Reaching Out to Adolescents on Sexual, Reproductive Health
Reaching Out to Adolescents on Sexual, Reproductive Health
As the number of adolescents in society increases it is even more important that there are the tools available to connect better with this population. The use of text messaging appears to be a good marriage with adolescent health given the ubiquitous use of cell phones in this population. This review outlines the many ways in which text messaging can be used to engage adolescents in their own healthcare, augment health education in the hope of increasing health knowledge and behaviour change, and improve adherence to medications. While programmes are innovative, feasible and well liked, there is very little evidence that they actually work in changing behaviour and health outcomes. Additionally, few studies address the content of text messages as well as the dosage and timing of messages.
What is apparent from existing evidence is that adolescents want to use text messaging to connect better with their providers and access information in a confidential and anonymous way. It seems that this knowledge should be embraced, as text messaging is clearly a way to reach all sectors of the adolescent population. It is a start to better connecting with adolescent patients, and in particular with the hard to reach youth, empowering them to actively seek health education and care.
Summary
As the number of adolescents in society increases it is even more important that there are the tools available to connect better with this population. The use of text messaging appears to be a good marriage with adolescent health given the ubiquitous use of cell phones in this population. This review outlines the many ways in which text messaging can be used to engage adolescents in their own healthcare, augment health education in the hope of increasing health knowledge and behaviour change, and improve adherence to medications. While programmes are innovative, feasible and well liked, there is very little evidence that they actually work in changing behaviour and health outcomes. Additionally, few studies address the content of text messages as well as the dosage and timing of messages.
What is apparent from existing evidence is that adolescents want to use text messaging to connect better with their providers and access information in a confidential and anonymous way. It seems that this knowledge should be embraced, as text messaging is clearly a way to reach all sectors of the adolescent population. It is a start to better connecting with adolescent patients, and in particular with the hard to reach youth, empowering them to actively seek health education and care.
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