Emerging communication technologies, such as text messaging offer low-cost, scalable opportunities to improve health literacy and promote healthy behaviors, such as vaccination. While the investigators reported the success of text message vaccine reminders, effects were limited by their untailored approach. The trans-theoretical model of behavior change supports tailoring interventions to an individual's stage of decision-making. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus in the U.S. and can lead to genital warts, and cervical, anal and penile cancer. The three-dose vaccine is 90-100% efficacious. Minorities are at greatest risk for such cancers but have low HPV vaccine completion rates. Limited health literacy regarding the vaccine can affect series completion. The investigators will compare the effects of enhancing text message vaccination reminders with interactive, vaccine health literacy-promoting information tailored to vaccine decision making-stage on HPV vaccine series completion. The effects of these messages represent a new paradigm in interactive health communications.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
956
Receipt of conventional text message notifying when due for next dose
Receipt of enhanced text messages notifying when due for next dose coupled with educational information
Columbia University Medical Center
New York, New York, United States
Number of Participants Who Completed HPV Vaccine Series
receipt of 3 doses of HPV vaccine by 12 months after initiation
Time frame: 12 months
Time Between 1st and 2nd Dose
Time elapsed in days between first and second dose- for those in need of three doses
Time frame: 12 months
Time Between 1st and 3rd Dose
Time elapsed (in days) between 1st and 3rd dose for those in need of three doses
Time frame: 12 months
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