los resultados mostraron problemas moderados de conducta, que se redujeron y mantuvieron 11% en promedio por debajo de la evaluación inicial, durante el seguimiento, en función del entrenamiento conductual con y sin mensajes; Pero el uso de mensajes de texto es una herramienta eficaz para promover un mayor cambio mantenido y reportado de la conducta oposicionista (9.57%) y del uso del castigo (22.05%, respecto a la primera evaluación). Estudios adicionales deberán indicar el papel mediador de los mensajes de texto entre las prácticas de crianza y la reducción de problemas de conducta infantil.

Abstract Parent behavioral training promotes raising skills acquisition for the children behavior problems reduction. The goal of this work was to assess learning and maintenance of the raising skills and the reduction of the children behavior, reported by the parents, because of behavioral training and the use of texting messages. We worked with 62 family´ parents of 40 years old. The mean age of the children was 9 years old. We worked with a quasiexperimental design with a comparison group: presence based modality against and presence plus text messages modality, where we run four phases: beginning, final and following assessments (60 minutes' sessions) and behavioral training (four 120 minutes sessions). We used the Raising Practices Inventory, Managing Skills for Children Behavior Questionnaire and Children Behavior Inventory. On the comparison condition we added 84 texting messages about: behavior functional analysis, praise, gains, positive social interaction, alpha commands, behavioral correction, inadequate behavior ignoring, planned activities, rules establishment, and problem solution. Results showed moderated behavior problems that were reduced and maintained 11%, on average, underneath of the beginning assessment, throughout following assessment, because of behavioral training with or without messages; But, the use of texting messages appears to be an efficient tool to promote a reported maintained mayor changing of the oppositional behavior (9.57%) and of the punishment using (22.05%, with regard to beginning assessment). Additional studies should indicate the mediator role of the texting messages between raising practices and the children behavior problems reduction.

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BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a growing problem worldwide, markedly in low- and middle-income countries, where the rate of control slightly decreased. The overall prevalence of hypertension in Brazil is 28.7% among adult individuals and 68.9% in the population aged 60 years and older, and less than a third of patients have controlled blood pressure (BP). The use of technologies-mobile phones and the internet-to implement interventions to reduce blood pressure can minimize costs and diminish cardiovascular risk. Interventions through text messaging and electronic BP monitoring present divergent results. OBJECTIVE: This trial evaluates the effectiveness of interventions-personalized messages and telemonitoring of BP-to reduce systolic BP and improve lifestyle compared to the usual care of patients with hypertension (control group). METHODS: This factorial randomized controlled trial enrolls individuals aged 30 to 75 years who have a mobile phone and internet access with the diagnosis of hypertension under drug treatment with up to 2 medications and uncontrolled BP. Eligible participants should have both increased office BP and 24-hour BP with ambulatory BP monitoring. Participants with severe hypertension (systolic BP ≥180 or diastolic BP ≥110 mm Hg), life threatening conditions, low life expectancy, recent major cardiovascular event (last 6 months), other indications for the use of antihypertensive medication, diagnosis of secondary hypertension, pregnant or lactating women, or those unable to understand the interventions are excluded. Participants are randomly allocate to 1 of 4 experimental arms: (1) Telemonitoring of blood pressure (TELEM) group: receives an automatic oscillometric device to measure BP, (2) telemonitoring by text message (TELEMEV) group: receives personalized, standardized text messages to stimulate lifestyle changes and adhere with BP-lowering medication, (3) TELEM-TELEMEV group: receives both interventions, and (4) control group: receives usual clinical treatment (UCT). Data collection is performed in a clinical research center located in a referent hospital. The primary outcomes are reduction of systolic BP assessed by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (primary outcome) and change of lifestyle (based on dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH)-type diet, sodium restriction, weight loss or control, increase of physical activity). RESULTS: This study was funded by two Brazilian agencies: the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Enrollment was completed at the end of 2017 (N=231), the follow-up is ongoing, and data analysis is expected to begin in early 2019. A reduction of 24-hour systolic BP of approximately 8.8 [SD 13.1] mm Hg for participants in the BP monitoring group versus 3.4 [SD 11.6] mm Hg in the UCT group is expected. A similar reduction in the text messaging group is expected. CONCLUSIONS: The use of mobile technologies connected to the internet through mobile phones promotes time optimization, cost reduction, and better use of public health resources. However, it has not been established whether simple interventions such as text messaging are superior to electronic BP monitoring and whether both outperform conventional counseling. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03005470; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03005470 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/70AoANESu). Plataforma Brasil CAAE 31423214.0.0000.5327. REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER: RR1-10.2196/9619.

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Cancer treatment is an extremely stressful life experience that is accompanied by a range of psychological, social, physical, and practical difficulties. Cancer patients need to receive information that helps them to better understand the disease, assists them in decision-making, and helps them deal with treatment. Patients are interested in receiving such information. The degree of satisfaction with the information received has been associated with positive health outcomes, specifically regarding quality of life, severity of side effects, and psychological well-being. This study investigates a method of guiding cancer patients, in relation to outpatient chemotherapy treatment, using SMS (short message service) text messaging. A smartphone application called cHEmotHErApp was developed, and its primary function is to send out SMS text messages with guidance for self-care and emotional support for oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy. Thus, the main objective of this study is to evaluate the acceptance and perception of patients of the receipt of these SMS messages, as well as to evaluate the possible benefits reported by the participants. Adult patients diagnosed with cancer, who started the first outpatient chemotherapy treatment scheme between August and November 2016 at the School Hospital (HE) of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), were invited to participate in this pilot study. In total, 14 cancer patients were adherent to this study. Each of these patients received a daily text message on their cell phone with some guidance on encouraging self-care and emotional support. Patients reported that, because of the SMS text messages they received, they felt more confident in their treatment, felt more supported and encouraged, and that the text messages facilitated self-care. In addition, patients reported that the SMS text messages they received helped them to take better care of themselves and to continue further treatment.

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Propósito:El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la efectividad de una estrategia de seguimiento telefónico asociado a mensajes de texto en la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado en pacientes con hipertensión arterial. Metodología:Se desarrolló un estudio clínico aleatorizado en 119 usuarios de la Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander-FOSCAL. En el diseño se conformaron dos grupos, un grupo intervención y un grupo control que fueron equivalentes en los procedimientos durante el estudio y se realizó la clasificación de manera aleatoria mediante Excel realizado por una persona externa al staff del estudio, con el siguiente esquema:Grupo intervención y Grupo control, en el cual se le aplicó la pre y post prueba (medición de la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado mediante el instrumento antes y después del seguimiento y el contacto telefónico y mensajería de texto al grupo intervenidocon un periodo de 2 meses. El instrumento que se utilizó fue Capacidad de agencia de autocuidado en pacientes hipertensos. Los datos fueron analizados Por el Software Stata Versión 11.0, para su respectivo análisis. Resultados:La capacidad de agencia de autocuidado de los pacientes hipertensos en el estudio posterior a la intervención de contacto telefónico y mensajería de texto demostró significancia con cambios importantes en las variables clínicas, cambios en los estadios de la hipertensión, mayor conocimiento de la enfermedad, actividad física, búsqueda en la orientación por el profesional de salud, alimentación saludable, mayor apoyo familiar.

Purpose: The objective of this research is to compare the effectiveness of followup telephone and text messages strategy against the conventional self-care in hypertension patients over self-care agency. Methodology: We conducted a randomized clinical study at the FundaciónOftalmológica de Santander-FOSCAL. 119 patients were randomly assigned in two equivalent groups to receive intervention of follow-up telephone and text messages strategy group against conventional care (control group). A pre and posttest of self-care agency were assessed (Using a descriptive instrument at the baseline and two months after). The instrument was used in hypertensive patients. The data were analyzed in Stata Software Version 11.0. Results: An intervention of follow-up telephone and text messages strategy in hypertensive patients showed significance with changes in clinical variables, changes in the stages of hypertension, increased knowledge of the disease, physical activity, guidance from the health professional, healthy eating, increased family support.

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BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mHealth) has been posited to contribute to the reduction in health gaps and has shown fast and widespread growth in developing countries. This growth demands understanding of, and preparedness for, local cultural contexts. OBJECTIVE: To describe the design and validation of text messages (short message service, SMS) that will be used for an mHealth behavioral change intervention to prevent hypertension in three Latin American countries: Argentina, Guatemala, and Peru. METHODS: An initial set of 64 SMS text messages were designed to promote healthy lifestyles among individuals in different stages of behavior change, addressing four key domains: salt and sodium intake, fruit and vegetable intake, consumption of high fat and sugar foods, and physical activity. The 64 SMS text messages were organized into nine subsets for field validation. In each country 36 people were recruited, half of them being male. Of the participants, 4 per country evaluated each subset of SMS text messages, which contained between 6 and 8 SMS text messages regarding different key domains and stages of change. The understanding and appeal of each SMS text message was assessed using a 7-item questionnaire. The understanding and appeal ratings were used to reach a final set of 56 SMS text messages. RESULTS: Overall, each of the 64 SMS text messages received a total of 12 evaluations (4 per country). The majority of evaluations-742 out of a total of 767 (96.7%) valid responses-revealed an adequate understanding of the key idea contained in the SMS text message. On a scale from 1 to 10, the average appeal score was 8.7 points, with a range of 4 to 10 points. Based on their low scores, 8 SMS text messages per country were discarded. Once the final set of 56 SMS text messages was established, and based on feedback obtained in the field, wording and content of some SMS text messages were improved. Of the final set, 9, 8, and 16 of the SMS text messages were improved based on participant evaluations from Argentina, Guatemala, and Peru, respectively. Most SMS text messages selected for the final set (49/56, 88%) were the same in all countries, except for small wording differences. CONCLUSIONS: The final set of SMS text messages produced had very high rates of understanding and appeal in three different Latin American countries. This study highlights the importance of developing and validating a package of simple, preventative SMS text messages, grounded in evidence and theory, across three different Latin American countries with active engagement of end users.