@Article{info:doi/10.2196/63693, author="Kamberi, Ariana and Weitz, Benjamin and Flahive, Julie and Eve, Julianna and Najjar, Reem and Liaghat, Tara and Ford, Daniel and Lindenauer, Peter and Person, Sharina and Houston, K. Thomas and Gauvey-Kern, E. Megan and Lobien, Jackie and Sadasivam, S. Rajani", title="Testing a Machine Learning--Based Adaptive Motivational System for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Smokers (Adapt2Quit): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2025", month="Apr", day="16", volume="14", pages="e63693", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="mHealth", keywords="socioeconomically disadvantaged, biochemical verification", keywords="machine learning", abstract="Background: Individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged have high smoking rates and face barriers to participating in smoking cessation interventions. Computer-tailored health communication, which is focused on finding the most relevant messages for an individual, has been shown to promote behavior change. We developed a machine learning approach (the Adapt2Quit recommender system), and our pilot work demonstrated the potential to increase message relevance and smoking cessation effectiveness among individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. Objective: This study protocol describes our randomized controlled trial to test whether the Adapt2Quit recommender system will increase smoking cessation among individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds who smoke. Methods: Individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds who smoke were identified based on insurance tied to low income or from clinical settings (eg, community health centers) that provide care for low-income patients. They received text messages from the Adapt2Quit recommender system for 6 months. Participants received daily text messages for the first 30 days and every 14 days until the end of the study. Intervention participants also received biweekly texting facilitation messages, that is, text messages asking participants to respond (yes or no) if they were interested in being referred to the quitline. Interested participants were then actively referred to the quitline by study staff. Intervention participants also received biweekly text messages assessing their current smoking status. Control participants did not receive the recommender messages but received the biweekly texting facilitation and smoking status assessment messages. Our primary outcome is the 7-day point-prevalence smoking cessation at 6 months, verified by carbon monoxide testing. We will use an inverse probability weighting approach to test our primary outcome. This involves using a logistic regression model to predict nonmissingness, calculating the inverse probability of nonmissingness, and using it as a weight in a logistic regression model to compare cessation rates between the two groups. Results: The Adapt2Quit study was funded in April 2020 and is still ongoing. We have completed the recruitment of individuals (N=757 participants). The 6-month follow-up of all participants was completed in November 2024. The sample consists of 64\% (486/757) female participants, 35\% (265/757) Black or African American individuals, 51.1\% (387/757) White individuals, and 16\% (121/757) Hispanic or Latino individuals. In total, 52.6\% (398/757) of participants reported having a high school education or being a high school graduate; 70\% (529/757) smoked their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking, and half (379/757, 50\%) had stopped smoking for at least one day in the past year. Moreover, 16.6\% (126/757) had called the quitline before study participation. Conclusions: We have recruited a diverse sample of individuals who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and designed a rigorous protocol to evaluate the Adapt2Quit recommender system. Future papers will present our main analysis of the trial. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04720625; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04720625 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/63693 ", doi="10.2196/63693", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e63693" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/66301, author="Coffield, Edward and Kausar, Khadeja", title="Evaluating User Engagement With a Real-Time, Text-Based Digital Mental Health Support App: Cross-Sectional, Retrospective Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Apr", day="14", volume="9", pages="e66301", keywords="mental health support", keywords="text", keywords="app", keywords="utilization", keywords="mobile", keywords="on demand", keywords="scheduled", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="student", keywords="university", keywords="college", keywords="mental health", keywords="employee", keywords="job", keywords="work", keywords="occupational health", keywords="counselor", keywords="counseling", keywords="usage", keywords="engagement", keywords="self-reported", abstract="Background: Approximately 20\% of US adults identify as having a mental illness. Structural and other barriers prevent many people from receiving mental health services. Digital mental health apps that provide 24-hour, real-time access to human support may improve access to mental health services. However, information is needed regarding how and why people engage with licensed counselors through a digital, real-time, text-based mental health support app in nonexperimental settings. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate how people engage with Counslr, a 24-hour, digital, mental health support app where users communicate in real time with human counselors through text messaging. Specifically, access patterns (eg, day of the week and time of session) and reasons for accessing the platform were examined. Furthermore, whether differences existed between session types (on-demand or scheduled) and membership types (education or noneducation) in regard to access patterns and why people accessed the platform were evaluated. Methods: The study population (users) consisted of students whose schools, universities, or colleges partnered with Counslr and employees whose organizations also partnered with Counslr. Users participated in text-based mental health support sessions. In these sessions, users engaged with licensed counselors through digital, text-based messaging in real time. Users could initiate an on-demand session or schedule a session 24 hours a day. User engagement patterns were evaluated through session length, session day, session time, and self-reported reasons for initiating the session. The data were stratified by membership type (education [students] or noneducation [employees]) and session type (on-demand or scheduled) to evaluate whether differences existed in usage patterns and self-reported reasons for initiating sessions by membership and session types. Results: Most students (178/283, 62.9\%) and employees (28/44, 63.6\%) accessed Counslr through on-demand sessions. The average and median session times were 40 (SD 15.3) and 45 minutes. On-demand sessions (37.9 minutes) were shorter (P=.001) than scheduled sessions (43.5 minutes). Most users (262/327, 80.1\%) accessed Counslr between 7 PM and 5 AM. The hours that users accessed Counslr did not statistically differ by membership type (P=.19) or session type (P=.10). Primary self-reported reasons for accessing Counslr were relationship reasons, depression, and anxiety; however, users initiated sessions for a variety of reasons. Statistically significant differences existed between membership and session types (P<.05) for some of the reasons why people initiated sessions. Conclusions: The novel findings of this study illustrate that real-time, digital mental health support apps, which offer people the opportunity to engage with licensed counselors outside of standard office hours for a variety of mental health conditions, may help address structural barriers to accessing mental health support services. Additional research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of human-based apps such as Counslr and whether such apps can also address disparities in access to mental health support services among different demographic groups. ", doi="10.2196/66301", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e66301" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/64023, author="Ban, Yuki and Waki, Kayo and Nakada, Ryohei and Isogawa, Akihiro and Miyoshi, Kengo and Waki, Hironori and Kato, Shunsuke and Sawaki, Hideaki and Murata, Takashi and Hirota, Yushi and Saito, Shuichiro and Nishikage, Seiji and Tone, Atsuhito and Seno, Mayumi and Toyoda, Masao and Kajino, Shinichi and Yokota, Kazuki and Tsurutani, Yuya and Yamauchi, Toshimasa and Nangaku, Masaomi and Ohe, Kazuhiko", title="Efficacy of a Personalized Mobile Health Intervention (BedTime) to Increase Sleep Duration Among Short-Sleeping Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2025", month="Apr", day="14", volume="14", pages="e64023", keywords="digital therapeutics", keywords="behavior change", keywords="Theory of Planned Behavior", keywords="sleep duration", keywords="type 2 diabetes", keywords="randomized controlled trial", abstract="Background: A strong association exists between sleep duration and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet convincing evidence of a causal link remains lacking. Improving sleep is increasingly emphasized in clinical T2D treatment guidance, highlighting the need for effective, scalable sleep interventions that can affordably serve large populations through mobile health (mHealth). Objective: This study aims to pilot an intervention that extends sleep duration by modifying bedtime behavior, assessing its efficacy among short-sleeping (?6 hours per night) patients with T2D, and establishing robust evidence that extending sleep improves glycemic control. Methods: This randomized, single-blinded, multicenter study targets 70 patients with T2D from 9 institutions in Japan over a 12-week intervention period. The sleep extension intervention, BedTime, is developed using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and focuses on TPB's constructs of perceived and actual behavioral control (ABC). The pilot intervention combines wearable actigraphy devices with SMS text messaging managed by human operators. Both the intervention and control groups will use an actigraphy device to record bedtime, sleep duration, and step count, while time in bed (TIB) will be assessed via sleep diaries. In addition, the intervention group will receive weekly bedtime goals, daily feedback on their bedtime performance relative to those goals, identify personal barriers to an earlier bedtime, and select strategies to overcome these barriers. The 12-week intervention period will be followed by a 12-week observational period to assess the sustainability of the intervention's effects. The primary outcome is the between-group difference in the change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include other health measures, sleep metrics (bedtime, TIB, sleep duration, total sleep time, and sleep quality), behavioral changes, and assessments of the intervention's usability. The trial commenced on February 8, 2024, and is expected to conclude in February 2025. Results: Patient recruitment ended on August 29, 2024, with 70 participants enrolled. The intervention period concluded on December 6, 2024, and the observation period ended on February 26, 2025, with 70 participants completing the observation period. The data analysis is currently underway, and results are expected to be published in July 2025. Conclusions: This trial will provide important evidence on the causal link between increased sleep duration and improved glycemic control in short-sleeping patients with T2D. It will also evaluate the efficacy of our bedtime behavior change intervention in extending sleep duration, initially piloted with human operators, with the goal of future implementation via an mHealth smartphone app. If proven effective, this intervention could be a key step toward integrating sleep-focused mHealth into the standard treatment for patients with T2D in Japan. Trial Registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials jRCT1030230650; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCT1030230650 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/64023 ", doi="10.2196/64023", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e64023" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/65268, author="Wang, Honghong and Qin, Ziqi and Li, Yixuan and Duan, Yuqiong and Lu, Qiaoyue and Xiao, Xueling", title="Effect of a WeChat-Based Hybrid Intervention on the Adaptation Outcomes of People Living With HIV/AIDS: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2025", month="Apr", day="3", volume="27", pages="e65268", keywords="HIV/AIDS", keywords="quality of life", keywords="acceptance of illness", keywords="mental health", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: People living with HIV/AIDS face multiple challenges that collectively impede their adaptation outcomes. These outcomes include quality of life (QoL), acceptance of illness, mental health (including symptoms of anxiety and depression), and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. While existing evidence addresses specific challenges, it often overlooks the interactions among the various problems people living with HIV/AIDS encounter. The comprehensive-task disease management framework and positive self-management framework provide a theoretical basis for understanding the adaptation process. A culturally tailored, theory-based intervention may be necessary and effective in facilitating better adaptation outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a hybrid intervention called AiCare (Adaptation intervention with Comprehensive-task disease management framework to achieve renormal life) on improving QoL, acceptance of illness, mental health (anxiety and depression), and ART adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS in China. Methods: We conducted a 2-arm randomized controlled trial, recruiting 92 people living with HIV/AIDS from an HIV clinic in Hunan, China. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the control group (receiving standard care) or the intervention group (receiving AiCare in addition to standard care). All analyses were performed from an intention-to-treat perspective. Sociodemographic and HIV-specific clinical characteristics, along with key adaptation outcomes---including QoL, acceptance of illness, mental health (anxiety and depression), and ART adherence---were assessed at baseline (T0), post intervention (T1), and 3 months post intervention (T2). We used generalized estimating equation models and difference-in-difference analysis to evaluate the interventions' effects. Results: The difference-in-difference model showed that at T1, the intervention group experienced significant improvements compared to the control group. QoL increased by 6.35 (95\% CI 2.62-10.93, P=.001), acceptance of illness improved by 4.49 (95\% CI 2.29-6.68, P<.001), and anxiety decreased by 2.15 (95\% CI 1.19-3.11; P=.01). At T2, the intervention group's improvement in QoL was not statistically significant ($\beta$ 3.62, 95\% CI --1.53 to 8.77; P=.17). However, acceptance of illness remained significantly improved by 3.65 (95\% CI 1.22-6.08; P=.003), and anxiety decreased by 1.58 (95\% CI 0.42-2.74; P=.007). No significant changes were observed in depression or ART adherence between the intervention and control groups. Feedback regarding the AiCare program indicated its acceptability and feasibility. Conclusions: The AiCare program demonstrated promising effects in improving disease adaptation outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS, notably in enhancing QoL, fostering acceptance of illness, and mitigating anxiety symptoms. These findings underscore the hybrid program's potential clinical utility to facilitate the adaptation of people living with HIV/AIDS. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400087255; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=220729 ", doi="10.2196/65268", url="https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e65268", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39988931" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/62841, author="Dol, Justine and Campbell-Yeo, Marsha and Aston, Megan and McMillan, Douglas and Grant, K. Amy", title="Impact of a 6-Week Postpartum Text Messaging Program (Essential Coaching for Every Mother) at 6 Months: Follow-Up Study to a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2025", month="Apr", day="2", volume="8", pages="e62841", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="SMS text message", keywords="text messages", keywords="messaging", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="postpartum depression", keywords="postpartum anxiety", keywords="social support", keywords="intervention", keywords="postpartum", keywords="postnatal", keywords="mental health", keywords="parenting", keywords="mother", keywords="depression", keywords="anxiety", keywords="RCT", keywords="randomized controlled trial", abstract="Background: Essential Coaching for Every Mother is an SMS text messaging program that positively improved parenting self-efficacy and reduced postpartum anxiety when measured immediately after intervention at 6 weeks postpartum. However, the impact of a short-term postpartum intervention over time is unknown. Objective: This study aims to compare parenting self-efficacy, postpartum anxiety symptoms, postpartum depression symptoms, and perceived social support at 6 months postpartum for mothers in the Essential Coaching for Every Mother trial. Methods: Participants (n=150) were randomized to Essential Coaching for Every Mother or control (usual care). Data were collected on parenting self-efficacy (primary outcome, Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale), postpartum anxiety symptoms (Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale), postpartum depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support) at enrollment and 6-months postpartum. Data were analyzed using analyses of covariance and chi-square analysis. Results: A total of 139 women completed the primary outcome at 6 months and 136 completed secondary outcomes. At 6 months, there were no statistically significant differences between mothers in the intervention group and mothers in the control group on any of the outcomes. More mothers in the intervention group had higher postpartum anxiety scores (31/68, 45.6\%) than mothers in the control group (16/68, 23.5\%; P=.007). Conclusions: At 6 months postpartum, all mothers had similar scores on parenting self-efficacy, postpartum anxiety symptoms, postpartum depression symptoms, and social support. Thus, Essential Coaching for Every Mother improved parenting self-efficacy and reduced postpartum anxiety at 6 weeks, with all mothers having similar scores at 6 months postpartum. Trial Registration: ClincialTrials.gov NCT04730570; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04730570 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/27138 ", doi="10.2196/62841", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e62841" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/66709, author="Morgan, Tucker and He, Michelle and Nicholson, Andrew and El Shahawy, Omar and Sherman, E. Scott and Stevens, R. Elizabeth", title="Using Text Messaging Ecological Momentary Assessment to Record Changes in e-Cigarette and Combustible Cigarette Use: Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Mar", day="21", volume="9", pages="e66709", keywords="smoking", keywords="electronic cigarette", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="ecological momentary assessment", keywords="EMA", keywords="adherence", keywords="real-time data", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="cigarette", keywords="smoker", keywords="e-cigarettes", keywords="pilot randomized clinical trial", keywords="clinical trial", keywords="pilot study", keywords="adult smoker", keywords="chronic condition", abstract="Background: Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) provides insight into the effectiveness and feasibility of smoking-related interventions. Objective: The objective of this paper was to assess adherence to an EMA protocol and compare EMA-derived responses with measures collected through multiple surveys. Methods: A subanalysis was conducted using data from a 12-week, open-label, and 2-arm pilot randomized clinical trial among adult smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or asthma in the last 12 months (n=109). Participants were randomized to either electronic cigarette (EC) or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) treatment arms. We compared EMA data collected through automated SMS text message prompts sent to participants 4 times daily for 12 weeks, including cigarettes smoked per day (CPD), craving, and satisfaction, to survey data collected at 12 weeks. Convergent validity between survey- and EMA-reported measures was evaluated using Pearson correlation and paired t tests. CPD was modeled using negative binomial regression. Relative rates (RRs) of reaching at least 50\%, 75\%, and 100\% CPD reduction between two arms were calculated using both EMA and survey data. Results: The majority of participants were non-Hispanic White (63/109, 58\%) and female (60/109, 55\%), and had a median age of 60 (IQR 54?65) years. Among the 109 participants, 59.6\% (n=65) were consistently adherent to the EMA protocol over the 12-week period. Median weekly EMA response rate remained high over the 12-week study period even though a modest decline was observed (week 1, 97.8\% and week 12, 89.4\%). The mean CPD declined significantly (week 1, mean 14.2, SD 9.9 and week 12, mean 4.6, SD 6.7; P<.001). EMA-derived and survey-based CPD measurements were positively correlated (r=0.73, 95\% CI 0.6-0.82) as were measures of craving (r=0.38, 95\% CI 0.17-0.56). No significant paired difference in CPD was observed between EMA measurements and surveys. A significant effect of time on CPD EMA data (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1-week change 0.93; P<.01) and survey data was found (IRR 12-week change 0.36; P<.01). However, the treatment effect was not significant, which aligned with the RR results. An increase in the EC consumption was observed over time in the EC arm, with 12.1\% (7/58) fully switched to EC (defined as CPD=0 and EC use>0) and 20.7\% (12/58) mostly switched (defined as a reduction in CPD>75\% and EC use>0) in week 12. Conclusions: EMA is a suitable method to collect recall-based smoking-related data. Though results from mixed effect modeling and RR comparisons were similar using EMA or survey data, EMA provides unique advantages, namely greater granularity in the time and the capability to detect switching patterns in near real time. These findings provide the feasibility of using EMA in developing smoking cessation interventions in future tobacco harm reduction research. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04465318; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04465318 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s13722-021-00284-0 ", doi="10.2196/66709", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e66709" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/57470, author="Lee, Jongchan and Ahn, Soyeon and Ohn, Hun Jung and Kim, Sun Eun and Lim, Yejee and Kim, Won Hye and Park, Hee-Sun and Cho, Ho Jae and Kim, Sun-wook and Ryu, Jiwon and Kim, Jihye and Jang, Chul Hak and Kim, Nak-Hyun", title="Effect of SMS Ward Round Notifications on Inpatient Experience in Acute Medical Settings: Retrospective Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2025", month="Mar", day="12", volume="12", pages="e57470", keywords="rounds", keywords="round-time notification", keywords="text messaging", keywords="patient experience assessment", keywords="patient experiences", keywords="patient-centeredness", keywords="patient participation", abstract="Background: Ward rounds are an essential component of inpatient care. Patient participation in rounds is increasingly encouraged, despite the occasional complicated circumstances, especially in acute care settings. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of real-time ward round notifications using SMS text messaging on the satisfaction of inpatients in an acute medical ward. Methods: Since January 2021, a service implementing real-time ward round notifications via text messaging (WR-SMS) has been operational at a tertiary-care medical center in Korea. To assess its impact, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to the acute medical unit who participated in a patient experience survey. Patient satisfaction was compared between patients admitted in 2020 (pre--WR-SMS group) and 2021 (post--WR-SMS group). Results: From January 2020 to December 2021, a total of 100 patients were enrolled (53 patients in the pre--WR-SMS group and 47 patients in the post--WR-SMS group). Compared with the pre--WR-SMS group, the post--WR-SMS group showed significantly greater satisfaction about being informed about round schedules (mean 3.43, SD 0.910 vs mean 3.89, SD 0.375; P<.001) and felt more emotionally supported during admission (mean 3.49, SD 0.800 vs mean 3.87, SD 0.397; P<.001). Regarding other questionnaire scores, the post--WR-SMS group showed an overall, although statistically insignificant, improvement compared with the pre--WR-SMS group. Conclusions: Real-time round notifications using a user-friendly SMS may improve inpatient satisfaction effectively. ", doi="10.2196/57470", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2025/1/e57470" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55592, author="Salaheddin, Tala and Sharma, H. Ramona and Fajardo, Marcela and Panter, Cameron and De Souza, Lauren and Matano, Kanyevu Sheila and Struik, Laura", title="Utilization and Experiences of Using Quit Now, a Nicotine and Tobacco Smoking Cessation Website: Thematic Analysis", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2025", month="Mar", day="4", volume="27", pages="e55592", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="user experiences", keywords="nicotine", keywords="vaping", keywords="web-based", keywords="Google Analytics", keywords="thematic analysis", keywords="digital health", keywords="nicotine replacement therapy", keywords="quit attempts", keywords="tobacco", keywords="British Columbia", keywords="behavioral support", keywords="pharmacotherapy", keywords="qualitative interview", keywords="cessation support", keywords="QuitNow", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="intervention", abstract="Background: British Columbia residents have access to a program called QuitNow that provides behavioral support and information about pharmacotherapy to nicotine and tobacco users. Web- or computer-based smoking cessation programs have been shown to yield an abstinence rate about 1.5 times higher when compared to a control. Although quantitative evidence reveals significant promise for web-based services like QuitNow, there is very little qualitative evidence available. Understanding website utilization and the experiences of end users is key to contextualizing the effectiveness of web-based cessation services and providing directions for enhancing these services. Objective: This qualitative interview study aims to delve into users' utilization and experiences of QuitNow, which is supplemented by Google Analytics data. Methods: We interviewed 10 QuitNow users using semistructured interviews to understand what they liked the most and the least about QuitNow. We transcribed these interviews and conducted an inductive thematic analysis using NVivo (QSR International) software to extract common themes about user experiences. We also gathered utilization metrics via Google Analytics (n=13,856 users) to understand which aspects of QuitNow were used the most and which were used the least during the study period. Results: Thematic analysis yielded four major themes: (1) barriers to information access reduce opportunities to take action, (2) lack of clarity around pharmacological options is discouraging, (3) hearing from others is an important part of the journey, and (4) recognizing own agency throughout the quit process. These themes provided context and support for the Google Analytics data, which showed that end user activity, measured by indicators such as page views and average time spent on each page, was highest on pages about how to quit (10,393 page views), pharmacology information (1999 page views), and the community forum (11,560 page views). Conclusions: Results of this study point to several important implications for improving the website, as well as directions for enhancing cessation support services in general. ", doi="10.2196/55592", url="https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e55592", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40053769" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/56254, author="Wu, Jia and Zeng, Youjia and Yang, Jun and Yao, Yutong and Xu, Xiuling and Song, Gaofeng and Yi, Wuyong and Wang, Taifen and Zheng, Yihou and Jia, Zhongwei and Yan, Xiangyu", title="Daily Treatment Monitoring for Patients Receiving Home-Based Peritoneal Dialysis and Prediction of Heart Failure Risk: mHealth Tool Development and Modeling Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Mar", day="3", volume="9", pages="e56254", keywords="peritoneal dialysis", keywords="mHealth", keywords="patient management", keywords="heart failure", keywords="prediction model", abstract="Background: Peritoneal dialysis is one of the major renal replacement modalities for patients with end-stage renal disease. Heart failure is a common adverse event among patients who undergo peritoneal dialysis treatment, especially for those who undergo continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis at home, because of the lack of professional input-output volume monitoring and management during treatment. Objective: This study aims to develop novel mobile health (mHealth) tools to improve the quality of home-based continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis treatment and to build a prediction model of heart failure based on the system's daily treatment monitoring data. Methods: The mHealth tools with a 4-layer system were designed and developed using Spring Boot, MyBatis Plus, MySQL, and Redis as backend technology stack, and Vue, Element User Interface, and WeChat Mini Program as front-end technology stack. Patients were recruited to use the tool during daily peritoneal dialysis treatment from January 1, 2017, to April 20, 2023. Logistic regression models based on real-time treatment monitoring data were used for heart failure prediction. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Youden index were calculated to evaluate the performance of the prediction model. In the sensitivity analysis, the ratio of patients with and without heart failure was set to 1:4 and 1:10, respectively, to better evaluate the stability of the prediction model. Results: A WeChat Mini Program named Futou Bao for patients and a patient data management platform for doctors was developed. Futou Bao included an intelligent data upload function module and an auxiliary function module. The doctor's data management platform consisted of 4 function modules, that is, patient management, data visualization and marking, data statistics, and system management. During the study period, the records of 6635 patients who received peritoneal dialysis treatment were uploaded in Futou Bao, with 0.71\% (47/6635) of them experiencing heart failure. The prediction model that included sex, age, and diastolic blood pressure was considered as the optimal model, wherein the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and Youden index were 0.75, 0.91, 0.89, and 0.66, respectively, with an area under the curve value of 0.879 (95\% CI 0.772-0.986) using the validation dataset. The sensitivity analysis showed stable results. Conclusions: This study provides a new home-based peritoneal dialysis management paradigm that enables the daily monitoring and early warning of heart failure risk. This novel paradigm is of great value for improving the efficiency, security, and personalization of peritoneal dialysis. ", doi="10.2196/56254", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e56254", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40053710" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/65187, author="O'Grady, Megan and Harrison, Laura and Suleiman, Adekemi and Hutchison, Morica and Kwon, Nancy and Muench, Frederick and Kapoor, Sandeep", title="Text Messaging Interventions for Unhealthy Alcohol Use in Emergency Departments: Mixed Methods Assessment of Implementation Barriers and Facilitators", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Mar", day="3", volume="9", pages="e65187", keywords="unhealthy alcohol use", keywords="text messaging intervention", keywords="emergency department", keywords="barriers and facilitators", keywords="implementation", keywords="alcohol use", keywords="unhealthy", keywords="mixed methods assessment", keywords="mixed methods", keywords="assessment", keywords="facilitators", keywords="alcohol", keywords="health care", keywords="scalable supports", keywords="text messaging", keywords="patient outcomes", keywords="health system", keywords="electronic health record", keywords="EHR", keywords="alcohol screening", keywords="acceptability", keywords="feasibility", keywords="survey", keywords="health-related goals", abstract="Background: Many patients with unhealthy alcohol use (UAU) access health care in emergency departments (EDs). Scalable supports, such as SMS text messaging interventions, are acceptable and feasible to enhance care delivery for many health issues, including substance use. Further, SMS text messaging interventions have been shown to improve patient outcomes related to alcohol consumption (eg, reduced consumption compared to no intervention, basic health information, or drink tracking), but they are rarely offered in clinical settings. Objective: This paper describes a mixed methods study using the Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework. The goal of this study was to use a stakeholder-engaged mixed methods design to assess barriers and facilitators to the implementation of SMS text messaging interventions for UAU in EDs with a focus on the recipient's characteristics, the innovation's degree of fit within the existing practice, and the unique nature of the inner and outer context. Methods: This study was conducted in a large health system in the northeastern United States. We examined electronic health record data on alcohol screening in 17 EDs; surveyed 26 ED physician chairpersons on implementation feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness; and interviewed 18 ED staff and 21 patients to understand barriers and facilitators to implementation. Interviews were analyzed according to the i-PARIHS framework to assess recipient characteristics, innovation degree of fit, and inner and outer context. Results: Electronic health record data revealed high variability in alcohol screening completion (mean 73\%, range 35\%?93\%), indicating potential issues in identifying patients eligible to offer the intervention. The 26 ED chair surveys revealed a relatively high level of implementation confidence (mean 4, SD 0.81), acceptability (mean 4, SD 0.71), and appropriateness (mean 3.75, SD 0.69) regarding the UAU SMS text messaging intervention; feasibility (mean 3.5, SD 0.55) had the lowest mean, indicating concerns about integrating the text intervention in the busy ED workflow. Staff were concerned about staff buy-in and adding additional discussion points to already overwhelmed patients during their ED visit but saw the need for additional low-threshold services for UAU. Patients were interested in the intervention to address drinking and health-related goals. Conclusions: ED visits involving UAU have increased in the United States. The results of this formative study on barriers and facilitators to the implementation of UAU SMS text messaging interventions in EDs indicate both promise and caution. In general, we found that staff viewed offering such interventions as appropriate and acceptable; however, there were concerns with feasibility (eg, low alcohol risk screening rates). Patients also generally viewed the SMS text messaging intervention positively, with limited drawbacks (eg, slight concerns about having time to read messages). The results provide information that can be used to develop implementation strategies that can be tested in future studies. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05350878; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05350878 ", doi="10.2196/65187", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e65187" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/69602, author="Meyerhoff, Jonah and Popowski, A. Sarah and Lakhtakia, Tanvi and Tack, Emily and Kornfield, Rachel and Kruzan, P. Kaylee and Krause, J. Charles and Nguyen, Theresa and Rushton, Kevin and Pisani, R. Anthony and Reddy, Madhu and Van Orden, A. Kimberly and Mohr, C. David", title="Automated Digital Safety Planning Interventions for Young Adults: Qualitative Study Using Online Co-design Methods", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Feb", day="26", volume="9", pages="e69602", keywords="mental health services", keywords="technology", keywords="therapy", keywords="computer assisted", keywords="SMS text messaging", abstract="Background: Young adults in the United States are experiencing accelerating rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors but have the lowest rates of formal mental health care. Digital suicide prevention interventions have the potential to increase access to suicide prevention care by circumventing attitudinal and structural barriers that prevent access to formal mental health care. These tools should be designed in collaboration with young adults who have lived experience of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors to optimize acceptability and use. Objective: This study aims to identify the needs, preferences, and features for an automated SMS text messaging--based safety planning service to support the self-management of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among young adults. Methods: We enrolled 30 young adults (age 18-24 years) with recent suicide-related thoughts and behaviors to participate in asynchronous remote focus groups via an online private forum. Participants responded to researcher-posted prompts and were encouraged to reply to fellow participants---creating a threaded digital conversation. Researcher-posted prompts centered on participants' experiences with suicide-related thought and behavior-related coping, safety planning, and technologies for suicide-related thought and behavior self-management. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to extract key needs, preferences, and feature considerations for an automated SMS text messaging--based safety planning tool. Results: Young adult participants indicated that an automated digital SMS text message--based safety planning intervention must meet their needs in 2 ways. First, by empowering them to manage their symptoms on their own and support acquiring and using effective coping skills. Second, by leveraging young adults' existing social connections. Young adult participants also shared 3 key technological needs of an automated intervention: (1) transparency about how the intervention functions, the kinds of actions it does and does not take, the limits of confidentiality, and the role of human oversight within the program; (2) strong privacy practices---data security around how content within the intervention and how private data created by the intervention would be maintained and used was extremely important to young adult participants given the sensitive nature of suicide-related data; and (3) usability, convenience, and accessibility were particularly important to participants---this includes having an approachable and engaging message tone, customizable message delivery options (eg, length, number, content focus), and straightforward menu navigation. Young adult participants also highlighted specific features that could support core coping skill acquisition (eg, self-tracking, coping skill idea generation, reminders). Conclusions: Engaging young adults in the design process of a digital suicide prevention tool revealed critical considerations that must be addressed if the tool is to effectively expand access to evidence-based care to reach young people at risk for suicide-related thoughts and behaviors. Specifically, automated digital safety planning interventions must support building skillfulness to cope effectively with suicidal crises, deepening interpersonal connections, system transparency, and data privacy. ", doi="10.2196/69602", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e69602" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/63938, author="Hansen, T. Bo and Klungs{\o}yr, Ole and Labberton, S. Angela and S{\"a}{\"a}ksvuori, Lauri and Rydland, M. Kjersti and {\O}deskaug, E. Liz and Wisl{\o}ff, Torbj{\o}rn and Meijerink, Hinta", title="Effectiveness of Text Messaging Nudging to Increase Coverage of Influenza Vaccination Among Older Adults in Norway (InfluSMS Study): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2025", month="Feb", day="25", volume="14", pages="e63938", keywords="influenza vaccination", keywords="coverage", keywords="uptake", keywords="behavioral nudging", keywords="vaccine hesitancy", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="undervaccination", keywords="migrant health", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="smartphones", keywords="eHealth", keywords="SMS", abstract="Background: The coverage of influenza vaccination among older adults in Norway is insufficient, especially in some immigrant groups. To improve public health, there is a need for an intervention that can increase influenza vaccination coverage. Further, interventions tailored to reduce potential barriers among immigrants can reduce health inequities. Objective: InfluSMS aims to determine if SMS nudging increases vaccination coverage among those aged 65 years or older (1) in Norway's general population; (2) among immigrants born in Poland; and (3) among immigrants born in Ukraine; and evaluate the impact of SMS nudging in Norwegian versus in the official language of the native country of immigrants born in Poland or Ukraine. Methods: InfluSMS is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial conducted among people aged 65 years or older residing in Norway. Influenza vaccination coverage is the main outcome, measured in control and intervention arms for each of the 3 populations listed earlier. In all 3 populations, the control arm is standard care, that is, no individual reminder for influenza vaccination. All populations have an intervention arm that will receive an SMS nudge in the Norwegian language. In addition, the Polish and Ukrainian immigrant populations include a second intervention arm that will receive an SMS nudge in Polish or Ukrainian, respectively. In the general population, at least 23,485 individuals will be randomized to the SMS intervention arm while the rest of the population constitutes the control arm. In each of the 2 immigrant populations, we will randomize all eligible individuals 1:1:1 into the 3 arms. The intervention will take place at the start of the 2025-2026 influenza season. All eligible individuals will be passively followed up through the National Immunisation Registry, SYSVAK, from which individual influenza vaccination status 3 months after the SMS nudge will be collected. Coverage rates between arms within each population and effect sizes between the populations will be compared. The cost-effectiveness of SMS nudging will also be assessed. Results: The inclusion of participants will start in the third quarter of 2025, and the registry data will be available in the first quarter of 2026. Coverage rates of each strategy and coverage differences between strategies will be presented. Conclusions: SMS nudging is a scalable, inexpensive, and nonintrusive intervention that could be integrated into the national influenza vaccination program if the trial shows it effectively increases influenza vaccination coverage among older adults. Further, the trial will establish whether language is a barrier to influenza vaccination uptake among recent immigrant groups that have low influenza vaccination coverage, and to what extent this potential barrier can be diminished by SMS nudging in the official language of their native country. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06486766; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06486766 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/63938 ", doi="10.2196/63938", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e63938", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39998878" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/65026, author="Hietbrink, G. Eclaire A. and Middelweerd, Anouk and d'Hollosy, Wendy and Schrijver, K. Laura and Laverman, D. Gozewijn and Vollenbroek-Hutten, R. Miriam M.", title="Exploring the Acceptance of Just-in-Time Adaptive Lifestyle Support for People With Type 2 Diabetes: Qualitative Acceptability Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Feb", day="19", volume="9", pages="e65026", keywords="eHealth", keywords="just-in-time adaptive intervention", keywords="ecological momentary assessment", keywords="type 2 diabetes", keywords="behavior change", keywords="physical activity", keywords="nutrition", keywords="acceptability", keywords="formative evaluation", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: The management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) requires individuals to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Personalized eHealth interventions can help individuals change their lifestyle behavior. Specifically, just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAIs) offer a promising approach to provide tailored support to encourage healthy behaviors. Low-effort self-reporting via ecological momentary assessment (EMA) can provide insights into individuals' experiences and environmental factors and thus improve JITAI support, particularly for conditions that cannot be measured by sensors. We developed an EMA-driven JITAI to offer tailored support for various personal and environmental factors influencing healthy behavior in individuals with T2D. Objective: This study aimed to assess the acceptability of EMA-driven, just-in-time adaptive lifestyle support in individuals with T2D. Methods: In total, 8 individuals with T2D used the JITAI for 2 weeks. Participants completed daily EMAs about their activity, location, mood, overall condition, weather, and cravings and received tailored support via SMS text messaging. The acceptability of the JITAI was assessed through telephone-conducted, semistructured interviews. Interview topics included the acceptability of the EMA content and prompts, the intervention options, and the overall use of the JITAI. Data were analyzed using a hybrid approach of thematic analysis. Results: Participants with a mean age of 70.5 (SD 9) years, BMI of 32.1 (SD 5.3) kg/m{\texttwosuperior}, and T2D duration of 15.6 (SD 7.7) years had high self-efficacy scores in physical activity (ie, 32) and nutrition (ie, 29) and were mainly initiating or maintaining behavior changes. The identified themes were related to the intervention design, decision points, tailoring variables, intervention options, and mechanisms underlying adherence and retention. Participants provided positive feedback on several aspects of the JITAI, such as the motivating and enjoyable messages that appeared well tailored to some individuals. However, there were notable differences in individual experiences with the JITAI, particularly regarding intervention intensity and the perceived personalization of the EMA and messages. The EMA was perceived as easy to use and low in burden, but participants felt it provided too much of a snapshot and too little context, reducing the perceived tailoring of the intervention options. Challenges with the timing and frequency of prompts and the relevance of some tailoring variables were also observed. While some participants found the support relevant and motivating, others were less inclined to follow the advice. Participants expressed the need for even more personalized support tailored to their specific characteristics and circumstances. Conclusions: This study showed that an EMA-driven JITAI can provide motivating and tailored support, but more personalization is needed to ensure that the lifestyle support more closely fits each individual's unique needs. Key areas for improvement include developing more individually tailored interventions, improving assessment methods to balance active and passive data collection, and integrating JITAIs within comprehensive lifestyle interventions. ", doi="10.2196/65026", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e65026", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39969969" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/39950, author="Joshi, Ashish and Surapaneni, Mohan Krishna and Grover, Ashoo and Kaur, Harpreet and Saggu, Rani Sofia and Oliveira, Doilyn", title="Swasthya Pahal (Health for All) Using a Sustainable, Multisector, Accessible, Affordable, Reimbursable, and Tailored Informatics Framework in Rural and Urban Areas of Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Protocol for a Quantitative Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2025", month="Feb", day="6", volume="14", pages="e39950", keywords="interventions", keywords="Swasthya Pahal", keywords="acceptance", keywords="health behavior", keywords="NCDs risks", keywords="self-management", keywords="healthcare", keywords="noncommunicable disease", abstract="Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) require a longer period of care, for which health care systems must acquire technologically advanced solutions to enhance patient care. Swasthya Pahal (health for all) is an innovative, interactive, multilingual, stand-alone, internet-enabled computer-based program that aims to improve the self-management of NCDs. Objective: This study aims to enhance the self-management of chronic NCDs (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity) by determining the usefulness, acceptance, and effectiveness of the Swasthya Pahal program in hospital and community settings in both rural and urban areas of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This objective can be met by generating risk factor profiles of individuals enrolled and enhancing their self-management of NCDs using a portable health information kiosk that uses the Sustainable, Multisector, Accessible, Affordable, Reimbursable, and Tailored (SMAART) model. Methods: A quantitative study will be conducted on a convenient sample of 2800 individuals from selected hospital and community settings in rural (n=1400) and urban areas (n=1400) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Data will be collected on sociodemographics, health behaviors, and clinical status, as well as knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Objective assessments such as weight, blood pressure, and random blood sugar levels will be measured. In addition, the usefulness, acceptance, and effectiveness of the Swasthya Pahal program will be determined. Results: Results will be summarized using descriptive analysis. Appropriate bivariate and multivariate regression analysis will be performed to determine the predictors of the outcome variables of usefulness, acceptance, and effectiveness of Swasthya Pahal in wider settings. All analyses will be performed using SAS (version 9.1; SAS Institute), and the results will be reported as 95\% CI values and P<.05. Conclusions: The study proposes to enhance the self-management of NCDs in both rural and urban community settings through the implementation of the Swasthya Pahal program based on the SMAART informatics framework. The study aims to understand the implementation, acceptability, and usability of Swasthya Pahal among a diverse sample of people in urban and rural settings. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/39950 ", doi="10.2196/39950", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e39950" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/69311, author="Santiago-Torres, Margarita and Mull, E. Kristin and Sullivan, M. Brianna and Cupertino, Paula Ana and Salloum, G. Ramzi and Triplette, Matthew and Zvolensky, J. Michael and Bricker, B. Jonathan", title="Evaluating the Impact of Pharmacotherapy in Augmenting Quit Rates Among Hispanic Adults in an App-Delivered Smoking Cessation Intervention: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2025", month="Jan", day="31", volume="9", pages="e69311", keywords="acceptance and commitment therapy", keywords="Hispanic or Latino", keywords="iCanQuit", keywords="QuitGuide", keywords="smartphone apps", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Hispanic adults receive less advice to quit smoking and use fewer evidence-based smoking cessation treatments compared to their non-Hispanic counterparts. Digital smoking cessation interventions, such as those delivered via smartphone apps, provide a feasible and within-reach treatment option for Hispanic adults who smoke and want to quit smoking. While the combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions are considered best practices for smoking cessation, its efficacy among Hispanic adults, especially alongside smartphone app--based interventions, is uncertain. Objective: This secondary analysis used data from a randomized controlled trial that compared the efficacy of 2 smoking cessation apps, iCanQuit (based on acceptance and commitment therapy) and QuitGuide (following US clinical practice guidelines), to explore the association between pharmacotherapy use and smoking cessation outcomes among the subsample of 173 Hispanic participants who reported on pharmacotherapy use. Given the randomized design, we first tested the potential interaction of pharmacotherapy use and intervention arm on 12-month cigarette smoking abstinence. We then examined whether the use of any pharmacotherapy (ie, nicotine replacement therapy [NRT], varenicline, or bupropion) and NRT alone augmented each app-based intervention efficacy. Methods: Participants reported using pharmacotherapy on their own during the 3-month follow-up and cigarette smoking abstinence at the 12-month follow-up via web-based surveys. These data were used (1) to test the interaction effect of using pharmacotherapy to aid smoking cessation and intervention arm (iCanQuit vs QuitGuide) on smoking cessation at 12 months and (2) to test whether the use of pharmacotherapy to aid smoking cessation augmented the efficacy of each intervention arm to help participants successfully quit smoking. Results: The subsample of Hispanic participants was recruited from 30 US states. They were on average 34.5 (SD 9.3) years of age, 50.9\% (88/173) were female, and 56.1\% (97/173) reported smoking at least 10 cigarettes daily. Approximately 22\% (38/173) of participants reported using pharmacotherapy to aid smoking cessation at the 3-month follow-up, including NRT, varenicline, or bupropion, with no difference between intervention arms. There was an interaction between pharmacotherapy use and intervention arm that marginally influenced 12-month quit rates at 12 months (P for interaction=.053). In the iCanQuit arm, 12-month missing-as-smoking quit rates were 43.8\% (7/16) for pharmacotherapy users versus 28.8\% (19/16) for nonusers (odds ratio 2.21, 95\% CI 0.66-7.48; P=.20). In the QuitGuide arm, quit rates were 9.1\% (2/22) for pharmacotherapy users versus 21.7\% (15/69) for nonusers (odds ratio 0.36, 95\% CI 0.07-1.72; P=.20). Results were similar for the use of NRT only. Conclusions: Combining pharmacotherapy to aid smoking cessation with a smartphone app--based behavioral intervention that teaches acceptance of cravings to smoke (iCanQuit) shows promise in improving quit rates among Hispanic adults. However, this combined approach was not effective with the US clinical guideline--based app (QuitGuide). Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02724462; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02724462 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.4055 ", doi="10.2196/69311", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e69311" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/58938, author="Fraterman, Itske and Sacchi, Lucia and Mallo, Henk and Tibollo, Valentina and Glaser, Catherina Savannah Lucia and Medlock, Stephanie and Cornet, Ronald and Gabetta, Matteo and Hisko, Vitali and Khadakou, Vadzim and Barkan, Ella and Del Campo, Laura and Glasspool, David and Kogan, Alexandra and Lanzola, Giordano and Leizer, Roy and Ottaviano, Manuel and Peleg, Mor and ?niata?a, Konrad and Lisowska, Aneta and Wilk, Szymon and Parimbelli, Enea and Quaglini, Silvana and Rizzo, Mimma and Locati, Deborah Laura and Boekhout, Annelies and van de Poll-Franse, V. Lonneke and Wilgenhof, Sofie", title="Exploring the Impact of the Multimodal CAPABLE eHealth Intervention on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Melanoma Undergoing Immune-Checkpoint Inhibition: Prospective Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Cancer", year="2025", month="Jan", day="30", volume="11", pages="e58938", keywords="eHealth", keywords="melanoma", keywords="cancer", keywords="fatigue", keywords="quality of life", keywords="intervention", keywords="pilot study", keywords="exploratory", keywords="health-related", keywords="interventions", keywords="symptom", keywords="monitoring", keywords="well-being", keywords="immunotherapy", keywords="immune-related", keywords="immune-checkpoint inhibitor", keywords="patient", keywords="feasibility", keywords="smartphone", keywords="app", keywords="smartwatch", keywords="linear regression model", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Patients with melanoma receiving immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors often experience immune-related adverse events, cancer-related fatigue, and emotional distress, affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and clinical outcome to immunotherapy. eHealth tools can aid patients with cancer in addressing issues, such as adverse events and psychosocial well-being, from various perspectives. Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of the Cancer Patients Better Life Experience (CAPABLE) system, accessed through a mobile app, on HRQoL compared with a matched historical control group receiving standard care. CAPABLE is an extensively tested eHealth app, including educational material, remote symptom monitoring, and well-being interventions. Methods: This prospective pilot study compared an exploratory cohort that received the CAPABLE smartphone app and a multisensory smartwatch for 6 months (intervention) to a 2:1 individually matched historical prospective control group. HRQoL data were measured with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2) after start of treatment. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to compare HRQoL between the 2 groups over time. Results: From the 59 eligible patients for the CAPABLE intervention, 31 (53\%) signed informed consent to participate. Baseline HRQoL was on average 10 points higher in the intervention group compared with controls, although equally matched on baseline and clinical characteristics. When correcting for sex, age, disease stage, and baseline scores, an adjusted difference in fatigue of ?5.09 (95\% CI ?15.20 to 5.02, P=.32) at month 3 was found. No significant nor clinically relevant adjusted differences on other HRQoL domains over time were found. However, information satisfaction was significantly higher in the CAPABLE group ($\beta$=8.71, 95\% CI 1.54?15.88, P=.02). Conclusions: The intervention showed a limited effect on HRQoL, although there was a small improvement in fatigue at 3 months, as well as information satisfaction. When aiming at personalized patient and survivorship care, further optimization and prospective investigation of eHealth tools is warranted. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials NCT05827289; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05827289 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/49252 ", doi="10.2196/58938", url="https://cancer.jmir.org/2025/1/e58938" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/57540, author="Del Moral Trinidad, Eduardo Luis and Andrade Villanueva, Federico Jaime and Mart{\'i}nez Ayala, Pedro and Cabrera Silva, Ismael Rodolfo and Herrera Godina, Guadalupe Melva and Gonz{\'a}lez-Hern{\'a}ndez, Alicia Luz", title="Effectiveness of an mHealth Intervention With Short Text Messages to Promote Treatment Adherence Among HIV-Positive Mexican Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2025", month="Jan", day="28", volume="13", pages="e57540", keywords="HIV", keywords="treatment adherence", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mHealth intervention", keywords="randomized clinical trial", keywords="text messages", keywords="eHealth intervention", keywords="sexual health", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="RCT", abstract="Background: HIV continues to be a public health concern in Mexico and Latin America due to an increase in new infections, despite a decrease being observed globally. Treatment adherence is a pillar for achieving viral suppression. It prevents the spread of the disease at a community level and improves the quality and survival of people living with HIV. Thus, it is important to implement strategies to achieve sustained treatment adherence. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) intervention based on SMS text messages to increase antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence for HIV-positive adults. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara -- Fray Antonio Alcalde on HIV-positive adults who had initiated ART. The mHealth intervention included the use of SMS text messages as a reminder system for upcoming medical examinations and ART resupply to increase adherence. This intervention was provided to 40 participants for a 6-month period. A control group (n=40) received medical attention by the standard protocol used in the hospital. Intervention effectiveness was assessed by quantifying CD4+ T cells and viral load, as well as a self-report of adherence by the patient. Results: The intervention group had greater adherence to ART than the control group (96\% vs 92\%; P<.001). In addition, the intervention group had better clinical characteristics, including a lower viral load (141 copies/mL vs 2413 copies/mL; P<.001) and a trend toward higher CD4+ T cells counts (399 cells/$\mu$L vs 290 cells/$\mu$L; P=.15). Conclusions: These results show that an mHealth intervention significantly improves ART adherence. Implementing mHealth programs could enhance the commitment of HIV-positive adults to their treatment. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05187741; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05187741 ", doi="10.2196/57540", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2025/1/e57540" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47837, author="Huang, Qinyuan and Zhong, Qinyi and Zeng, Yanjing and Li, Yimeng and Wiley, James and Wang, Ping Man and Chen, Jyu-Lin and Guo, Jia", title="mHealth-Based Diabetes Prevention Program for Chinese Mothers With Abdominal Obesity: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2025", month="Jan", day="24", volume="13", pages="e47837", keywords="type 2 diabetes", keywords="mHealth", keywords="obesity", keywords="prevention", keywords="mothers", abstract="Background: Among people with abdominal obesity, women are more likely to develop diabetes than men. Mobile health (mHealth)--based technologies provide the flexibility and resource-saving opportunities to improve lifestyles in an individualized way. However, mHealth-based diabetes prevention programs tailored for busy mothers with abdominal obesity have not been reported yet. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an mHealth-based diabetes prevention program and its preliminary efficacy in reducing weight-related variables, behavioral variables, psychological variables, and diabetes risk among Chinese mothers with abdominal obesity over 6 months. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at health management centers in 2 tertiary hospitals in Changsha, China. The mHealth group (n=40) received 12 weekly web-based lifestyle modification modules for diabetes prevention, 6 biweekly individualized health education messages based on their goal settings, and a Fitbit tracker. The control group (n=40) received 12 weekly web-based general health education modules, 6 biweekly general health education messages, and a Fitbit tracker. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months on the feasibility and acceptability outcomes, weight-related variables (waist circumference and BMI), diabetes risk scores, glycemic levels, behavioral variables (daily step count, active minutes, fruit and vegetable intake, calorie consumption, and sleep duration), and psychological variables (self-efficacy and social support for physical activity and diet, perceived stress, and quality of life). Generalized estimating equations were used for data analysis. Results: Approximately 85\% (68/80) of the participants completed 6 months of follow-up assessments. Regarding the feasibility and acceptance of the program in the mHealth group, the average number of modules reviewed was 7.9 out of 12, and the satisfaction score was 4.37 out of 5. Significant improvements at 6 months between the intervention and control groups were found in waist circumference ($\beta$=--2.24, 95\% CI --4.12 to --0.36; P=.02), modifiable diabetes risk scores ($\beta$=--2.5, 95\% CI --4.57 to --0.44; P=.02), daily steps ($\beta$=1.67, 95\% CI 0.06-3.29; P=.04), self-efficacy for physical activity ($\beta$=1.93, 95\% CI 0.44-3.43; P=.01), social support for physical activity ($\beta$=2.27, 95\% CI 0.80-3.74; P=.002), and physical health satisfaction ($\beta$=0.82, 95\% CI 0.08-1.55; P=.03). No differences were found in BMI, total diabetes risk score, daily active minutes, daily intake of fruits and vegetables, sleep duration, daily calorie consumption, self-efficacy, and social support for diet (P>.05). Conclusions: This study addresses the potential role of tailored lifestyle interventions based on mHealth technology by offering tailored web-based health modules and health information in managing diabetes risk among mothers with abdominal obesity. The mHealth diabetes prevention program provides a flexible, customized, and resource-saving model for busy mothers. Future research could further explore the efficacy improvement on dietary behaviors to better serve the health care needs of this population. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400090554; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=226411 ", doi="10.2196/47837", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2025/1/e47837" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/65313, author="Reback, J. Cathy and Blue, Thomas and Jalali, Ali and Landovitz, Raphael and Li, J. Michael and Mata, P. Raymond and Ryan, Danielle and Jeng, J. Philip and Murphy, M. Sean", title="Comparative- and Cost-Effectiveness Research Determining the Optimal Intervention for Advancing Transgender Women With HIV to Full Viral Suppression (Text Me, Alexis!): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2025", month="Jan", day="23", volume="14", pages="e65313", keywords="HIV/AIDS", keywords="transgender women", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="peer health navigation", keywords="HIV Care Continuum", abstract="Background: Many transgender women with HIV achieve suboptimal advancement through the HIV Care Continuum, including poor HIV health care usage, retention in HIV medical care, and rates of viral suppression. These issues are exacerbated by comorbid conditions, such as substance use disorder, which is also associated with reduced quality of life, increased overdose deaths, usage of high-cost health care services, engagement in a street economy, and cycles of incarceration. Thus, it is critical that efforts to End the HIV Epidemic include effective interventions to link and retain transgender women in HIV care through full viral suppression. Objective: This study builds on the promising findings from our two Health Resources and Services Administration-funded demonstration projects, The Alexis Project and Text Me, Girl!, which used peer health navigation (PHN) and SMS text messaging, respectively, for advancing transgender women with HIV to full viral suppression. Though the effectiveness of both interventions has been established, their comparative effectiveness, required resources or costs, cost-effectiveness, and heterogeneous effects on subgroups, including those with substance use disorder, have not been evaluated. Given the many negative personal and public health consequences of untreated or undertreated HIV, and that HIV services for transgender women are frequently delivered in resource-limited, community-based settings, a comprehensive economic evaluation is critical to inform decisions of stakeholders, such as providers, insurers, and policy makers. Methods: Text Me, Alexis! is a 3-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants (N=195) will be randomized (1:1:1) into: PHN alone (n=65), SMS text messaging alone (n=65), or PHN+SMS text messaging (n=65). Using the same time points as the Health Resources and Services Administration demonstration projects, the repeated-measures design will assess participants at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months post randomization. Over the course of the 90 days, participants in the PHN arm will receive unlimited navigation sessions; participants in the SMS text messaging arm will receive 270 theory-based SMS text messages (3 messages daily) that are targeted, tailored, and personalized specifically for transgender women with HIV; and participants in the PHN+SMS text messaging arm will receive a combined PHN and SMS text message intervention. The desired outcome of Text Me, Alexis! is viral suppression and cost-effectiveness. Results: Recruitment began on April 10, 2024, and the first participant was enrolled on April 11, 2024. Data collection is expected to be completed in July 2027. Primary outcome analyses will begin immediately following the conclusion of the follow-up evaluations. Conclusions: Transgender women are a high-priority population for reaching End the HIV Epidemic goals. Findings have the potential to improve individual and population health outcomes by generating significant improvements in viral suppression among transgender women and guiding service provision and public policy. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/65313 ", doi="10.2196/65313", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e65313", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39847410" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55586, author="Kitsiou, Spyros and Gerber, S. Ben and Buchholz, W. Susan and Kansal, M. Mayank and Sun, Jiehuan and Pressler, J. Susan", title="Patient-Centered mHealth Intervention to Improve Self-Care in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: Phase 1 Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2025", month="Jan", day="15", volume="27", pages="e55586", keywords="mHealth", keywords="app", keywords="digital health", keywords="telehealth", keywords="text messaging", keywords="smartphone", keywords="wearable electronic devices", keywords="heart failure", keywords="self-care", keywords="self-management", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="cardiology", keywords="SMS", abstract="Background: Heart failure (HF) is one of the most common causes of hospital readmission in the United States. These hospitalizations are often driven by insufficient self-care. Commercial mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as consumer-grade apps and wearable devices, offer opportunities for improving HF self-care, but their efficacy remains largely underexplored. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and preliminary efficacy of a patient-centered mHealth intervention (iCardia4HF) that integrates 3 consumer mHealth apps and devices (Heart Failure Health Storylines, Fitbit, and Withings) with a program of individually tailored SMS text messages to improve HF self-care. Methods: We conducted a phase 1 randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients had stage C HF, were aged ?40 years, and had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I, II, or III HF. Patients were randomly assigned to either iCardia4HF plus usual care or to usual care only and were observed for 8 weeks. Key feasibility measures were recruitment and retention rates. The primary efficacy outcome was change in HF self-care subscale scores (maintenance, symptom perception, and self-care management) at 8 weeks, assessed with the Self-Care Heart Failure Index (SCHFI; version 7.2). Key secondary outcomes were modifiable behaviors targeted by the intervention (health beliefs, self-efficacy, and HF knowledge), health status, and adherence to daily self-monitoring of 2 core vital signs (body weight and blood pressure). Results: A total of 27 patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to iCardia4HF (n=13, 48\%) or usual care (n=14, 52\%). Of these 27 patients, 11 (41\%) in the intervention group (iCardia4HF) and 14 (52\%) in the usual care group started their assigned care and were included in the full analysis. Patients' mean age was 56 (SD 8.3) years, 44\% (11/25) were female, 92\% (23/25) self-reported race as Black, 76\% (19/25) had NYHA class II or III HF, and 60\% (15/25) had HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Participant retention, completion of study visits, and adherence to using the mHealth apps and devices for daily self-monitoring were high (>80\%). At 8 weeks, the mean group differences in changes in the SCHFI subscale scores favored the intervention over the control group: maintenance (Cohen d=0.19, 95\% CI --0.65 to 1.02), symptom perception (Cohen d=0.33, 95\% CI --0.51 to 1.17), and self-care management (Cohen d=0.25, 95\% CI --0.55 to 1.04). The greatest improvements in terms of effect size were observed in self-efficacy (Cohen d=0.68) and health beliefs about medication adherence (Cohen d=0.63) and self-monitoring adherence (Cohen d=0.94). There were no adverse events due to the intervention. Conclusions: iCardia4HF was found to be feasible, acceptable, and safe. A larger trial with a longer follow-up duration is warranted to examine its efficacy among patients with HF. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03642275; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03642275 ", doi="10.2196/55586", url="https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e55586" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/57363, author="Huang, Hao and Xie, MeiLian and Yang, Zhen and Wang, AiPing", title="Enhancing HIV Cognitive Abilities and Self-Management Through Information Technology--Assisted Interventions: Scoping Review", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2025", month="Jan", day="13", volume="27", pages="e57363", keywords="digital media", keywords="self-management", keywords="HIV", keywords="AIDS", keywords="scoping review", keywords="technology-assisted interventions", keywords="information technology", keywords="behaviors", keywords="patient", keywords="electronic database", keywords="information systems", keywords="smartphone", keywords="app", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant global challenge, and with the rapid advancement of technology, there has been an increasing number of interventions aimed at improving HIV/AIDS cognition and self-management behaviors among patients. However, there is still a lack of detailed literature integrating relevant evidence. Objective: This study aims to comprehensively review existing research on interventions using modern information methods to improve HIV/AIDS cognition and enhance self-management behaviors among patients. It systematically reports the theoretical frameworks and specific intervention strategies used in current research, providing a comprehensive overview of the development status of relevant studies. We aim to compile existing evidence through this scoping review to identify potential avenues for future research. Methods: We followed the scoping review framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute for the synthesis and reporting of evidence. Relevant literature was searched using electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library. The time frame for inclusion was from 2018 to December 1, 2023. Inclusion criteria were (1) interventions using modern information technology or new digital media, (2) studies focusing on improving HIV awareness or self-management behaviors among people living with HIV, (3) intervention studies or evaluations of intervention effects, and (4) studies published within the last five years. Two reviewers (HH and MX) independently assessed each study at both the title and abstract screening stage and the full-text review stage, resolving any disagreements through discussion. Results: A total of 55 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model, Social Cognitive Theory, Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Information Systems Research Framework are among the most commonly used theoretical frameworks. Modern information technology interventions are mainly constructed using smartphone apps, SMS text messaging, internet-based platforms, audiovisual materials, and digital health education platforms, with smartphone apps and SMS text messaging being the most widely used intervention media. Conclusions: Modern information technology is becoming an important tool for health interventions among people living with HIV/AIDS. However, future research should focus on integrating theoretical framework guidance with intervention design, further exploring the diversity of intervention implementations, the applicability of different technological methods, their long-term effects, and how to more effectively combine traditional intervention strategies to maximize intervention outcomes. ", doi="10.2196/57363", url="https://www.jmir.org/2025/1/e57363" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/64243, author="Vives, Nuria and Binefa, Gemma and Travier, Noemie and Farre, Albert and Panera, Aritz Jon and Casas, Berta and Vidal, Carmen and Ib{\'a}{\~n}ez-Sanz, Gemma and Garcia, Montse and ", title="Text Messaging Versus Postal Reminders to Improve Participation in a Colorectal Cancer Screening Program: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2025", month="Jan", day="1", volume="13", pages="e64243", keywords="text message", keywords="mobile health", keywords="colorectal cancer", keywords="screening", keywords="participation", keywords="reminders", keywords="text messaging", keywords="colorectal cancer screening", keywords="fecal immunochemical test", abstract="Background: Mobile phone SMS text message reminders have shown moderate effects in improving participation rates in ongoing colorectal cancer screening programs. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of SMS text messages as a replacement for routine postal reminders in a fecal immunochemical test--based colorectal cancer screening program in Catalonia, Spain. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial among individuals aged 50 to 69 years who were invited to screening but had not completed their fecal immunochemical test within 6 weeks. The intervention group (n=12,167) received an SMS text message reminder, while the control group (n=12,221) followed the standard procedure of receiving a reminder letter. The primary outcome was participation within 18 weeks of the invitation. The trial was stopped early, and a recovery strategy was implemented for nonparticipants in the intervention group. We performed a final analysis to evaluate the impact of the recovery strategy on the main outcome of the trial. Participation was assessed using a logistic regression model adjusting for potential confounders (sex, age, and deprivation score index) globally and by screening behavior. Results: The trial was discontinued early in September 2022 due to the results of the interim analysis. The interim analysis included 5570 individuals who had completed 18 weeks of follow-up (intention-to-treat). The SMS text message group had a participation rate of 17.2\% (477/2781), whereas the control group had a participation rate of 21.9\% (610/2789; odds ratio 0.71, 95\% CI 0.62-0.82; P<.001). As a recovery strategy, 7591 (72.7\%) out of 10,442 nonparticipants in the SMS text message group had an open screening episode and received a second reminder by letter, reaching a participation rate of 23\% (1748/7591). The final analysis (N=24,388) showed a participation rate of 29.3\% (3561/12,167) in the intervention group, which received 2 reminders, while the participation rate was 26.5\% (3235/12,221) in the control group (odds ratio 1.16, 95\% CI 1.09-1.23; P<.001). Conclusions: Replacing SMS text messages with reminder letters did not increase the participation rate but also led to a decline in participation among nonparticipants 6 weeks after the invitation. However, sending a second reminder by letter significantly increased participation rates among nonparticipants within 6 weeks in the SMS text message group compared with those who received 1 postal reminder (control group). Additional research is essential to determine the best timing and frequency of reminders to boost participation without being intrusive in their choice of participation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04343950; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04343950 ", doi="10.2196/64243", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2025/1/e64243" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/53613, author="Leijse, L. Merel M. and van Dam, Levi and Jambroes, Tijs and Timmerman, Amber and Popma, Arne", title="Using Active and Passive Smartphone Data to Enhance Adolescents' Emotional Awareness in Forensic Outpatient Setting: A Qualitative Feasibility and Usability Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Dec", day="30", volume="8", pages="e53613", keywords="emotion regulation", keywords="emotion awareness", keywords="smartphone data", keywords="forensic outpatient youth care", keywords="treatment motivation", keywords="treatment alliance", keywords="emotion", keywords="behavioral", keywords="interview", keywords="mHealth", keywords="app", keywords="forensic", keywords="usability", keywords="feasibility", keywords="delinquent", keywords="pediatrics", keywords="youth", keywords="adolescent", keywords="teenager", keywords="experience", keywords="attitude", keywords="opinion", keywords="perception", keywords="perspective", keywords="acceptance", keywords="emoji", keywords="behavioral data", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Delinquent behavior in adolescence is a prevalent issue, often associated with difficulties across multiple life domains, which in turn perpetuates negative life outcomes. While current treatment programs show partial success in improving behavioral changes and reducing recidivism, comprehensive conclusions regarding the overall efficacy of these interventions have yet to be established. In forensic outpatient settings, the discrepancy between adolescents' limited emotional awareness and the predominant emphasis on cognitive reflection, combined with low treatment adherence, may be factors that undermine treatment efficacy. New technologies, such as smartphone apps, may offer a solution by integrating real-life data into treatment to improve emotional and behavioral patterns. The low-threshold use of smartphone data can be useful in addressing these treatment challenges. Objective: This study aimed to explore the feasibility and usability of Feelee (Garage2020), a smartphone app that integrates active emoji and passive behavioral data, as a potential addition to treatment for adolescents in a forensic outpatient setting. Methods: We conducted a prepilot study with adolescents (n=4) who used the Feelee app over a 2-week period. App usage included completing a brief emoji survey 3 times a day (active data) and allowing Feelee to track the call logs, Bluetooth devices in proximity, cell tower IDs, app usage, and phone status (passive data). During treatment sessions, both adolescents and clinicians reviewed and discussed the active and passive data. Semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescents and clinicians (n=7) to gather experiences and feedback on the feasibility and usability of incorporating smartphone data into treatment. Results: The study showed that adolescents (n=3) succeeded in using Feelee for the full 2 weeks, and data were available for discussion in at least 1 session per participant. Both adolescents and clinicians (n=7) stated that Feelee was valuable for viewing, discussing, and gaining insight into their emotions, which facilitated targeted actions based on the Feelee data. However, neither adolescents nor clinicians reported increased engagement in treatment as a result of using Feelee. Despite technical issues, overall feedback on the Feelee app, in addition to treatment, was positive (n=7). However, further improvements are needed to address the high battery consumption and the inaccuracies in the accelerometer. Conclusions: This qualitative study provides an in-depth understanding of the potential benefits of integrating active and passive smartphone data for adolescents in a forensic outpatient setting. Feelee appears to contribute to a better understanding of emotions and behaviors, suggesting its potential value in enhancing emotional awareness in treatment. Further research is needed to assess Feelee's clinical effectiveness and explore how it enhances emotional awareness. Recommendations from adolescents and clinicians emphasize the need for prepilot studies to address user issues, guiding technical improvements and future research in forensic outpatient settings. ", doi="10.2196/53613", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e53613" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/57774, author="Mi, Z. Ranran and Yang, Fan Ellie and Tahk, Alexander and Tarfa, Adati and Cotter, M. Lynne and Lu, Linqi and Yang, Sijia and Gustafson Sr, H. David and Westergaard, Ryan and Shah, Dhavan", title="mHealth Engagement for Antiretroviral Medication Adherence Among People With HIV and Substance Use Disorders: Observational Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Dec", day="20", volume="26", pages="e57774", keywords="information and communication technologies", keywords="ICTs", keywords="mHealth", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="HIV care", keywords="antiretroviral therapy", keywords="substance use", keywords="social support", keywords="patient management", keywords="health disparities", keywords="information technology", keywords="communication technology", keywords="mobile health", keywords="app", keywords="clinic", keywords="United States", keywords="participants", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Despite the increasing popularity of mobile health (mHealth) technologies, little is known about which types of mHealth system engagement might affect the maintenance of antiretroviral therapy among people with HIV and substance use disorders. Objective: This study aimed to use longitudinal and detailed system logs and weekly survey data to test a mediation model, where mHealth engagement indicators were treated as predictors, substance use and confidence in HIV management were treated as joint mediators, and antiretroviral therapy adherence was treated as the outcome. We further distinguished the initiation and intensity of system engagement by mode (expression vs reception) and by communication levels (intraindividual vs dyadic vs network). Methods: Tailored for people with HIV living with substance use disorders, the mHealth app was distributed among 208 participants aged >18 years from 2 US health clinics. Supervised by medical professionals, participants received weekly surveys through the app to report their health status and medication adherence data. System use was passively collected through the app, operationalized as transformed click-level data, aggregated weekly, and connected to survey responses with a 7-day lagged window. Using the weekly check-in record provided by participants as the unit of analysis (N=681), linear regression and structure equation models with cluster-robust SEs were used for analyses, controlling within-person autocorrelation and group-level error correlations. Racial groups were examined as moderators in the structure equation models. Results: We found that (1) intensity, not initiation, of system use; (2) dyadic message expression and reception; and (3) network expression positively predicted medication adherence through joint mediators (substance use and confidence in HIV management). However, intraindividual reception (ie, rereading saved entries for personal motivation) negatively predicts medication adherence through joint mediators. We also found Black participants have distinct usage patterns, suggesting the need to tailor mHealth interventions for this subgroup. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of considering the intensity of system engagement, rather than initiation alone, when designing mHealth interventions for people with HIV and tailoring these systems to Black communities. ", doi="10.2196/57774", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e57774" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51566, author="Huang, Yi-Yan and Wang, Rong and Huang, Wei-Peng and Wu, Tian and Wang, Shi-Yun and R. Redding, Sharon and Ouyang, Yan-Qiong", title="Effects of a Smartphone-Based Breastfeeding Coparenting Intervention Program on Breastfeeding-Related Outcomes in Couples During First Pregnancy: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Dec", day="17", volume="26", pages="e51566", keywords="breastfeeding", keywords="co-parenting", keywords="randomized controlled", keywords="child", keywords="efficacy", keywords="depressive symptoms", abstract="Background: A low breastfeeding rate causes an increased health care burden and negative health outcomes for individuals and society. Coparenting is an essential tactic for encouraging breastfeeding when raising a child. The efficacy of the coparenting interventions in enhancing breastfeeding-related outcomes is controversial. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of coparenting interventions on exclusive breastfeeding rates, exclusive breastfeeding duration, breastfeeding knowledge, parenting sense of competence, coparenting relationships, depressive symptoms in new couples at 1 and 6 months post partum, and the BMI of infants 42 days post partum. Methods: This was a randomized, single-blinded controlled clinical trial. Eligible couples in late pregnancy in a hospital in central China were randomly assigned to 2 groups. While couples in the control group received general care, couples in the intervention group had access to parenting classes, a fathers' support group, and individual counseling. Data were collected at baseline (T0), 1 month post partum (T1), and 6 months post partum (T2). Data on exclusive breastfeeding rate and exclusive breastfeeding duration were analyzed using the chi-square, Fisher exact, or Mann-Whitney U tests; coparenting relationships and the infant's BMI were analyzed using an independent samples t test; and breastfeeding knowledge, parenting sense of competence, and depressive symptoms were analyzed using a generalized estimation equation. Results: A total of 96 couples were recruited, and 79 couples completed the study. The intervention group exhibited significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at T1 (90\% vs 65\%, P=.02) and T2 (43.6\% vs 22.5\%, P=.02), compared with the control group. Exclusive breastfeeding duration was extended in the intervention group than in the control group at T1 (30, range 30-30 days vs 30, range 26.5-30 days; P=.01) and T2 (108, range 60-180 days vs 89, range 28-149.3 days; P<.05). The intervention group exhibited greater improvements in maternal breastfeeding knowledge ($\beta$=.07, 95\% CI 0.006-0.13; P=.03) and maternal parenting sense of competence ($\beta$=5.49, 95\% CI 2.09-8.87; P<.01) at T1, enhanced coparenting relationships at T1 (P<.001) and T2 (P=.02), paternal breastfeeding knowledge at T2 ($\beta$=.25, 95\% CI 0.15-0.35, P<.001), paternal parenting sense of competence at T1 ($\beta$=5.35, 95\% CI 2.23-8.47, P<.01), and reduced paternal depressive symptoms at T2 ($\beta$=.25, 95\% CI 0.15-0.35, P<.001), and there was a rise in infants' BMI at 42 days post partum ($\beta$=.33, 95\% CI 0.01-0.64, P=.04). Conclusions: An evidence-based breastfeeding coparenting intervention is effective in improving exclusive breastfeeding rate, prolonging exclusive breastfeeding duration within the initial 6 months post partum, enhancing parental breastfeeding knowledge, levels of parenting sense of competence and coparenting relationship, infant's BMI, and reducing paternal depressive symptoms. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300069648; https://tinyurl.com/2p8st2p8 ", doi="10.2196/51566", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e51566" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/59888, author="Dobson, Rosie and Whittaker, Robyn and Abroms, C. Lorien and Bramley, Dale and Free, Caroline and McRobbie, Hayden and Stowell, Melanie and Rodgers, Anthony", title="Don't Forget the Humble Text Message: 25 Years of Text Messaging in Health", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Dec", day="17", volume="26", pages="e59888", keywords="text messaging", keywords="messaging", keywords="SMS", keywords="texting", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", doi="10.2196/59888", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e59888" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/63416, author="Sourander, Saana and Westerlund, Minja and Baumel, Amit and Hinkka-Yli-Salom{\"a}ki, Susanna and Ristkari, Terja and Kurki, Marjo and Sourander, Andre", title="Web-Based Parent Training With Telephone Coaching Aimed at Treating Child Disruptive Behaviors in a Clinical Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Single-Group Study With 2-Year Follow-Up", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Dec", day="16", volume="7", pages="e63416", keywords="parent training", keywords="disruptive behavior", keywords="child psychopathology", keywords="child functioning", keywords="behaviors", keywords="behavioral", keywords="coaching", keywords="web-based", keywords="family counseling", keywords="child", keywords="disruptive", keywords="counseling", keywords="training", keywords="parents", keywords="parenting", keywords="telephone", keywords="telehealth", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="pediatrics", keywords="COVID-19", abstract="Background: There is a lack of studies examining the long-term outcomes of web-based parent training programs implemented in clinical settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The aim is to study 2-year outcomes of families with 3? to 8-year-old children referred from family counseling centers to the Finnish Strongest Families Smart Website (SFSW), which provides digital parent training with telephone coaching aimed at treating child disruptive behaviors. Methods: Counseling centers in Helsinki identified fifty 3? to 8-year-old children with high levels of disruptive behavioral problems. Child psychopathology and functioning as well as parenting styles and parental mental health were collected from parents at baseline; posttreatment; and at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. Results: The SFSW program had positive long-term changes in child psychopathology and parenting skills. Improvements in child psychopathology, including Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire total score (Cohen d=0.47; P<.001), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire conduct scores (Cohen d=0.65; P<.001), and Affective Reactivity Index irritability scores (Cohen d=0.52; P<.001), were maintained until the 24-month follow-up. Similarly, changes in parenting skills measured with the Parenting Scale, including overreactivity (Cohen d=0.41; P=.001) and laxness (Cohen d=0.26; P=.02), were maintained until the 24-month follow-up. However, parental hostility changes were not maintained at long-term follow-up (Cohen d=?0.04; P=.70). Conclusions: The study shows that the SFSW parent training program can yield significant long-term benefits. Findings indicate that the benefits of the treatment may vary between different parenting styles, which is important to consider when developing more personalized parenting interventions. ", doi="10.2196/63416", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e63416" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/66052, author="Lee, Yeonsu and Keel, Stuart and Yoon, Sangchul", title="Evaluating the Effectiveness and Scalability of the World Health Organization MyopiaEd Digital Intervention: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Public Health Surveill", year="2024", month="Dec", day="16", volume="10", pages="e66052", keywords="World Health Organization", keywords="digital intervention", keywords="MyopiaEd", keywords="behavior change", keywords="risk factor", keywords="myopia", keywords="refractive error", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: The rapid rise of myopia worldwide, particularly in East and Southeast Asia, has implied environmental influences beyond genetics. To address this growing public health concern, the World Health Organization and International Telecommunication Union launched the MyopiaEd program. South Korea, with its high rates of myopia and smartphone use, presented a suitable context for implementing and evaluating the MyopiaEd program. Objective: This is the first study to date to evaluate the effectiveness and scalability of the MyopiaEd program in promoting eye health behavior change among parents of children in South Korea. Methods: Parents of children aged 7 and 8 years were recruited through an open-access website with a recruitment notice distributed to public elementary schools in Gwangju Metropolitan City. Beginning in September 2022, parents received 42 SMS text messages from the MyopiaEd program over 6 months. This digital trial used a mixed methods approach combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Pre- and postintervention surveys were used to assess changes in parental knowledge and behavior regarding myopia prevention. Additionally, semistructured interviews were conducted to explore participants' experiences in depth and receive feedback on program design. Prior to the intervention, the MyopiaEd program design and message libraries were adapted for the Korean context following World Health Organization and International Telecommunication Union guidelines. Results: A total of 133 parents participated in this study, including 60 parents whose children had myopia and 73 parents whose children did not. Both groups reported high engagement and satisfaction with the program. Significant increases in knowledge about myopia were observed in both groups (P<.001). While time spent on near-work activities did not change significantly, parents of children with myopia reported increased outdoor time for their children (P=.048). A substantial increase in eye checkups was observed, with 52 (86.7\%) out of 60 children with myopia and 50 (68.5\%) out of 73 children without myopia receiving eye examinations following the intervention. Qualitative analysis indicated a shift in parents' attitudes toward outdoor activities, as increased recognition of their benefits prompted positive changes in behavior. However, reducing near-work activities posed challenges due to children's preference for smartphone use during leisure periods and the demands of after-school academies. The credibility of the institution delivering the program enhanced parental engagement and children's adoption of healthy behaviors. Messages that corrected common misconceptions about eye health and provided specific behavioral guidance were regarded as impactful elements of the program. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the MyopiaEd program's potential as a scalable and innovative digital intervention to reduce myopia risk in children. The program's effectiveness provides support for broader adoption and offers valuable insights to inform future myopia prevention policies. ", doi="10.2196/66052", url="https://publichealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e66052" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46860, author="Bur, Thomas Oliver and Berger, Thomas", title="Participant Adherence and Contact Behavior in a Guided Internet Intervention for Depressive Symptoms: Exploratory Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Dec", day="16", volume="8", pages="e46860", keywords="internet intervention", keywords="depression", keywords="guidance", keywords="contact behavior", keywords="messages", keywords="adherence", keywords="online", keywords="intervention", keywords="digital health", keywords="therapy", keywords="participant", abstract="Background: The number of studies on internet-based guided self-help has rapidly increased during the last 2 decades. Guided self-help comprises 2 components: a self-help program that patients work through and usually weekly guidance from therapists who support patients using the self-management program. Little is known about participants' behavior patterns while interacting with therapists and their use of self-help programs in relation to intervention outcomes. Objective: This exploratory study aimed to investigate whether the number of messages sent to the therapist (ie, contact behavior) is an indicator of the outcome, that is, a reduction in depressive symptoms. Furthermore, we investigated whether adherence was associated with outcome. Most importantly, we investigated whether different combinations of adherence and contact behavior were associated with outcome. Methods: Drawing on a completer sample (n=113) from a randomized full factorial trial, participants were categorized into 4 groups. The groups were based on median splits of 2 variables, that is, the number of messages sent to therapists (low: groups 1 and 2; high: groups 3 and 4) and adherence (low: groups 1 and 3; high: groups 2 and 4). The 4 groups were compared in terms of change in depressive symptoms (measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) from pre- to posttreatment and pretreatment to follow-up, respectively. Results: On average, participants sent 4.5 (SD 3.7) messages to their therapist and completed 18.2 (SD 5.2) pages of the program in 6.39 (SD 5.39) hours. Overall, analyses revealed no main effect for participants' messages (H1=0.18, P=.67) but a significant main effect for adherence on changes in depressive symptoms from pre- to posttreatment (H1=5.10, P=.02). The combined consideration of adherence and messages sent to the therapist revealed group differences from pre- to posttreatment (H3=8.26, P=.04). Group 3 showed a significantly smaller improvement in symptoms compared with group 4 (Z=--2.84, P=.002). Furthermore, there were group differences from pretreatment to follow-up (H3=8.90, P=.03). Again, group 3 showed a significantly smaller improvement in symptoms compared with group 4 (Z=--2.62, P=.004) and group 2 (Z=--2.47, P=.007). All other group comparisons did not yield significant differences. Conclusion: This exploratory study suggests that participants characterized by low adherence and frequent messaging do not improve their symptoms as much as other participants. These participants might require more personalized support beyond the scope of guided internet interventions. The paper underscores the importance of considering individual differences in contact behavior when tailoring interventions. The results should be interpreted with caution and further investigated in future studies. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04318236; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04318236 ", doi="10.2196/46860", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e46860" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/58920, author="Lin, Bing and Li, Jiayan and Liu, Jiaxiu and He, Wei and Pan, Haiying and Zhong, Xiaoni", title="Exploring and Predicting HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Adherence Patterns Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Randomized Controlled Longitudinal Study of an mHealth Intervention in Western China", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Dec", day="12", volume="12", pages="e58920", keywords="preexposure prophylaxis", keywords="adherence", keywords="trajectory analysis", keywords="men who have sex with men", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth intervention", keywords="decision tree", abstract="Background: Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective strategy to reduce the risk of HIV infection. However, the efficacy of PrEP is highly dependent on adherence. Meanwhile, adherence changes over time, making it difficult to manage effectively. Objective: Our study aimed to explore and predict the patterns of change in PrEP adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and evaluate the impact of the WeChat-based reminder intervention on adherence, thus providing more information for PrEP implementation strategies. Methods: From November 2019 to June 2023, in a randomized controlled longitudinal study of the PrEP demonstration project in Western China (Chongqing, Sichuan, and Xinjiang) based on a mobile health (mHealth) reminder intervention, participants were randomly divided into reminder and no-reminder groups, with those in the reminder group receiving daily reminders based on the WeChat app. Participants were followed up and self-reported their medication adherence every 12 weeks for a total of 5 follow-up visits. We used the growth mixture model (GMM) to explore potential categories and longitudinal trajectories of adherence among MSM, and patterns of change in PrEP adherence were predicted and evaluated based on the decision tree. Results: A total of 446 MSM were included in the analysis. The GMM identified 3 trajectories of adherence: intermediate adherence group (n=34, 7.62\%), low adherence ascending group (n=126, 28.25\%), and high adherence decline group (n=286, 64.13\%). We included 8 variables that were significant in the univariate analysis in the decision tree prediction model. We found 4 factors and 8 prediction rules, and the results showed that HIV knowledge score, education attainment, mHealth intervention, and HIV testing were key nodes in the patterns of change in adherence. After 10-fold cross-validation, the final prediction model had an accuracy of 75\%, and the classification accuracy of low and intermediate adherence was 78.12\%. Conclusions: The WeChat-based reminder intervention was beneficial for adherence. A short set of questions and prediction rules, which can be applied in future large-scale validation studies, aimed at developing and validating a short adherence assessment tool and implementing it in PrEP practices among MSM. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026414; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=35077 ", doi="10.2196/58920", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e58920" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/57960, author="Bretschneider, Pia Maxi and Mayer-Berger, Wolfgang and Weine, Jens and Roth, Lena and Schwarz, H. Peter E. and Petermann, Franz", title="Results of a Digital Multimodal Motivational and Educational Program as Follow-Up Care for Former Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Cardio", year="2024", month="Dec", day="11", volume="8", pages="e57960", keywords="mHealth", keywords="apps", keywords="digital technology", keywords="digital interventions", keywords="coronary heart disease", keywords="lifestyle intervention", keywords="cardiac rehabilitation", keywords="quality of life", keywords="cardiac care", abstract="Background: Digital interventions are promising additions for both usual care and rehabilitation. Evidence and studies for the latter, however, are still rare. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the app/web-based patient education program called ``mebix'' (previously called ``Vision 2 -- Gesundes Herz'') regarding its effectiveness in relation to the parameters of disease-specific quality of life (HeartQoL), cardiovascular risk profile (Cardiovascular Risk Management [CARRISMA]), and prognostic estimation of early retirement (Screening instrument work and occupation [SIBAR]) in 190 participants from a cardiological rehabilitation clinic. Methods: To evaluate mebix, 354 patients from the Roderbirken Clinic of the German Pension Insurance Rhineland (Germany) with a coronary heart diesase were recruited and randomized either to the intervention group (using mebix postrehabiliation for up to 12 months) or the control group (receiving standard care). The data collection took place at the end of inpatient rehabilitation (t0), as well as 6 months (t1) and 12 months (t2) after the end of rehabilitation. Analyses of variance are used to assess the overall significance of difference in outcome parameters between groups and over time. Results: The primary endpoint of disease-related quality of life shows a significant improvement of 7.35 points over the course of the intervention that is also more pronounced in the intervention group. Similarly, the 10-year risk of cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction showed significant improvements in the cardiovascular risk profile over time and between groups, indicating better results in the intervention group (ie, a reduction of ?1.59 and ?5.03, respectively). Positive effects on secondary outcomes like body weight, blood pressure, and number of smokers only showed time effects, indicating no difference between the groups. In addition, the SIBAR was significantly lower/better at the end of the observation period than at the beginning of the observation for both groups. Conclusions: Overall, the digital training program represents an effective follow-up offer after rehabilitation that could be incorporated into standard care to further improve disease-related quality of life and cardiovascular risk profiles. Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00007569; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00007569 ", doi="10.2196/57960", url="https://cardio.jmir.org/2024/1/e57960" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/56407, author="Pisani, R. Anthony and Wyman, A. Peter and Cero, Ian and Kelberman, Caroline and Gurditta, Kunali and Judd, Emily and Schmeelk-Cone, Karen and Mohr, David and Goldston, David and Ertefaie, Ashkan", title="Text Messaging to Extend School-Based Suicide Prevention: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Ment Health", year="2024", month="Dec", day="6", volume="11", pages="e56407", keywords="suicide prevention", keywords="text messaging", keywords="self-violence", keywords="self-harm", keywords="suicidal behavior", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="adolescent", keywords="teenager", keywords="student", keywords="school", keywords="United States", keywords="Text4Strength", keywords="help-seeking attitude", keywords="coping", keywords="awareness", keywords="depression", keywords="mood disorder", keywords="mental health", abstract="Background: Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among US adolescents aged 10-19 years, and about 10\% attempt suicide each year. School-based universal prevention may reduce youth suicidal behavior. Sources of Strength uses a peer leader network diffusion model to promote healthy norms across a school population. A key challenge within schoolwide programs is reaching a large and diverse array of students, especially those less engaged with their peers. Motivated by this challenge, we developed and field-tested Text4Strength---a program of automated text messages targeting help-seeking attitudes and norms, social coping resources, and emotion regulation skills. Objective: This study conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial of Text4Strength in 1 high school as an extension of an ongoing schoolwide program (Sources of Strength), to test its impact on targets that have the potential to reduce suicidal behavior. Methods: Students at an upstate New York high school (N=223) received 1-2 text messages per week for 9 weeks, targeting strategies for coping with difficult feelings and experiences through clarifying emotions and focusing on positive affect concepts, awareness, and strengthening of youth-adult relationships; and positive help-seeking norms, skills, and resources. Surveys were administered at baseline, immediately post intervention and 3 months after texting ended. We measured proximal intervention targets (methods of coping during stressful events, ability to make sense of their own emotions, feelings of powerlessness during emotion management and recovery, relations with trusted adults at school, and help-seeking behaviors), symptoms and suicide ideation, and student replies to messages. Results: No significant effects were observed for any outcome at either follow-up time point. Results showed that if there is a true (but undetected) intervention effect, it is small. Students with fewer friend nominations did not interact any more or less with the text messages. Exploratory moderation analyses observed no interaction between the intervention condition and the number of friends or baseline suicide ideation at any time point. Conclusions: In contrast to a promising previous field test, these results suggest that Text4Strength is unlikely to have impacted the outcomes of interest and that undetected moderate or large effects can be ruled out with high confidence. Although motivated by the need to reach more isolated students, students with fewer friends did not engage more or show a greater effect than other participants. This study was conducted in a single high school that was already implementing Sources of Strength, so the bar for showing a distinct effect from texting alone was high. Many further channels for reaching youth through private messaging remain unexplored. Alternative delivery systems should be investigated, such as embedding messaging in gaming chat systems and other media. More sophisticated systems drawing on chatbots may also achieve better outcomes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03145363; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03145363 ", doi="10.2196/56407", url="https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e56407" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/63454, author="Dol, Justine and Mselle, Teddy Lilian and Campbell-Yeo, Marsha and Mbekenga, Columba and Kohi, Thecla and McMillan, Douglas and Dennis, Cindy-Lee and Tomblin Murphy, Gail and Aston, Megan", title="Essential Coaching for Every Mother Tanzania (ECEM-TZ): Protocol for a Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="Dec", day="5", volume="13", pages="e63454", keywords="mobile health", keywords="maternal health", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="parenting self-efficacy", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="maternal", keywords="RCT", keywords="mother", keywords="text message", keywords="coaching", keywords="postnatal", keywords="newborn", keywords="child", keywords="low-income country", keywords="middle-income country", keywords="Africa", keywords="newborn care education", keywords="nurse midwife", keywords="Tanzania", abstract="Background: Despite global goals to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes, mortality and morbidity continue to be a concern, particularly during the postnatal period in low- and middle-income countries. While mothers have the responsibility of providing ongoing care for newborns at home, they often receive insufficient newborn care education in Tanzania. Mobile health via text messaging is an ever-growing approach that may address this gap and provide timely education. Objective: We aim to evaluate a text message intervention called Essential Coaching for Every Mother Tanzania (ECEM-TZ) to improve maternal access to essential newborn care education during the immediate 6-week postnatal period. Methods: ECEM-TZ consists of standardized text messages from birth to 6 weeks post partum that provide evidence-based information on caring for their newborn and recognizing danger signs. Messages were developed and then reviewed by Tanzanian mothers and nurse midwives before implementation. A hybrid type 1 randomized controlled trial will compare ECEM-TZ to standard care among mothers (n=124) recruited from 2 hospitals in Dar es Salaam. The effectiveness outcomes include newborn care knowledge, maternal self-efficacy, breastfeeding self-efficacy, maternal mental health, attendance at the 6-week postnatal checkup, and newborn morbidity and mortality. The implementation outcomes include the reach and quality of implementation of the ECEM-TZ intervention. Results: Recruitment for this study occurred between June 13, 2024, and July 22, 2024. A total of 143 participants were recruited, 71 in the control and 72 in the intervention. The 6-week follow-up data collection began on July 30, 2024, and was completed on September 21, 2024. Conclusions: This study will generate evidence about the effectiveness of implementing text messaging during the early postnatal period and the feasibility of doing so in 2 hospitals in Dar es Salaam. The intervention has been designed in collaboration with mothers and nurse midwives in Tanzania. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05362305; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05362305 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/63454 ", doi="10.2196/63454", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e63454" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45763, author="Huang, Xuan and Wang, Ying and Yang, Xixian and Jiang, Ruo and Liu, Yicheng and Wang, Hui", title="Patient-Centric Mobile Medical Services Accessed Through Smartphones in the Top 100 Chinese Public Hospitals: Cross-Sectional Survey Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Dec", day="4", volume="8", pages="e45763", keywords="mobile health technology", keywords="smartphones", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="internet hospital", keywords="China", abstract="Background: Smartphone-based technology has been used to enhance the delivery of health care services to the public in numerous countries. Objective: This study aims to investigate the application of patient-centric mobile medical services accessed through smartphones in the top 100 Chinese public hospitals. Methods: Data on 124 tertiary public hospitals, ranked among the top 100 by the China Hospital Science and Technology Evaluation Metrics of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019) and China's Hospital Rankings of the Hospital Management Institute of Fudan University (2019), were collected from the WeChat platform (Tencent Inc), mobile phone apps, and official websites until February 10, 2021. Results: A total of 124 tertiary public hospitals, all of which were among the top 100 hospitals according to the 2 ranking lists, were selected for this study. Almost all (122/124, 98.39\%) of the hospitals offered basic services such as appointment scheduling, registration, and health education. The majority also provided online access to test reports (95/124, 76.61\%), consultations (72/124, 58.06\%), and prescriptions (61/124, 49.19\%). Among the hospitals offering online prescriptions, the majority (54/61, 88.52\%) supported home delivery through third-party carriers. Slightly less than half (57/124, 45.97\%) used artificial intelligence for medical guidance. Only a small fraction (8/124, 6.45\%) managed chronic diseases through online monitoring and supervision by experienced doctors. Approximately half (60/124, 48.39\%) of the included hospitals were officially licensed as internet hospitals approved to provide full online services. Hospitals with official internet hospital licenses provided more extensive digital health offerings. A significantly higher proportion of approved hospitals offered online consultations (29.69\% vs 88.33\%, r=43.741; P<.001), test reports (62.5\% vs 91.67\%, r=14.703; P<.001), and chronic disease management (1.56\% vs 11.67\%, r=5.238; P<.05). These officially approved hospitals tended to provide over 6 mobile medical services, mainly in the regions of Shanghai and Guangdong. This geographic distribution aligned with the overall layout of hospitals included in the study. Conclusions: Patient-centric mobile medical services offered by the top 100 Chinese public hospitals accessed through smartphones primarily focus on online appointment scheduling, registration, health education, and accessing test reports. The most popular features include online consultations, prescriptions, medication delivery, medical guidance, and early-stage chronic disease management. Approved internet hospitals offer a significantly greater variety of patient-centric mobile medical services compared with unapproved ones. ", doi="10.2196/45763", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e45763" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/57708, author="Uzzaman, Nazim and Hammersley, Victoria and McClatchey, Kirstie and Sheringham, Jessica and Singh, Diksha and Habib, Monsur G. M. and Pinnock, Hilary", title="Effectiveness and Acceptability of Asynchronous Digital Health in Asthma Care: Mixed Methods Systematic Review", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Dec", day="3", volume="26", pages="e57708", keywords="digital health", keywords="asthma", keywords="asynchronous", keywords="asthma care", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="acceptability", keywords="mixed-methods review", keywords="systematic review", keywords="barrier", keywords="remote synchronous", keywords="chronic respiratory disease", keywords="self-management", keywords="digital technology", keywords="asynchronous consultation", keywords="caregiver", keywords="PRISMA", abstract="Background: Asynchronous digital health (eg, web-based portal, text, and email communication) can overcome practical barriers associated with in-person and remote synchronous (real-time) consultations. However, little is known about the effectiveness and acceptability of asynchronous digital health to support care for individuals with asthma (eg, asthma reviews). Objective: We aimed to systematically review the qualitative and quantitative evidence on the role of asynchronous digital health for asthma care. Methods: Following Cochrane methodology, we searched 6 databases (January 2001-July 2022; search update: September 2023) for quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods studies supporting asthma care using asynchronous digital health. Screening and data extraction were duplicated. We assessed the risk of bias in the clinical outcomes of randomized controlled trials included in the meta-analysis using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. For the remaining studies, we evaluated the methodological quality using the Downs and Black checklist, critical appraisal skills program, and mixed methods appraisal tool for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies, respectively. We determined the confidence in the evidence using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) criteria. We conducted a meta-analysis of trial data and a thematic analysis of qualitative data. Results: We included 30 studies (20 quantitative, 6 qualitative, and 4 mixed methods) conducted in 9 countries involving individuals with asthma, their caregivers, and health care professionals. Asynchronous digital consultations linked with other functionalities, compared to usual care, improved asthma control (standardized mean difference 0.32, 95\% CI 0.02-0.63; P=.04) and reduced hospitalizations (risk ratio 0.36; 95\% CI 0.14-0.94; P=.04). However, there were no significant differences in quality of life (standardized mean difference 0.16; 95\% CI --0.12 to 0.43; P=.26) or emergency department visits (risk ratio 0.83; 95\% CI 0.33-2.09; P=.69). Patients appreciated the convenience of asynchronous digital health, though health care professionals expressed concerns. Successful implementation necessitated an organizational approach. Integrative synthesis underscored the ease of asking questions, monitoring logs, and medication reminders as key digital functionalities. Conclusions: Despite low confidence in evidence, asynchronous consultation supported by digital functionalities is an effective and convenient option for nonemergency asthma care. This type of consultation, well accepted by individuals with asthma and their caregivers, offers opportunities for those facing challenges with traditional synchronous consultations due to lifestyle or geographic constraints. However, efficient organizational strategies are needed to manage the associated workload. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022344224; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display\_record.php?RecordID=344224 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1371/journal.pone.0281538 ", doi="10.2196/57708", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e57708" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/59630, author="Morrow, L. Emily and Nelson, A. Lyndsay and Duff, C. Melissa and Mayberry, S. Lindsay", title="An Ecological Momentary Assessment and Intervention Tool for Memory in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury: Development and Usability of Memory Ecological Momentary Intervention", journal="JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol", year="2024", month="Nov", day="26", volume="11", pages="e59630", keywords="chronic traumatic brain injury", keywords="rehabilitation", keywords="memory", keywords="ecological momentary intervention", keywords="text messaging", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mobile application", keywords="digital health", keywords="digital intervention", abstract="Background: Memory and learning deficits are among the most impactful and longest-lasting symptoms experienced by people with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite the persistence of post-TBI memory deficits and their implications for community reintegration, memory rehabilitation is restricted to short-term care within structured therapy sessions. Technology shows promise to extend memory rehabilitation into daily life and to increase the number and contextual diversity of learning opportunities. Ecological momentary assessment and intervention frameworks leverage mobile phone technology to assess and support individuals' behaviors across contexts and have shown benefits in other chronic conditions. However, few studies have used regular outreach via text messaging for adults with chronic TBI, and none have done so to assess and support memory. Objective: This study aimed to develop and test the usability of memory ecological momentary intervention (MEMI), a text message--based assessment and intervention tool for memory in daily life. MEMI is designed to introduce new information, cue retrieval of the information, and assess learning across time and contexts. We tested MEMI via an iterative, user-centered design process to ready it for a future trial. Methods: We developed MEMI by leveraging automated text messages for prompts using a REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture)/Twilio interface linking to the Gorilla web-based behavioral experimental platform. We recruited 14 adults with chronic, moderate-severe TBI from the Vanderbilt Brain Injury Patient Registry to participate in 3 rounds of usability testing: one round of ThinkAloud sessions using the platform and providing real-time feedback to an experimenter (n=4) and 2 rounds of real-world usability testing in which participants used MEMI in their daily lives for a week and provided feedback (n=5/round). We analyzed engagement and quantitative and qualitative user feedback to assess MEMI's usability and acceptability. Results: Participants were highly engaged with MEMI, completing an average of 11.8 out of 12 (98\%) possible sessions. They rated MEMI as highly usable, with scores on the System Usability Scale across all rounds equivalent to an A+ on a standardized scale. In semistructured interviews, they stated that MEMI was simple and easy to use, that daily retrieval sessions were not burdensome, and that they perceived MEMI as helpful for memory. We identified a few small issues (eg, instruction wording) and made improvements between usability testing rounds. Conclusions: Testing MEMI with adults with chronic TBI revealed that this technology is highly usable and favorably rated for this population. We incorporated feedback regarding users' preferences and plan to test the efficacy of this tool in a future clinical trial. ", doi="10.2196/59630", url="https://rehab.jmir.org/2024/1/e59630" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/57328, author="Ferguson, Caleb and William, Scott and Allida, M. Sabine and Fulcher, Jordan and Jenkins, J. Alicia and Lattimore, Jo-Dee and Loch, L-J and Keech, Anthony", title="The Development of Heart Failure Electronic-Message Driven Tips to Support Self-Management: Co-Design Case Study", journal="JMIR Cardio", year="2024", month="Nov", day="7", volume="8", pages="e57328", keywords="heart failure", keywords="co-design", keywords="smartphone", keywords="app design", keywords="patient education", keywords="e-TIPS", keywords="electronic-message driven tips", abstract="Background: Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome associated with high morbidity and mortality and increased health care use. Patient education is key to improving health outcomes, achieved by promoting self-management to optimize medical management. Newer digital tools like SMS text messaging and smartphone apps provide novel patient education approaches. Objective: This study aimed to partner with clinicians and people with lived experience of HF to identify the priority educational topic areas to inform the development and delivery of a bank of electronic-message driven tips (e-TIPS) to support HF self-management. Methods: We conducted 3 focus groups with cardiovascular clinicians, people with lived experience of HF, and their caregivers, which consisted of 2 stages: stage 1 (an exploratory qualitative study to identify the unmet educational needs of people living with HF; previously reported) and stage 2 (a co-design feedback session to identify educational topic areas and inform the delivery of e-TIPS). This paper reports the findings of the co-design feedback session. Results: We identified 5 key considerations in delivering e-TIPS and 5 relevant HF educational topics for their content. Key considerations in e-TIP delivery included (1) timing of the e-TIPS; (2) clear and concise e-TIPS; (3) embedding a feedback mechanism; (4) distinguishing actionable and nonactionable e-TIPS; and (5) frequency of e-TIP delivery. Relevant educational topic areas included the following: (1) cardiovascular risk reduction, (2) self-management, (3) food and nutrition, (4) sleep hygiene, and (5) mental health. Conclusions: The findings from this co-design case study have provided a foundation for developing a bank of e-TIPS. These will now be evaluated for usability in the BANDAIDS e-TIPS, a single-group, quasi-experimental study of a 24-week e-TIP program (personalized educational messages) delivered via SMS text messaging (ACTRN12623000644662). ", doi="10.2196/57328", url="https://cardio.jmir.org/2024/1/e57328" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51527, author="Vey, Trinity and Kinnicutt, Eleonora and West, Nicola and Sleeth, Jessica and Nchimbi, Bernard Kenneth and Yeates, Karen", title="Implementation of a Mobile Health Approach to a Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net Uptake Intervention for Malaria Prevention Among Pregnant Women in Tanzania: Process Evaluation of the Hati Salama (HASA) Randomized Controlled Trial Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Nov", day="5", volume="26", pages="e51527", keywords="mHealth", keywords="short message service", keywords="behavior change communication", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="long-lasting insecticidal nets", keywords="malaria", keywords="protozoan infections", keywords="parasitic diseases", keywords="vector borne diseases", keywords="insecticide", keywords="intervention", keywords="malaria prevention", abstract="Background: Malaria infection is associated with many adverse outcomes for pregnant women and neonates, yet pregnant women in East and Southern Africa remain frequently exposed to malaria. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) can help prevent malarial infections and the associated adverse events. The Hati Salama (HASA) study was a cluster-randomized controlled trial implemented in 100 antenatal health facilities in urban and rural settings of Tanzania that provided pregnant women in both intervention and control groups with e-vouchers to redeem for LLINs for malaria prevention. The intervention group received behavior change communication mobile messages across a 14-day period while the e-voucher was active, and no significant difference between the rates of e-voucher redemption was found across the two groups. Objective: This study was a process evaluation of the HASA randomized controlled trial to determine barriers and facilitators to e-voucher reception and LLIN acquisition for pregnant women enrolled in the trial, as well as challenges and lessons learned by nurses who worked at the antenatal health facilities supporting the trial. Methods: Following the e-voucher's expiration at 14 days, voluntary phone follow-up surveys were conducted for nurses who supported the trial, as well as participants in both intervention and control groups of the trial who did not redeem their e-vouchers. Survey questions asked nurses about workflow, training sessions, network connectivity, proxy phone use, and more. Surveys asked participants about reasons for not redeeming e-vouchers. Both surveys provided lists of preset answers to questions, as well as the option to provide open-ended responses. Nurses and trial participants were contacted between January and June 2016 on up to three occasions. Results: While nurses who supported the HASA trial seemed to recognize the value of the program in their communities, some barriers identified by nurses included network connectivity, workload increase, inadequate training and on-the-ground support, and difficulty following the workflow. Several barriers identified by trial participants included personal obligations preventing them from redeeming the e-voucher on time, network connectivity issues, losing the e-voucher number, no stock of LLINs at retailers when attended, inadequate explanation of where or how to redeem the e-voucher, or not receiving an SMS text message with the e-voucher number promptly or at all. Conclusions: Large-scale e-voucher platforms for health-related commodity interventions, such as LLIN distribution in sub-Saharan Africa, are feasible, but challenges, including network connectivity, must be addressed. Nurses identified issues to be considered in a future scale-up, such that the number of nurses trained should be increased and the e-voucher issuance workflow should be simplified. To address some of the key barriers impacting e-voucher redemption for trial participants, the network of retailers could be expanded and the e-voucher expiration period should be extended. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02561624; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02561624 ", doi="10.2196/51527", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e51527" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/56475, author="Tian, Xiaojuan and Liu, Yan and Zhang, Jiahua and Yang, Lixiao and Feng, Linyao and Qi, Aidong and Liu, Hanjiazi and Liu, Pengju and Li, Ying", title="Efficacy of a WeChat-Based, Multidisciplinary, Full-Course Nutritional Management Program on the Nutritional Status of Patients With Ovarian Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Nov", day="4", volume="12", pages="e56475", keywords="WeChat", keywords="nutrition management", keywords="ovarian cancer", keywords="chemotherapy", keywords="mobile health", abstract="Background: As the most malignant type of cancer in the female reproductive system, ovarian cancer (OC) has become the second leading cause of death among Chinese women. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for patients with OC, and its numerous adverse effects can easily lead to malnutrition. It is difficult to centrally manage patients with OC in the intervals between chemotherapy. The use of WeChat, an effective mobile tool, in chronic disease management has been highlighted. Objective: This study aimed to implement a continuous follow-up strategy and health monitoring based on the WeChat platform for patients with OC undergoing chemotherapy to ensure that each phase of chemotherapy was delivered on schedule and to improve the survival rate of patients with OC. Methods: Participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the WeChat-based nutrition intervention group or the usual care group. A self-administered general information questionnaire was used at enrollment to obtain basic information about the patients. The Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) Scale was used to investigate the nutritional status of the patients at 3 time points (T0=before the first admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, T1=2 weeks after the first chemotherapy, and T6=2 weeks after the sixth chemotherapy). The blood indices of patients were investigated through the inhospital health care system at 3 times?T0=before the first admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, T1=2 weeks after the first chemotherapy, and T6=2 weeks after the sixth chemotherapy). Patients in the intervention group were introduced to the nutrition applet, invited to join the nutrition management group chat, and allowed to consult on nutritional issues in private chats with nutrition management team members. Linear mixed models were used to analyze changes in each nutritional indicator in the 2 groups, with their baseline measurements as covariates; with group, time, and group-time interactions considered as fixed effects; and with patients considered as random effects. Results: A total of 96 patients with OC undergoing chemotherapy were recruited into the study. Distribution was based on a 1:1 ratio, with 48 patients each in the nutrition intervention group and the usual care group. The attrition rate after the first chemotherapy session was 18.75\%. The mixed linear model revealed that the group-based effect and the group-time interaction effect on PG-SGA scores were significant (F38,38=4.763, P=.03; F37,37=6.368, P=.01), whereas the time-based effect on PG-SGA scores was not (F38,38=0.377; P=.54). The findings indicated that the group-based effect, the time-based effect, and the group-time interaction effect on nutrition-inflammation composite indices were significant (F38,38=7.653, P=.006; F38,38=13.309, P<.001; F37,37=92.304, P<.001; F37,38=110.675, P<.001; F38,38=10.379, P=.002; and F37,37=5.289, P=.02). Conclusions: This study provided evidence that a WeChat-based, multidisciplinary, full-course nutritional management program can significantly improve the nutritional status of patients with OC during chemotherapy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06379191; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06379191 ", doi="10.2196/56475", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e56475" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55706, author="Li, Lan and Wood, E. Caroline and Kostkova, Patty", title="Evaluating a WeChat-Based Intervention to Enhance Influenza Vaccination Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior Among Chinese University Students Residing in the United Kingdom: Controlled, Quasi-Experimental, Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Oct", day="24", volume="8", pages="e55706", keywords="influenza vaccination", keywords="intervention study", keywords="social media", keywords="students", keywords="health promotion", keywords="mixed methods", abstract="Background: University students, who often live in close quarters and engage in frequent social interaction, face a heightened risk of influenza morbidity. Still, vaccination rates among this group, particularly Chinese students, remain consistently low due to limited awareness and insufficient access to vaccinations. Objective: This study examines the effectiveness of a cocreated WeChat-based intervention that targets mainland Chinese university students in the United Kingdom, aiming to improve their knowledge, attitude, and behavior (KAB) toward seasonal influenza vaccination. Methods: A quasi-experimental mixed methods design was used, incorporating an intervention and comparison group, with baseline and follow-up self-reported surveys. The study was conducted from December 19, 2022, to January 16, 2023. The primary outcome is the KAB score, which was measured before and after the intervention phases. System-recorded data and user feedback were included in the analysis as secondary outcomes. A series of hypothesis testing methods were applied to test the primary outcomes, and path analysis was used to explore the relationships. Results: Our study included 596 students, of which 303 (50.8\%) were in the intervention group and 293 (49.2\%) were in the control group. The intervention group showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitude, and intended behavior scores over time, whereas the control group had only a slight increase in intended behavior scores. When comparing changes between the 2 groups, the intervention group displayed significant differences in knowledge and attitude scores compared to the control group, while intended behavior scores did not significantly differ. After the intervention, the actual vaccination rate was slightly higher in the intervention group (63/303, 20.8\%) compared to the control group (54/293, 18.4\%). Path analysis found that the intervention had a significant direct impact on knowledge but not on attitudes; knowledge strongly influenced attitudes, and both knowledge and attitudes significantly influenced intended behavior; and there was a strong correlation between intended and actual behavior. In the intervention group, participants expressed a high level of satisfaction and positive review of the content and its use. Conclusions: This study demonstrates how a WeChat intervention effectively improves KAB related to seasonal influenza vaccination among Chinese students, highlighting the potential of social media interventions to drive vaccination behavior change. It contributes to the broader research on digital health intervention effectiveness and lays the groundwork for tailoring similar interventions to different health contexts and populations. ", doi="10.2196/55706", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e55706" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/60961, author="Pimenta, Cristina M. and Torres, Silva Thiago and Hoagland, Brenda and Cohen, Mirian and Mann, Gruber Claudio and Jalil, M. Cristina and Carvalheira, Eduardo and Freitas, Lucilene and Fernandes, Nilo and Castanheira, Debora and Benedetti, Marcos and Moreira, Julio and Simpson, Keila and Trefiglio, Roberta and O'Malley, Gabrielle and Veloso, G. Valdilea and Grinsztejn, Beatriz", title="Preparing for the Implementation of Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Within the Brazilian Public Health System (ImPrEP CAB Brasil): Qualitative Study", journal="JMIR Public Health Surveill", year="2024", month="Oct", day="24", volume="10", pages="e60961", keywords="pre-exposure prophylaxis", keywords="PrEP", keywords="implementation", keywords="public health system", keywords="cabotegravir", keywords="HIV prevention", keywords="Latin America", keywords="long-acting PrEP", abstract="Background: Although long-acting, injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven efficacious for HIV prevention in clinical trials, research is needed to guide effective implementation in real-world settings. Formative work with community members and health care providers (HCPs) is important to provide insight into the needs and contexts of specific populations and reveal potential barriers and facilitators for implementation projects. Objective: We aimed to describe the results from formative work to develop an implementation package for CAB-LA PrEP within the ImPrEP CAB Brasil study. Methods: ImPrEP CAB Brasil is an implementation study of same-day delivery of CAB-LA PrEP for young sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups (aged 18-30 years) in 6 existing oral PrEP public health clinics. We conducted formative research to prepare for the implementation of ImPrEP CAB Brasil through community mobilization, process mapping with HCPs with experience in CAB-LA, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with young SGM groups (n=92) and HCPs (n=20) to identify initial perceptions of facilitators and barriers for CAB-LA PrEP implementation, refine the mobile health (mHealth) educational tool, and evaluate the acceptability of using a text message appointment reminder intervention through WhatsApp. FGDs were recorded, transcribed, systematically coded, and analyzed with thematic categorization by trained researchers using a qualitative data analysis program ATLAS.ti (version 7). Results: A community mobilization team comprising 34 SGM community leaders collaborated in creating a prototype for an mHealth educational tool and contributed to the planning of peer education activities. We created 3 process maps for each site to describe the initial visit, follow-up visits, and laboratory flow. The main challenge identified for same-day CAB-LA PrEP delivery was the extended duration of clinic visits due to the numerous laboratory tests and HIV counseling steps required. Proposed solutions included having point-of-care HIV rapid tests instead of laboratory tests and additional counseling staff. Barriers for CAB-LA PrEP implementation identified through FGDs were the training of HCPs, support for adherence to injection appointments, and stigma or discrimination against SGM groups and persons using PrEP. The mHealth educational tool and WhatsApp reminders were highly acceptable by SGM groups and HCPs, indicating their potential to support PrEP choice and adherence. Content analysis on the cultural appropriateness of the language and overall clarity of the material contributed to the refinement of the mHealth tool. Conclusions: Structured formative work with SGM persons and HCPs generated important refinements to context-specific materials and plans to launch ImPrEP CAB Brasil in public health clinics. Ongoing implementation monitoring will use the process maps to identify additional barriers and potential solutions to same-day delivery of CAB-LA PrEP. Summative evaluations are needed to measure the effectiveness of the mHealth educational tool to support PrEP choice and the use of WhatsApp appointment reminders. ", doi="10.2196/60961", url="https://publichealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e60961", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39446416" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/65692, author="Kabukye, K. Johnblack and Nakku, Juliet and Niwemuhwezi, Jackline and Nsereko, James and Namagembe, Rosemary and Groen, Emilie Iris Dorothee and Neumbe, Ritah and Mubiru, Denis and Kisakye, Caroline and Nanyonga, Roseline and Sj{\"o}linder, Marie and Nilsson, Susanne and Wamala-Larsson, Caroline", title="Assessing the Usage and Usability of a Mental Health Advice Telephone Service in Uganda: Mixed Methods Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Oct", day="21", volume="26", pages="e65692", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mental health", keywords="telephone service", keywords="usability", keywords="satisfaction", keywords="evaluation", keywords="mixed method", keywords="Uganda", keywords="Africa", abstract="Background: Harnessing mobile health (mHealth) solutions could improve the delivery of mental health services and mitigate their impact in Uganda and similar low-resource settings. However, successful adoption requires that mHealth solutions have good usability. We have previously implemented a telephone service to provide mental health information and advice in English and Luganda, utilizing an automated interactive voice response (IVR) system linked to live agents, including mental health care workers and peer support workers. Objective: This study aims to assess the usage and usability of this mental health telephone service. Methods: We obtained usage data from the system's call logs over 18 months to study call volumes and trends. We then surveyed callers to gather their characteristics and assess usability using the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire. Additionally, call recordings were evaluated for conversation quality by 3 independent health care professionals, using the Telephone Nursing Dialogue Process, and correlations between quality and usability aspects were investigated. Results: Over 18 months, the system received 2863 meaningful calls (ie, calls that went past the welcome message) from 1125 unique telephone numbers. Of these, 1153 calls (40.27\%) stopped at the prerecorded IVR information, while 1710 calls (59.73\%) opted to speak to an agent. Among those who chose to speak with an agent, 1292 calls (75.56\%) were answered, 393 calls (22.98\%) went to voicemail and were returned in the following working days, and 25 calls (1.46\%) were not answered. Usage was generally sustained over time, with spikes in call volume corresponding to marketing events. The survey (n=240) revealed that most callers were caregivers of patients with mental health issues (n=144, 60.0\%) or members of the general public (n=46, 19.2\%), while a few were patients with mental health issues (n=44, 18.3\%). Additionally, the majority were male (n=143, 59.6\%), spoke English (n=180, 75.0\%), had postsecondary education (n=164, 68.3\%), lived within 1 hour or less from Butabika Hospital (n=187, 77.9\%), and were aged 25-44 years (n=160, 66.7\%). The overall usability score for the system was 4.12 on a 5-point scale, significantly higher than the recommended target usability score of 4 (P=.006). The mean scores for usability components ranged from 3.66 for reliability to 4.41 for ease of use, with all components, except reliability, scoring higher than 4 or falling within its CI. Usability scores were higher for Luganda speakers compared with English speakers, but there was no association with other participant characteristics such as sex, distance from the hospital, age, marital status, duration of symptoms, or treatment status. The quality of call conversations (n=50) was rated at 4.35 out of 5 and showed a significant correlation with usability (Pearson r=0.34, P=.02). Conclusions: We found sustained usage of the mental health telephone service, along with a positive user experience and high satisfaction across various user characteristics. mHealth solutions like this should be embraced and replicated to enhance the delivery of health services in Uganda and similar low-resource settings. ", doi="10.2196/65692", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e65692" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/62762, author="Fabens, Isabella and Makhele, Calsile and Igaba, Kibiribiri Nelson and Hlongwane, Sizwe and Phohole, Motshana and Waweru, Evelyn and Oni, Femi and Khwepeya, Madalitso and Sardini, Maria and Moyo, Khumbulani and Tweya, Hannock and Wafula, Barasa Mourice and Pienaar, Jacqueline and Ndebele, Felex and Setswe, Geoffrey and Dong, Qi Tracy and Feldacker, Caryl", title="WhatsApp Versus SMS for 2-Way, Text-Based Follow-Up After Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision in South Africa: Exploration of Messaging Platform Choice", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Oct", day="16", volume="8", pages="e62762", keywords="2-way texting", keywords="text messages", keywords="WhatsApp", keywords="digital health innovations", keywords="male circumcision", keywords="South Africa", keywords="quality improvement", abstract="Background: Telehealth is growing, especially in areas where access to health facilities is difficult. We previously used 2-way texting (2wT) via SMS to improve the quality of postoperative care after voluntary medical male circumcision in South Africa. In this study, we offered males aged 15 years and older WhatsApp or SMS as their message delivery and interaction platform to explore user preferences and behaviors. Objective: The objectives of this process evaluation embedded within a larger 2wT expansion trial were to (1) explore 2wT client preferences, including client satisfaction, with WhatsApp or SMS; (2) examine response rates (participation) by SMS and WhatsApp; and (3) gather feedback from the 2wT implementation team on the WhatsApp approach. Methods: Males aged 15 years and older undergoing voluntary medical male circumcision in program sites could choose their follow-up approach, selecting 2wT via SMS or WhatsApp or routine care (in-person postoperative visits). The 2wT system provided 1-way educational messages and an open 2-way communication channel between providers and clients. We analyzed quantitative data from the 2wT database on message delivery platforms (WhatsApp vs SMS), response rates, and user behaviors using chi-square tests, z tests, and t tests. The team conducted short phone calls with WhatsApp and SMS clients about their perceptions of this 2wT platform using a short, structured interview guide. We consider informal reflections from the technical team members on the use of WhatsApp. We applied an implementation science lens using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework to focus results on practice and policy improvement. Results: Over a 2-month period---from August to October, 2023---337 males enrolled in 2wT and were offered WhatsApp or SMS and were included in the analysis. For 2wT reach, 177 (53\%) participants chose WhatsApp as their platform (P=.38). Mean client age was 30 years, and 253 (75\%) participants chose English for automated messages. From quality assurance calls, almost all respondents (87/89, 98\%) were happy with the way they were followed up. For effectiveness, on average for the days on which responses were requested, 58 (33\%) WhatsApp clients and 44 (28\%) SMS clients responded (P=.50). All 2wT team members believed WhatsApp limited the automated message content, language choices, and inclusivity as compared with the SMS-based 2wT approach. Conclusions: When presented with a choice of 2wT communication platform, clients appear evenly split between SMS and WhatsApp. However, WhatsApp requires a smartphone and data plan, potentially reducing reach at scale. Clients using both platforms responded to 2wT interactive prompts, demonstrating similar effectiveness in engaging clients in follow-up. For telehealth interventions, digital health designers should maintain an SMS-based platform and carefully consider adding WhatsApp as an option for clients, using an implementation science approach to present evidence that guides the best implementation approach for their setting. ", doi="10.2196/62762", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e62762", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39412842" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/58991, author="Malden, E. Debbie and Gee, Julianne and Glenn, Sungching and Li, Zhuoxin and Ryan, S. Denison and Gu, Zheng and Bezi, Cassandra and Kim, Sunhea and Jazwa, Amelia and McNeil, M. Michael and Weintraub, S. Eric and Tartof, Y. Sara", title="A Texting- and Internet-Based Self-Reporting System for Enhanced Vaccine Safety Surveillance With Insights From a Large Integrated Health Care System in the United States: Prospective Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Oct", day="11", volume="12", pages="e58991", keywords="digital health", keywords="survey participation", keywords="vaccine safety monitoring", keywords="COVID-19 vaccines", keywords="vaccine", keywords="vaccine safety", keywords="vaccine monitoring", keywords="text", keywords="text message", keywords="USA", keywords="US", keywords="surveillance", keywords="internet based", keywords="survey", keywords="monitoring", keywords="cohort study", keywords="self-reporting", keywords="vaccination", keywords="COVID-19 vaccination", keywords="medical records", keywords="text-based surveys", keywords="surveys", keywords="surveillance system", keywords="data collection", keywords="disparity", keywords="vulnerable", keywords="EHR", keywords="electronic health records", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: SMS text messaging- and internet-based self-reporting systems can supplement existing vaccine safety surveillance systems, but real-world participation patterns have not been assessed at scale. Objective: This study aimed to describe the participation rates of a new SMS text messaging- and internet-based self-reporting system called the Kaiser Permanente Side Effect Monitor (KPSEM) within a large integrated health care system. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) patients receiving a COVID-19 vaccination from April 23, 2021, to July 31, 2023. Patients received invitations through flyers, SMS text messages, emails, or patient health care portals. After consenting, patients received regular surveys to assess adverse events up to 5 weeks after each dose. Linkage with medical records provided demographic and clinical data. In this study, we describe KPSEM participation rates, defined as providing consent and completing at least 1 survey within 35 days of COVID-19 vaccination. Results: Approximately, 8\% (164,636/2,091,975) of all vaccinated patients provided consent and completed at least 1 survey within 35 days. The lowest participation rates were observed for parents of children aged 12-17 years (1349/152,928, 0.9\% participation rate), and the highest participation was observed among older adults aged 61-70 years (39,844/329,487, 12.1\%). Persons of non-Hispanic White race were more likely to participate compared with other races and ethnicities (13.1\% vs 3.9\%-7.5\%, respectively; P<.001). In addition, patients residing in areas with a higher neighborhood deprivation index were less likely to participate (5.1\%, 16,503/323,122 vs 10.8\%, 38,084/352,939 in the highest vs lowest deprivation quintiles, respectively; P<.001). Invitations through the individual's Kaiser Permanente health care portal account and by SMS text message were associated with the highest participation rate (19.2\%, 70,248/366,377 and 10.5\%, 96,169/914,793, respectively), followed by email (19,464/396,912, 4.9\%) and then QR codes on flyers (25,882/2,091,975, 1.2\%). SMS text messaging--based surveys demonstrated the highest sustained daily response rates compared with internet-based surveys. Conclusions: This real-world prospective study demonstrated that a novel digital vaccine safety self-reporting system implemented through an integrated health care system can achieve high participation rates. Linkage with participants' electronic health records is another unique benefit of this surveillance system. We also identified lower participation among selected vulnerable populations, which may have implications when interpreting data collected from similar digital systems. ", doi="10.2196/58991", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e58991" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/50748, author="Hichborn, Emily and Turner, Avery and Moore, Sarah and Gauthier, Phoebe and Bell, Kathleen and Montgomery, LaTrice and Boggis, Jesse and Lambert-Harris, Chantal and Saunders, Elizabeth and Dallery, Jesse and McLeman, Bethany and Marsch, Lisa", title="Technology-Based Interventions in Tobacco Use Treatment Among People Who Identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latina/o, and American Indian/Alaska Native: Scoping Review", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Oct", day="10", volume="26", pages="e50748", keywords="health disparities", keywords="underrepresented", keywords="social determinants of health", keywords="tobacco use", keywords="technology-based interventions", keywords="scoping review", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Although tobacco use has significantly declined in the general population, traditional tobacco use treatment uptake and success rates remain disproportionately low among people who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latina/o, and American Indian/Alaska Native. Technology-based interventions (TBIs) for tobacco use are promising alternatives to traditional tobacco use treatments. Objective: This scoping review aims to investigate the extent to which the use of digital TBIs in tobacco use treatment research promotes health equity among people who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latina/o, and American Indian/Alaska Native. Methods: This scoping review identifies US-based studies (between January 2000 and March 2021) that enlist TBIs for tobacco use treatment and include people who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latina/o, and American Indian/Alaska Native at ?50\% of the sample when combined; features studies that are also race and ethnicity conscious; and highlights health equity--promoting insights from included studies. Results: In 85\% (22/26) of the studies, the largest proportion of the sample was African American/Black, most participants had low socioeconomic status, and recruitment was most commonly from medical settings. In total, 58\% (15/26) of the studies were race and ethnicity conscious, and 67\% (10/15) of these studies sought to partner with potential end users. An array of TBIs were represented; however, SMS text messaging was most prevalent. Most TBIs were combined with other evidence-based intervention components (eg, nicotine replacement therapy). Approximately one-third of the studies (8/26, 31\%) required participants to have their own device or internet access. The majority were underpowered to detect substantial differences. Conclusions: The modest number of studies, particularly for persons who identify as Hispanic/Latina/o and American Indian/Alaska Native, demonstrates the limited application of TBIs for tobacco use and that additional research is needed to determine the extent to which TBIs for tobacco use promote health equity among these populations. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/34508 ", doi="10.2196/50748", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e50748" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/60171, author="Ortega, Adrian and Cushing, C. Christopher", title="Design of a Temporally Augmented Text Messaging Bot to Improve Adolescents' Physical Activity and Engagement: Proof-of-Concept Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Oct", day="10", volume="8", pages="e60171", keywords="digital intervention", keywords="youth", keywords="exercise", keywords="SMS", keywords="mHealth", keywords="augmented text messaging", keywords="bot", keywords="adolescents", keywords="adolescent", keywords="physical activity", keywords="engagement", keywords="reliability", keywords="physical activity intervention", keywords="digital health", keywords="digital support", keywords="community", abstract="Background: Digital interventions hold promise for improving physical activity in adolescents. However, a lack of empirical decision points (eg, timing of intervention prompts) is an evidence gap in the optimization of digital physical activity interventions. Objective: The study examined the feasibility and acceptability, as well as the technical and functional reliability, of and participant engagement with a digital intervention that aligned its decision points to occur during times when adolescents typically exercise. This study also explored the impact of the intervention on adolescents' moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels. Consistent with the Obesity-Related Behavioral Interventions Trials (ORBIT) model, the primary goal of the study was to identify opportunities to refine the intervention for preparation for future trials. Methods: Ten adolescents completed a 7-day baseline monitoring period and Temporally Augmented Goal Setting (TAGS), a 20-day digital physical activity intervention that included a midday self-monitoring message that occurred when adolescents typically start to exercise (3 PM). Participants wore an accelerometer to measure their MVPA during the intervention. Participants completed questionnaires about the acceptability of the platform. Rates of recruitment and attrition (feasibility), user and technological errors (reliability), and engagement (average number of text message responses to the midday self-monitoring message) were calculated. The investigation team performed multilevel models to explore the effect of TAGS on MVPA levels from preintervention to intervention. In addition, as exploratory analyses, participants were matched to adolescents who previously completed a similar intervention, Network Underwritten Dynamic Goals Engine (NUDGE), without the midday self-monitoring message, to explore differences in MVPA between interventions. Results: The TAGS intervention was mostly feasible, acceptable, and technically and functionally reliable. Adolescents showed adequate levels of engagement. Preintervention to intervention changes in MVPA were small (approximately a 2-minute change). Exploratory analyses revealed no greater benefit of TAGS on MVPA compared with NUDGE. Conclusions: TAGS shows promise for future trials with additional refinements given its feasibility, acceptability, technical and functional reliability, participants' rates of engagement, and the relative MVPA improvements. Opportunities to strengthen TAGS include reducing the burden of wearing devices and incorporating of other strategies at the 3 PM decision point. Further optimization of TAGS will inform the design of a Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention for adolescent physical activity and prepare the intervention for more rigorous testing. ", doi="10.2196/60171", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e60171" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/60834, author="Aguilera, Adrian and Ar{\'e}valo Avalos, Marvyn and Xu, Jing and Chakraborty, Bibhas and Figueroa, Caroline and Garcia, Faviola and Rosales, Karina and Hernandez-Ramos, Rosa and Karr, Chris and Williams, Joseph and Ochoa-Frongia, Lisa and Sarkar, Urmimala and Yom-Tov, Elad and Lyles, Courtney", title="Effectiveness of a Digital Health Intervention Leveraging Reinforcement Learning: Results From the Diabetes and Mental Health Adaptive Notification Tracking and Evaluation (DIAMANTE) Randomized Clinical Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Oct", day="8", volume="26", pages="e60834", keywords="digital health", keywords="physical activity", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="text messages", keywords="SMS", keywords="steps", keywords="walking", keywords="diabetes", keywords="depression", keywords="reinforcement learning", keywords="exercise", keywords="machine learning", abstract="Background: Digital and mobile health interventions using personalization via reinforcement learning algorithms have the potential to reach large number of people to support physical activity and help manage diabetes and depression in daily life. Objective: The Diabetes and Mental Health Adaptive Notification and Tracking Evaluation (DIAMANTE) study tested whether a digital physical activity intervention using personalized text messaging via reinforcement learning algorithms could increase step counts in a diverse, multilingual sample of people with diabetes and depression symptoms. Methods: From January 2020 to June 2022, participants were recruited from 4 San Francisco, California--based public primary care clinics and through web-based platforms to participate in the 24-week randomized controlled trial. Eligibility criteria included English or Spanish language preference and a documented diagnosis of diabetes and elevated depression symptoms. The trial had 3 arms: a Control group receiving a weekly mood monitoring message, a Random messaging group receiving randomly selected feedback and motivational text messages daily, and an Adaptive messaging group receiving text messages selected by a reinforcement learning algorithm daily. Randomization was performed with a 1:1:1 allocation. The primary outcome, changes in daily step counts, was passively collected via a mobile app. The primary analysis assessed changes in daily step count using a linear mixed-effects model. An a priori subanalysis compared the primary step count outcome within recruitment samples. Results: In total, 168 participants were analyzed, including those with 24\% (40/168) Spanish language preference and 37.5\% (63/168) from clinic-based recruitment. The results of the linear mixed-effects model indicated that participants in the Adaptive arm cumulatively gained an average of 3.6 steps each day (95\% CI 2.45-4.78; P<.001) over the 24-week intervention (average of 608 total steps), whereas both the Control and Random arm participants had significantly decreased rates of change. Postintervention estimates suggest that participants in the Adaptive messaging arm showed a significant step count increase of 19\% (606/3197; P<.001), in contrast to 1.6\% (59/3698) and 3.9\% (136/3480) step count increase in the Random and Control arms, respectively. Intervention effectiveness differences were observed between participants recruited from the San Francisco clinics and those recruited via web-based platforms, with the significant step count trend persisting across both samples for participants in the Adaptive group. Conclusions: Our study supports the use of reinforcement learning algorithms for personalizing text messaging interventions to increase physical activity in a diverse sample of people with diabetes and depression. It is the first to test this approach in a large, diverse, and multilingual sample. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03490253; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03490253 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034723 ", doi="10.2196/60834", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e60834", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39378080" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/53786, author="Barnwell, Julia and H{\'e}nault Robert, Cindy and Nguyen, Tuong-Vi and Davis, P. Kelsey and Gratton, Chlo{\'e} and Elgbeili, Guillaume and Pham, Hung and Meaney, J. Michael and Montreuil, C. Tina and O'Donnell, J. Kieran", title="Predictors of Participation in a Perinatal Text Message Screening Protocol for Maternal Depression and Anxiety: Prospective Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Oct", day="3", volume="7", pages="e53786", keywords="perinatal mental health", keywords="digital screening", keywords="maternal depression", keywords="maternal anxiety", keywords="text messaging", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Universal screening for depression and anxiety in pregnancy has been recommended by several leading medical organizations, but the implementation of such screening protocols may overburden health care systems lacking relevant resources. Text message screening may provide a low-cost, accessible alternative to in-person screening assessments. However, it is critical to understand who is likely to participate in text message--based screening protocols before such approaches can be implemented at the population level. Objective: This study aimed to examine sources of selection bias in a texting--based screening protocol that assessed symptoms of depression and anxiety across pregnancy and into the postpartum period. Methods: Participants from the Montreal Antenatal Well-Being Study (n=1130) provided detailed sociodemographic information and completed questionnaires assessing symptoms of depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]) and anxiety (State component of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI-S]) at baseline between 8 and 20 weeks of gestation (mean 14.5, SD 3.8 weeks of gestation). Brief screening questionnaires, more suitable for delivery via text message, assessing depression (Whooley Questions) and anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-Item questionnaire) were also collected at baseline and then via text message at 14-day intervals. Two-tailed t tests and Fisher tests were used to identify maternal characteristics that differed between participants who responded to the text message screening questions and those who did not. Hurdle regression models were used to test if individuals with a greater burden of depression and anxiety at baseline responded to fewer text messages across the study period. Results: Participants who responded to the text messages (n=933) were more likely than nonrespondents (n=114) to self-identify as White (587/907, 64.7\% vs 39/96, 40.6\%; P<.001), report higher educational attainment (postgraduate: 268/909, 29.5\% vs 15/94, 16\%; P=.005), and report higher income levels (CAD \$150,000 [a currency exchange rate of CAD \$1=US \$0.76 is applicable] or more: 176/832, 21.2\% vs 10/84, 11.9\%; P<.001). There were no significant differences in symptoms of depression and anxiety between the 2 groups at baseline or postpartum. However, baseline depression (EPDS) or anxiety (STAI-S) symptoms did predict the total number of text message time points answered by participants, corresponding to a decrease of 1\% (e$\beta$=0.99; P<.001) and 0.3\% (e$\beta$=0.997; P<.001) in the number of text message time points answered per point increase in EPDS or STAI-S score, respectively. Conclusions: Findings from this study highlight the feasibility of text message--based screening protocols with high participation rates. However, our findings also highlight how screening and service delivery via digital technology could exacerbate disparities in mental health between certain patient groups. ", doi="10.2196/53786", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e53786", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39361419" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55883, author="Dilimulati, Diliqingna and Shao, Xiaowen and Wang, Lihua and Cai, Meili and Zhang, Yuqin and Lu, Jiayi and Wang, Yao and Liu, Hongying and Kuang, Ming and Chen, Haibing and Zhang, Manna and Qu, Shen", title="Efficacy of WeChat-Based Digital Intervention Versus Metformin in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Oct", day="2", volume="26", pages="e55883", keywords="polycystic ovary syndrome", keywords="insulin resistance", keywords="digital intervention", keywords="metformin", keywords="women's health", abstract="Background: The first-line treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is lifestyle modification. However, it is currently unknown whether digital medicine can assist patients with PCOS in maintaining a healthy lifestyle while alleviating PCOS symptoms. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of WeChat-based digital intervention versus metformin treatment in women with PCOS and insulin resistance. Methods: A total of 80 women with PCOS and insulin resistance were recruited from an endocrinology clinic and randomly assigned to receive either a WeChat-based digital intervention (n=40, 50\%) or metformin (n=40, 50\%) for 12 weeks. The WeChat-based digital intervention consisted of 3 modules; a coach assisted the patients in using the intervention. The primary outcome was the change in a homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. At baseline and after the 12-week intervention, anthropometric parameters, menstruation frequency, sex hormone levels, metabolic factors, and body fat distribution were measured in the clinic. Furthermore, self-assessed web-based questionnaires on diet, exercise, sleep, anxiety, and depression were obtained. Results: A total of 72 participants completed the follow-up (for a 90\% follow-up rate), including 35 of 40 (88\%) participants from the digital intervention group and 37 of 40 (93\%) participants from the metformin group. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance in the digital intervention group was significantly improved after 12 weeks of treatment with a mean change of --0.93 (95\% CI --1.64 to --0.23), but no statistical difference was observed between the groups (least squares mean difference --0.20; 95\% CI --0.98 to 0.58; P=.62). Both digital intervention and metformin treatment significantly improved menstruation frequency (digital intervention: P<.001; metformin: P<.001) and reduced body weight (digital intervention: P<.001; metformin: P<.001) and total fat mass (digital intervention: P<.001; metformin: P<.001). Furthermore, the digital intervention had a significant advantage over metformin in improving waist circumference (least squares mean difference --1.84; 95\% CI --3.44 to --0.24; P=.03), waist-to-hip ratio (least squares mean difference --0.02; 95\% CI --0.03 to 0.00; P=.03), total fat mass (least squares mean difference --1.59; 95\% CI --2.88 to --0.30; P=.02), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (least squares mean difference --69.73; 95\% CI --129.70 to --9.75; P=.02). In terms of safety, the main adverse events were sensations of hunger in the digital intervention group (2/40, 5\%) and gastrointestinal adverse events in the metformin group (12/40, 30\%). Conclusions: Our data suggest that digital intervention is an effective treatment option for patients with PCOS, with an efficacy comparable to that of metformin, and that it can also alleviate the negative effects of medications and make it easier and more efficient to adhere to lifestyle treatments. WeChat-based digital interventions have the potential to provide a new path for the improvement and health of women with PCOS in China. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05386706; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05386706 ", doi="10.2196/55883", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e55883" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/64092, author="Sukhija-Cohen, Carl Adam and Patani, Henna and Blasingame, Foxworth Michael and Vu, Linh Kathy and Bastani, Ramin", title="Retention in HIV Primary Care Using a Web-Based Patient Engagement Platform: Multistate Case-Control Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Oct", day="2", volume="26", pages="e64092", keywords="HIV", keywords="primary health care", keywords="retention in care", keywords="digital technology", keywords="appointments and schedules", abstract="Background: Digital interventions to improve retention in HIV care are critical to ensure viral suppression and prevent further transmission. AIDS Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Centers are centers across the United States that provide primary HIV care. Traditionally, the Healthcare Centers conduct phone calls with patients to schedule and confirm appointments, as well as share laboratory results. In 2017, Healthvana piloted a digital platform at AIDS Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Centers to send patients SMS text message appointment reminders and allow patients to review their upcoming appointment and view their laboratory results in the web-based patient portal. Objective: A national implementation in 15 US states and Washington, DC, of this digital intervention pilot by Healthvana aims to determine whether SMS appointment reminders and web-based patient portal logins improved retention in care compared to traditional methods. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 40,028 patients living with HIV was conducted at the 61 AIDS Healthcare Foundation Healthcare Centers between January 2, 2017, and May 22, 2018. Patients were invited to enroll in Healthvana's digital intervention pilot, allowing for a natural, organization-wide case-control study. Separate binary logistic regression models evaluated the relationship between receiving SMS appointment reminders and completing scheduled appointments, as well as the relationship between logging into the web-based patient portal and completing scheduled appointments. Four scheduled consecutive appointments for each patient were included in the analysis to account for 1 full year of data per patient. Results: Patients who received the SMS appointment reminder were 1.7 times more likely to complete appointment 1 compared to patients who did not receive the SMS appointment reminder (P<.001). In addition, patients who received the SMS appointment reminder were 1.6 times more likely to complete appointment 2 (P<.001), 1.7 times more likely to complete appointment 3 (P<.001), and 1.8 times more likely to complete appointment 4 (P<.001) compared to patients who did not receive the SMS appointment reminder. Patients who logged in to the web-based patient portal prior to their scheduled appointment were 7.4 times more likely to complete appointment 1 compared to patients who did not log in (P<.001). In addition, patients who logged in to the web-based patient portal prior to their scheduled appointment were 3.6 times more likely to complete appointment 2 (P<.001), 3.2 times more likely to complete appointment 3 (P<.001), and 2.8 times more likely to complete appointment 4 (P<.001) compared to patients who did not log in. Conclusions: HIV primary care appointment completion was higher when patients engaged with Healthvana's digital platform. Digital technology interventions to ensure patients complete their scheduled HIV care appointments are imperative to curb the HIV epidemic. ", doi="10.2196/64092", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e64092" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/57635, author="Wang, Qingling and Lee, Lai-Tong Regina and Hunter, Sharyn and Zhu, Aiyong and Chan, Wai-Chi Sally", title="Patient Engagement in a Mobile App--Based Rehabilitation Program for Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: Secondary Data Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Oct", day="1", volume="12", pages="e57635", keywords="total hip arthroplasty", keywords="total knee arthroplasty", keywords="rehabilitation", keywords="mobile health", keywords="social media application", keywords="patient engagement", abstract="Background: Health care professionals use mobile apps to support patients' rehabilitation after total hip or knee arthroplasty. Understanding patient engagement in such mobile health interventions can help tailor these interventions to better support patients. Objective: This study aimed to investigate patient engagement in a mobile app--based arthroplasty rehabilitation program and to investigate the association between patient engagement and their characteristics. Methods: Data were extracted from a pool of 42 participants in the experimental arm of a randomized controlled trial that used a mobile app (WeChat [Tencent Holdings Limited])--based program to support patients' rehabilitation after total hip or knee arthroplasty. The primary outcomes were the number of days the participants accessed the program and completed recommended rehabilitation tasks. Secondary outcomes included data on the participants' posts on a discussion forum, messages sent by the participants, access to the program components, and reading and sharing the program content. Generalized linear models were used to analyze the association between patient engagement and personal characteristics. Results: The participants reported in a rehabilitation diary accessing the program on a mean of 5.2 (SD 2) days per week and completing recommended rehabilitation tasks on a mean of 6.5 (SD 0.8) days per week. The majority (31/42, 74\%) posted on the discussion forum, with a mean of 18.1 (SD 21.2) posts. Most participants (37/42, 88\%) sent messages to health care professionals, with a mean of 14 (SD 15.9) messages. The program components were visited for a total of 525 times. The program content was read 898 times and shared 82 times in total. Generalized linear models showed that both primary outcomes, the number of days the participants accessed the program (B=6.46, 95\% CI 1.98-15.35; $\chi$21=11.1, P=.001) and the number of days they completed rehabilitation tasks (B=2.65, 95\% CI 0.45-5.48; $\chi$21=5.7, P=.02), were positively associated with having a high school education or above. In addition, the number of posts on the discussion forum was positively associated with living with family, having a high school education or above, undergoing total knee arthroplasty, having comorbidities, and the score of self-efficacy but was negatively associated with age. The number of messages sent by the participants was positively associated with having a high school education or above, having comorbidities, and the score of self-efficacy. Conclusions: Patient engagement in mobile arthroplasty rehabilitation is associated with their education level, cohabitation status, age, type of surgery, presence of comorbidities, and sense of self-efficacy. Program developers can consider these characteristics and use strategies, such as family involvement, in the design of mobile arthroplasty rehabilitation programs to enhance patient engagement in such interventions. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621000867897; https://tinyurl.com/mtdw25fp ", doi="10.2196/57635", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e57635" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44368, author="Shalaby, Reham and Agyapong, Belinda and Dias, Raquel and Obuobi-Donkor, Gloria and Adu, K. Medard and Spicer, Sharron and Yanchar, L. Natalie and Agyapong, O. Vincent I.", title="Psychological Health and Wellness and the Impact of a Supportive Text Messaging Program (Wellness4MDs) Among Physicians and Medical Learners in Canada: Protocol for a Longitudinal Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="Sep", day="16", volume="13", pages="e44368", keywords="wellness", keywords="doctors", keywords="Canada", keywords="depression", keywords="burnout", keywords="anxiety", keywords="supportive text messages", keywords="eHealth", abstract="Background: Burnout, anxiety, and depression continue to affect physicians, postgraduate medical trainees, and medical students globally and in Canada particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: The primary goal of this project is to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate a daily supportive SMS text messaging program (Wellness4MDs, Global Psychological e-Health Foundation). The program aims to reduce the prevalence and severity of burnout, anxiety, and depression symptoms among physicians, postgraduate medical trainees, and medical students in Canada. Methods: This longitudinal study represents a multistakeholder, mixed methods, multiyear implementation science project. Project evaluation will be conducted through a quantitative prospective longitudinal approach using a paired sample comparison, a naturalistic cross-sectional controlled design, and satisfaction surveys. Prevalence estimates for psychological problems would be based on baseline data from self-completed validated rating scales. Additional data will be collected at designated time points for paired comparison. Outcome measures will be assessed using standardized rating scales, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory for burnout symptoms, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire for depression symptoms, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale for anxiety symptoms, and the World Health Organization--Five Well-Being Index. Results: The project launched in the last quarter of 2023, and program evaluation results will become available within 36 months. The Wellness4MDs program is expected to reduce the prevalence and severity of psychological problems among physicians in Canada and achieve high subscriber satisfaction. Conclusions: The results from the Wellness4MDs project evaluation will provide key information regarding the effectiveness of daily supportive SMS text messages and links to mental health resources on these mental health parameters in Canadian physicians, postgraduate trainees, and medical students. Information will be useful for informing policy and decision-making concerning psychological interventions for physicians in Canada. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/44368 ", doi="10.2196/44368", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e44368" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/56486, author="Sun, Hui and Wu, Yanping and Sun, Jia and Zhou, Wu and Xu, Qian and Hu, Dandan", title="Nutrition Management Miniprograms in WeChat: Evaluation of Functionality and Quality", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2024", month="Sep", day="12", volume="11", pages="e56486", keywords="nutrition management", keywords="WeChat mini-program", keywords="User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale", keywords="uMARS", keywords="function and quality evaluation", abstract="Background: With the rise in people's living standards and aging populations, a heightened emphasis has been placed in the field of medical and health care. In recent years, there has been a drastic increase in nutrition management in domestic research circles. The mobile nutritional health management platform based on WeChat miniprograms has been widely used to promote health and self-management and to monitor individual nutritional health status in China. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of comprehensive scientific evaluation regarding the functionality and quality of the diverse range of nutritional miniprograms that have surfaced in the market. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the functionality and quality of China's WeChat nutrition management miniprogram by using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). Methods: This observational study involves quantitative methods. A keyword search for ``nutrition,'' ``diet,'' ``food,'' and ``meal'' in Chinese or English was conducted on WeChat, and all miniprograms pertaining to these keywords were thoroughly analyzed. Then, basic information including name, registration date, update date, service type, user scores, and functional scores was extracted from January 2017 to November 2023. Rating scores were provided by users based on their experience and satisfaction with the use of the WeChat miniprogram, and functional scores were integrated and summarized for the primary functions of each miniprogram. Moreover, the quality of nutrition management applets was evaluated by 3 researchers independently using the uMARS. Results: Initially, 27 of 891 miniprograms identified were relevant to nutrition management. Among them, 85.2\% (23/27) of them offered features for diet management, facilitating recording of daily dietary intake to evaluate nutritional status; 70.4\% (19/27) provided resources for nutrition education and classroom instruction; 59.3\% (16/27) included functionalities for exercise management, allowing users to record daily physical activity; and only 44.4\% (12/27) featured components for weight management. The total quality score on the uMARS ranged 2.85-3.88 (median 3.38, IQR 3.14-3.57). Engagement scores on the uMARS varied from 2.00 to 4.33 (median 3.00, IQR 2.67-3.67). Functional dimension scores ranged from 3.00 to 4.00 (median 3.33, IQR 3.33-3.67), with a lower score of 2.67 and a higher score of 4.33 outside the reference range. Aesthetic dimension scores ranged from 2.33 to 4.67 (median 3.67, IQR 3.33-4.00). Informational dimension scores ranged from 2.33 to 4.67 (median 3.33, IQR 2.67-3.67). Conclusions: Our findings from the uMARS highlight a predominant emphasis on health aspects over nutritional specifications in the app supporting WeChat miniprograms related to nutrition management. The quality of these miniprograms is currently at an average level, with considerable room for functional improvements in the future. ", doi="10.2196/56486", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2024/1/e56486" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/59003, author="Adu, K. Medard and Eboreime, Oghenekome and Shalaby, Reham and Eboreime, Ejemai and Agyapong, Belinda and da Luz Dias, Raquel and Sapara, O. Adegboyega and Agyapong, O. Vincent I.", title="Comparing Email Versus Text Messaging as Delivery Platforms for Supporting Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: Noninferiority Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Sep", day="9", volume="8", pages="e59003", keywords="major depressive disorder", keywords="Text4Support", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="email messaging", keywords="digital health", keywords="mental health", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="depressive disorder", keywords="health communication", keywords="global health", keywords="treatments", keywords="patient", keywords="text messaging-based", keywords="cognitive behavioral therapy", keywords="communication", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="mental health support", keywords="digital intervention", keywords="digital interventions", keywords="mental health care", keywords="well-being", keywords="depression symptoms", abstract="Background: The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) poses significant global health challenges, with available treatments often insufficient in achieving remission for many patients. Digital health technologies, such as SMS text messaging--based cognitive behavioral therapy, offer accessible alternatives but may not reach all individuals. Email communication presents a secure avenue for health communication, yet its effectiveness compared to SMS text messaging in providing mental health support for patients with MDD remains uncertain. Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy of email versus SMS text messaging as delivery platforms for supporting patients with MDD, addressing a critical gap in understanding optimal digital interventions for mental health care. Methods: A randomized noninferiority pilot trial was conducted, comparing outcomes for patients receiving 6-week daily supportive messages via email with those receiving messages via SMS text message. This duration corresponds to a minimum of 180 days of message delivery. The supportive messages maintained consistent length and structure across both delivery methods. Participants (N=66) were recruited from the Access 24/7 clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, among those who were diagnosed with MDD. The outcomes were measured at baseline and 6 months after enrollment using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). Results: Most of the participants were females (n=43, 65\%), aged between 26 and 40 years (n=34, 55\%), had high school education (n=35, 58\%), employed (n=33, 50\%), and single (n=24, 36\%). Again, most participants had had no history of any major physical illness (n=56, 85\%) and (n=61, 92\%) responded ``No'' to having a history of admission for treatment of mood disorders. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean changes in PHQ-9, GAD-7, and WHO-5 scores between the email and SMS text messaging groups (mean difference, 95\% CI: --1.90, 95\% CI --6.53 to 2.74; 5.78, 95\% CI --1.94 to 13.50; and 11.85, 95\% CI --3.81 to 27.51), respectively. Both supportive modalities showed potential in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life. Conclusions: The study's findings suggest that both email and SMS text messaging interventions have equivalent effectiveness in reducing depression symptoms among individuals with MDD. As digital technology continues to evolve, harnessing the power of multiple digital platforms for mental health interventions can significantly contribute to bridging the existing treatment gaps and improving the overall well-being of individuals with depressive conditions. Further research is needed with a larger sample size to confirm and expand upon these findings. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04638231; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8552095/ ", doi="10.2196/59003", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e59003", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39250182" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55354, author="Sturgiss, Elizabeth and Advocat, Jenny and Barton, Christopher and Walker, N. Emma and Nielsen, Suzanne and Wright, Annemarie and Lam, Tina and Gunatillaka, Nilakshi and Oad, Symrin and Wood, Christopher", title="Using Text Messaging Surveys in General Practice Research to Engage With People From Low-Income Groups: Multi-Methods Study", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Sep", day="5", volume="12", pages="e55354", keywords="SMS", keywords="data collection", keywords="research methods", keywords="disadvantaged population", keywords="priority populations", keywords="message", keywords="messages", keywords="messaging", keywords="disadvantaged", keywords="underserved", keywords="survey", keywords="surveys", keywords="digital divide", keywords="marginalized", keywords="access", keywords="accessibility", keywords="barrier", keywords="barriers", keywords="smartphone", keywords="smartphones", keywords="digital health", keywords="underrepresented", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="short message service", abstract="Background: SMS text messages through mobile phones are a common means of interpersonal communication. SMS text message surveys are gaining traction in health care and research due to their feasibility and patient acceptability. However, challenges arise in implementing SMS text message surveys, especially when targeting marginalized populations, because of barriers to accessing phones and data as well as communication difficulties. In primary care, traditional surveys (paper-based and online) often face low response rates that are particularly pronounced among disadvantaged groups due to financial limitations, language barriers, and time constraints. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential of SMS text message--based patient recruitment and surveys within general practices situated in lower socioeconomic areas. This study was nested within the Reducing Alcohol-Harm in General Practice project that aimed to reduce alcohol-related harm through screening in Australian general practice. Methods: This study follows a 2-step SMS text message data collection process. An initial SMS text message with an online survey link was sent to patients, followed by subsequent surveys every 3 months for consenting participants. Interviews were conducted with the local primary health network organization staff, the participating practice staff, and the clinicians. The qualitative data were analyzed using constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results: Out of 6 general practices, 4 were able to send SMS text messages to their patients. The initial SMS text message was sent to 8333 patients and 702 responses (8.2\%) were received, most of which were not from a low-income group. This low initial response was in contrast to the improved response rate to the ongoing 3-month SMS text message surveys (55/107, 51.4\% at 3 months; 29/67, 43.3\% at 6 months; and 44/102, 43.1\% at 9 months). We interviewed 4 general practitioners, 4 nurses, and 4 administrative staff from 5 of the different practices. Qualitative data uncovered barriers to engaging marginalized groups including limited smartphone access, limited financial capacity (telephone, internet, and Wi-Fi credit), language barriers, literacy issues, mental health conditions, and physical limitations such as manual dexterity and vision issues. Practice managers and clinicians suggested strategies to overcome these barriers, including using paper-based surveys in trusted spaces, offering assistance during survey completion, and offering honoraria to support participation. Conclusions: While SMS text message surveys for primary care research may be useful for the broader population, additional efforts are required to ensure the representation and involvement of marginalized groups. More intensive methods such as in-person data collection may be more appropriate to capture the voice of low-income groups in primary care research. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0037 ", doi="10.2196/55354", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e55354", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39235843" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/58726, author="Suffoletto, Brian", title="Deceptively Simple yet Profoundly Impactful: Text Messaging Interventions to Support Health", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Aug", day="27", volume="26", pages="e58726", keywords="SMS intervention", keywords="behavior", keywords="intervention", keywords="review", keywords="text messaging", keywords="SMS", keywords="interventions", keywords="behaviors", keywords="behaviour", keywords="behaviours", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="development", keywords="impact", keywords="narrative review", keywords="physical activity", keywords="diet", keywords="weight loss", keywords="mental health", keywords="substance use", keywords="meta-analysis", keywords="chatbot", keywords="chatbots", keywords="large language model", keywords="LLM", keywords="large language models", keywords="mobile phone", doi="10.2196/58726", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e58726", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39190427" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51690, author="Vakili, Negar and Curran, A. Janet and Walls, Roisin and Phillips, Debbie and Miller, Alanna and Cassidy, Christine and Wozney, Lori", title="Preferences for Text Messaging Supports During Youth Transition to Adult Mental Health Services: Theory-Informed Modified e-Delphi Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Aug", day="27", volume="8", pages="e51690", keywords="patient satisfaction", keywords="satisfaction", keywords="cross-sectional", keywords="survey", keywords="surveys", keywords="engagement", keywords="usage", keywords="technology use", keywords="transitional", keywords="transition", keywords="coordinated care", keywords="service", keywords="services", keywords="feature", keywords="features", keywords="need", keywords="needs", keywords="transitional care", keywords="information science", keywords="human-computer interaction", keywords="health behavior", keywords="text-messaging", keywords="messaging", keywords="text messages", keywords="text message", keywords="SMS", keywords="mental health", keywords="persuasive system design", keywords="youth", keywords="adolescent", keywords="adolescents", keywords="teen", keywords="teens", keywords="teenager", keywords="teenagers", abstract="Background: For many young people, the transition from child to adult mental health services is a vulnerable time associated with treatment disengagement and illness progression. Providing service information and options to youth, appealing to them, and tailoring to their needs during this period could help overcome systematic barriers to a successful transition. We know little about how SMS text message--based interventions might be leveraged to support the motivational, informational, and behavioral needs of youth during this time. Ascertaining youth preferences for the content and functionality of an SMS text message service could inform prototype development. Objective: This study investigated consensus preferences among youth on important content, technology features, and engagement supports to inform a transition-focused SMS text message service. Methods: A modified e-Delphi survey design was used to collect demographics, current levels of technology use, importance ratings on message content, preferred technical features, and barriers and enablers to engagement for youth in Canada aged 16-26 years who have accessed mental health services within the past 5 years. Survey items on content were categorized according to the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model. Survey items on technical features were categorized according to the persuasive system design (PSD) model. A predefined consensus rating matrix and descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample. The high consensus threshold was 70\%. Results: A total of 100 participants, predominantly non-White (n=47, 47\%), aged 20-26 years (n=59, 59\%), and who had first accessed mental health services between the ages of 13 and 19 years (n=60, 60\%), were selected. The majority (n=90, 90\%) identified as daily SMS text message users. A high level of consensus on importance ratings was reported in 45\% (9/20) of content items based on the IMB model. There were higher levels of consensus on importance ratings related to behavior domain items (3/3, 100\%) than information domain items (4/9, 44\%) or motivation domain items (2/8, 25\%). A high level of consensus on importance ratings was reported in only 19\% (4/21) of feature and functionality items based on the PSD model. Among PSD model categories, there was a high level of consensus on importance ratings in 8\% (1/12) of the primary task support domain items and 100\% (3/3) of the system credibility support domain items. None of the dialogue-support and social-support domain items met the high level of consensus thresholds. In total, 27\% (27/100) of youth indicated that the most significant enabler for engaging with a transition-focused SMS text message intervention was the personalization of text messages. Conclusions: Scientists developing next-generation SMS text messaging interventions for this population need to consider how levels of consensus on different features may impact feasibility and personalization efforts. Youth can (and should) play an integral role in the development of these interventions. ", doi="10.2196/51690", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e51690", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39190437" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55625, author="Armfield, Nigel and Elphinston, Rachel and Liimatainen, Jenna and Scotti Requena, Simone and Eather, Chloe-Emily and Edirippulige, Sisira and Ritchie, Carrie and Robins, Sarah and Sterling, Michele", title="Development and Use of Mobile Messaging for Individuals With Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions: Scoping Review", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Aug", day="14", volume="12", pages="e55625", keywords="musculoskeletal", keywords="pain", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="intervention design", keywords="design", keywords="scoping review", keywords="musculoskeletal pain", keywords="development", keywords="mobile messaging", keywords="behavior change", keywords="efficacy", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="messaging", keywords="implementation", keywords="sustainability", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Population studies show that musculoskeletal conditions are a leading contributor to the total burden of healthy life lost, second only to cancer and with a similar burden to cardiovascular disease. Prioritizing the delivery of effective treatments is necessary, and with the ubiquity of consumer smart devices, the use of digital health interventions is increasing. Messaging is popular and easy to use and has been studied for a range of health-related uses, including health promotion, encouragement of behavior change, and monitoring of disease progression. It may have a useful role to play in the management and self-management of musculoskeletal conditions. Objective: Previous reviews on the use of messaging for people with musculoskeletal conditions have focused on synthesizing evidence of effectiveness from randomized controlled trials. In this review, our objective was to map the musculoskeletal messaging literature more broadly to identify information that may inform the design of future messaging interventions and summarize the current evidence of efficacy, effectiveness, and economics. Methods: Following a prepublished protocol developed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis, we conducted a comprehensive scoping review of the literature (2010-2022; sources: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO) related to SMS text messaging and app-based messaging for people with musculoskeletal conditions. We described our findings using tables, plots, and a narrative summary. Results: We identified a total of 8328 papers for screening, of which 50 (0.6\%) were included in this review (3/50, 6\% previous reviews and 47/50, 94\% papers describing 40 primary studies). Rheumatic diseases accounted for the largest proportion of the included primary studies (19/40, 48\%), followed by studies on multiple musculoskeletal conditions or pain sites (10/40, 25\%), back pain (9/40, 23\%), neck pain (1/40, 3\%), and ``other'' (1/40, 3\%). Most studies (33/40, 83\%) described interventions intended to promote positive behavior change, typically by encouraging increased physical activity and exercise. The studies evaluated a range of outcomes, including pain, function, quality of life, and medication adherence. Overall, the results either favored messaging interventions or had equivocal outcomes. While the theoretical underpinnings of the interventions were generally well described, only 4\% (2/47) of the papers provided comprehensive descriptions of the messaging intervention design and development process. We found no relevant economic evaluations. Conclusions: Messaging has been used for the care and self-management of a range of musculoskeletal conditions with generally favorable outcomes reported. However, with few exceptions, design considerations are poorly described in the literature. Further work is needed to understand and disseminate information about messaging content and message delivery characteristics, such as timing and frequency specifically for people with musculoskeletal conditions. Similarly, further work is needed to understand the economic effects of messaging and practical considerations related to implementation and sustainability. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048964 ", doi="10.2196/55625", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e55625" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51570, author="Thomas, V. Glenn and Camacho, Elena and Masood, A. Fatimah and Huang, Yungui and Valleru, Jahnavi and Bridge, A. Jeffrey and Ackerman, John", title="Development and Implementation of Postdischarge Text Messages to Adolescents With Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Through Caring Contacts: Implementation Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2024", month="Aug", day="13", volume="7", pages="e51570", keywords="mental health", keywords="suicide prevention", keywords="adolescent", keywords="caring contacts", keywords="mHealth", keywords="Zero Suicide", keywords="quality improvement", keywords="care transitions", keywords="safety plan", keywords="behavioral health", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Youth suicide is a pressing public health concern, and transitions in care after a suicidal crisis represent a period of elevated risk. Disruptions in continuity of care and emotional support occur frequently. ``Caring contacts'' validating messages post discharge have the potential to enhance connections with patients and have been shown to improve outcomes. More recently, positive outcomes have been noted using caring contact text messages (SMS and MMS), which hold promise for engaging patients in a pediatric setting, but there are few studies describing the large-scale implementation of such an approach. Objective: This study aims to describe the process of developing and implementing automated caring contacts within a quality improvement framework, using a standardized series of supportive texts and images, for adolescents discharged from high-acuity programs at a large midwestern pediatric hospital. We describe lessons learned, including challenges and factors contributing to success. Methods: We implemented the caring contacts intervention in 3 phases. Phase 1 entailed developing supportive statements and images designed to promote hope, inclusivity, and connection in order to create 2 sets of 8 text messages and corresponding images. Phase 2 included piloting caring contacts manually in the hospital's Psychiatric Crisis Department and Inpatient Psychiatry Unit and assessing the feasibility of implementation in other services, as well as developing workflows and addressing legal considerations. Phase 3 consisted of implementing an automated process to scale within 4 participating hospital services and integrating enrollment into the hospital's electronic medical records. Process outcome measures included staff compliance with approaching and enrolling eligible patients and results from an optional posttext survey completed by participants. Results: Compliance data are presented for 4062 adolescent patients eligible for caring contacts. Overall, 88.65\% (3601/4062) of eligible patients were approached, of whom 52.43\% (1888/3601) were enrolled. In total, 94.92\% (1792/1888) of enrolled participants completed the program. Comparisons of the patients eligible, approached, enrolled, and completed are presented. Primary reasons for eligible patients declining include not having access to a mobile phone (686/1705, 40.23\%) and caregivers preferring to discuss the intervention at a later time (754/1705, 44.22\%). The majority of patients responding to the optional posttext survey reported that the texts made them feel moderately to very hopeful (219/264, 83\%), supported (232/264, 87.9\%), that peers would be helped by these texts (243/264, 92\%), and that they would like to keep receiving texts given the option (227/264, 86\%). Conclusions: This study describes the successful implementation of automated postdischarge caring contacts texts to scale with an innovative use of images and demonstrates how a quality improvement methodology resulted in a more effective and efficient process. This paper also highlights the potential for technology to enhance care for at-risk youth and create more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable prevention strategies. ", doi="10.2196/51570", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e51570", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39137019" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/59224, author="Sibley, L. Adams and Noar, M. Seth and Muessig, E. Kathryn and O'Shea, G. Nisha and Paquette, E. Catherine and Spears, G. Abby and Miller, C. William and Go, F. Vivian", title="An Automated Text Messaging Intervention to Reduce Substance Use Self-Stigma (Project RESTART): Protocol for a Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="Aug", day="9", volume="13", pages="e59224", keywords="substance use", keywords="harm reduction", keywords="stigma", keywords="self-stigma", keywords="stigma resistance", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Stigma is a barrier to treatment and harm reduction seeking in people who use drugs. Most stigma reduction interventions offer psychotherapy or psychoeducation in group-based clinical settings, failing to reach people who are not in treatment. SMS text messaging is an effective and acceptable modality for delivering health information to people who use drugs and may be a suitable conduit for providing information and advice to understand and cope with stigma. Objective: This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a 4-week automated SMS text message intervention to increase stigma resistance and reduce self-stigma in people who use drugs. Methods: We designed a novel automated SMS text message intervention to address the four personal-level constructs of stigma resistance: (1) not believing stigma and catching and challenging stigmatizing thoughts, (2) empowering oneself through learning about substance use and one's recovery, (3) maintaining one's recovery and proving stigma wrong, and (4) developing a meaningful identity and purpose apart from one's substance use. Theory-based messages were developed and pilot-tested in qualitative elicitation interviews with 22 people who use drugs, resulting in a library of 56 messages. In a single-group, within-subjects, community-based pilot trial, we will enroll 30 participants in the Resisting Stigma and Revaluating Your Thoughts (RESTART) intervention. Participants will receive 2 daily SMS text messages for 4 weeks. Implementation feasibility will be assessed through recruitment, enrollment, retention, and message delivery statistics. User feasibility and acceptability will be assessed at follow-up using 23 survey items informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Primary effectiveness outcomes are changes in self-stigma (Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale) and stigma resistance (Stigma Resistance Scale) from baseline to follow-up measured via a self-administered survey. Secondary outcomes are changes in hope (Adult Dispositional Hope Scale) and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed with descriptive statistics; effectiveness outcomes will be assessed with paired 2-tailed t tests, and group differences will be explored using ANOVA. Overall, 12 participants will also be selected to complete acceptability interviews. Results: This pilot study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in April 2023 and received regulatory approval in January 2024 by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Institutional Review Board. Recruitment and enrollment began in March 2024. Follow-up visits are expected to conclude by May 2024. Results will be disseminated in relevant peer-reviewed journals. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to address substance use stigma via a self-help SMS text messaging program. Results will add to the nascent literature on stigma reduction in people who use drugs. This protocol may interest researchers who are considering text messaging to address psychosocial needs in hard-to-reach populations. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06281548; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06281548 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/59224 ", doi="10.2196/59224", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e59224" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/57959, author="Vives, Nuria and Travier, Noemie and Farre, Albert and Binefa, Gemma and Vidal, Carmen and P{\'e}rez Lacasta, Jose Maria and Ib{\'a}{\~n}ez-Sanz, Gemma and Ni{\~n}o de Guzm{\'a}n, Pery Ena and Panera, Aritz Jon and Garcia, Montse and ", title="Effectiveness and Acceptability of Targeted Text Message Reminders in Colorectal Cancer Screening: Randomized Controlled Trial (M-TICS Study)", journal="JMIR Public Health Surveill", year="2024", month="Jul", day="31", volume="10", pages="e57959", keywords="text message", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="colorectal cancer screening", keywords="participation", keywords="colon", keywords="rectum", keywords="cancer", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="mobile phones", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="RCT", keywords="text messages", keywords="screening", keywords="Spain", keywords="adult", keywords="adults", keywords="elder", keywords="elderly", keywords="gerontology", keywords="intention-to-treat analysis", keywords="telephone survey", keywords="intervention", keywords="cost-effectiveness", keywords="SMS", keywords="digital health", abstract="Background: Mobile phone--based SMS text message reminders have the potential to improve colorectal cancer screening participation rates. Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness and acceptability of adding targeted SMS text message reminders to the standard procedure for those who picked up but did not return their screening kit at the pharmacy within 14 days in a colorectal cancer screening program in Catalonia, Spain. Methods: We performed a randomized control trial among individuals who picked up a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit for colorectal cancer screening at the pharmacy but did not return it within 14 days. The intervention group (n=4563) received an SMS text message reminder on the 14th day of kit pick up and the control group (n=4806) received no reminder. A 30-day reminder letter was sent to both groups if necessary. The main primary outcome was the FIT completion rate within 30, 60, and 126 days from FIT kit pick up (intention-to-treat analysis). A telephone survey assessed the acceptability and appropriateness of the intervention. The cost-effectiveness of adding an SMS text message reminder to FIT completion was also performed. Results: The intervention group had higher FIT completion rates than the control group at 30 (64.2\% vs 53.7\%; P<.001), 60 (78.6\% vs 72.0\%; P<.001), and 126 (82.6\% vs 77.7\%; P<.001) days. Participation rates were higher in the intervention arm independent of sex, age, socioeconomic level, and previous screening behavior. A total of 339 (89.2\%) interviewees considered it important and useful to receive SMS text message reminders for FIT completion and 355 (93.4\%) preferred SMS text messages to postal letters. We observed a reduction of US \$2.4 per participant gained in the intervention arm for invitation costs compared to the control arm. Conclusions: Adding an SMS text message reminder to the standard procedure significantly increased FIT kit return rates and was a cost-effective strategy. SMS text messages also proved to be an acceptable and appropriate communication channel for cancer screening programs. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04343950; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04343950 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1371/journal.pone.0245806 ", doi="10.2196/57959", url="https://publichealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e57959", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39083331" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/54723, author="Sacher, M. Paul and Fulton, Emily and Rogers, Victoria and Wilson, Julia and Gramatica, Marco and Dent, E. Jennifer and Aarts, O. Edo and Eccleston, David and Greve, Willem Jan and Palm-Meinders, Inge and Chuttani, Ram", title="Impact of a Health Coach--Led, Text-Based Digital Behavior Change Intervention on Weight Loss and Psychological Well-Being in Patients Receiving a Procedureless Intragastric Balloon Program: Prospective Single-Arm Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Jul", day="31", volume="8", pages="e54723", keywords="intragastric balloon", keywords="obesity", keywords="behavior change", keywords="health coaching", keywords="digital health", keywords="weight management", keywords="well-being", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Digital health interventions show promise for weight management. However, few text-based behavior change interventions have been designed to support patients receiving intragastric balloons, and none have simultaneously evaluated weight loss, psychological well-being, and behavior change despite the crucial interplay of these factors in weight management. Objective: This study aims to assess whether a health coach--led, asynchronous, text-based digital behavior change coaching intervention (DBCCI) delivered to participants receiving an intragastric balloon and its aftercare program was feasible and acceptable to participants and supported improved outcomes, including weight loss, psychological well-being, and lifestyle behavior change conducive to weight loss maintenance. Methods: This 12-month, single-arm prospective study enrolled adults aged 21 to 65 years with BMI ?27?kg/m2 receiving a procedureless intragastric balloon (PIGB) at 5 bariatric clinics in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Participants received the DBCCI and the clinic-led PIGB aftercare program (remotely delivered) for 6 months after PIGB placement and then no intervention for an additional 6 months. The DBCCI was an evidence-based, personalized intervention wherein health coaches supported participants via exchanged asynchronous in-app text-based messages. Over the 12-month study, we assessed percentage of total body weight loss and psychological well-being via self-administered validated questionnaires (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Impact of Weight on Quality of Life--Lite--Clinical Trials Version, Loss of Control Over Eating Scale--Brief, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire--Short Form, and Barriers to Being Active Quiz). Participant engagement with and acceptability of the intervention were assessed via self-reported surveys. Results: Overall, 107 participants (n=96, 89.7\% female; mean baseline BMI 35.4, SD 5.4?kg/m2) were included in the analysis. Mean total body weight loss was 13.5\% (SEM 2.3\%) at the end of the DBCCI and 11.22\% (SEM 2.3\%) at the 12-month follow-up (P<.001). Improvements were observed for all psychological well-being measures throughout the 12 months except for the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (improvement at month?1) and Barriers to Being Active Quiz (improvements at months?3 and 6). Surveys showed high levels of engagement with and acceptability of the DBCCI. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that the health coach--led, asynchronous, text-based DBCCI was engaging and acceptable to participants with overweight and obesity. The DBCCI, delivered alongside the PIGB and its aftercare program, supported improved weight loss outcomes and psychological well-being versus baseline and was associated with lifestyle behavior changes known to help achieve and maintain long-term weight loss and improved health outcomes. Follow-up findings suggest a potential need for longer-term, more intense coaching to focus on weight loss maintenance and support ongoing self-coaching. This could be achieved by leveraging generative artificial intelligence to provide ongoing automated behavior change coaching support to augment human-led care. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05884606; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05884606 ", doi="10.2196/54723", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e54723", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39083340" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/43894, author="Sides, Teresa and Kbaier, Dhouha", title="Investigating How the Use of Technology Can Reduce Missed Appointments: Quantitative Case Study at a General Practitioner Surgery", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Jul", day="29", volume="26", pages="e43894", keywords="National Health Service", keywords="primary care", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="SMS reminders", keywords="missed appointments", keywords="quantitative research", keywords="Kruskal-Wallis test", keywords="Mann-Whitney test", abstract="Background: SMS texting systems have been considered a potential solution to reduce missed appointments in primary care. Existing research in this area focuses on qualitative studies investigating the attitudes of SMS text users and receivers. Objective: This study aimed to examine appointment data from an independent general practitioner (GP) surgery in Wrexham, United Kingdom, with approximately 15,000 patients, to determine the impact of text messaging systems on reducing missed appointments. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of text messages can effectively reduce missed appointments. Methods: To collect data for the study, SQL reports were run on EMIS Web, the United Kingdom's most widely used clinical system. The data spanned 10 years, from September 1, 2010, to March 31, 2020. Data accuracy was verified by cross-referencing with appointment diary records. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, chosen for their suitability in comparing groups in nonparametric settings, were conducted in Microsoft Excel due to its accessibility. Results: Statistical analyses were conducted to compare data before and after implementation of the text messaging system. The results revealed a significant 42.8\% reduction in missed appointments (before: 5848; after: 3343; P<.001). Further analysis of demographic characteristics revealed interesting trends, with no significant difference in missed appointments between genders, and variations observed across different age groups. The median number of missed appointments was not significantly different between genders (women: 1.55, IQR 1.11-2.16; men: 1.61, IQR 1.08-2.12; P=.73). Despite the prevalence of mobile phone use among young adults aged 20-25 years, the highest rates of missed appointments (848/7256, 11.7\%) were noted in this group, whereas the lowest rates were noted in the 75-80 years age group (377/7256; 5.2\%; P<.001). Analysis by age and gender indicated inconsistencies: women aged 20-25 years (571/4216) and men aged 35-40 years (306/3040) had the highest rates of missed appointments, whereas women aged 70-75 years (177/4216) and men aged 75-80 years (129/3040) had the lowest rates (P<.001 for both). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that SMS text messaging in primary care can significantly reduce missed appointments. Implementing technology such as SMS text messaging systems enables patients to cancel appointments on time, leading to improved efficiency in primary care settings. ", doi="10.2196/43894", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e43894", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39073855" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/52395, author="Bulcha, Gebeyehu and Abdissa, Gutema Hordofa and Noll, Josef and Sori, Amenu Demisew and Koricha, Birhanu Zewdie", title="Effectiveness of a Mobile Phone Messaging--Based Message Framing Intervention for Improving Maternal Health Service Uptake and Newborn Care Practice in Rural Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="Jul", day="23", volume="13", pages="e52395", keywords="message framing", keywords="mHealth", keywords="digital health", keywords="SMS", keywords="maternal health", keywords="newborn health", keywords="cluster randomized controlled trials", keywords="RCT", keywords="Ethiopia", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="SMS-based interventions", keywords="text messaging", keywords="maternal", keywords="newborn care practice", keywords="randomized", keywords="controlled trial", keywords="controlled trials", keywords="mobile phone messaging", keywords="phone-based intervention", abstract="Background: Ethiopia has high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality. In 2019 and 2020, the maternal and newborn mortality rates were estimated at 412 per 1,000,000 births and 30 per 10,000 births, respectively. While mobile health interventions to improve maternal and neonatal health management have shown promising results, there are still insufficient scientific studies to assess the effectiveness of mobile phone messaging--based message framing for maternal and newborn health. Objective: This research aims to examine the effectiveness of mobile phone messaging--based message framing for improving the use of maternal and newborn health services in the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: A 3-arm cluster-randomized trial design was used to evaluate the effects of mobile phone--based intervention on maternal and newborn health service usage. The trial arms were (1) gain-framed messages (2) loss-framed messages, and (3) usual care. A total of 21 health posts were randomized, and 588 pregnant women who had a gestational age of 16-20 weeks, irrespective of their antenatal care status, were randomly assigned to the trial arms. The intervention consisted of a series of messages dispatched from the date of enrolment until 6-8 months. The control group received existing care without messages. The primary outcomes were maternal health service usage and newborn care practice, while knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, iron supplementation, and neonatal and maternal morbidity were secondary outcomes. The outcomes will be analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model and the findings will be reported according to the CONSORT-EHEALTH (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials of Electronic and Mobile HEalth Applications and onLine TeleHealth) statement for randomized controlled trials. Results: Recruitment of participants was conducted and the baseline survey was administered in March 2023. The intervention was rolled out from May 2023 till December 2023. The end-line assessment was conducted in February 2024. Conclusions: This trial was carried out to understand how mobile phone--based messaging can improve maternal and newborn health service usage. It provides evidence for policy guidelines around mobile health strategies to improve maternal and newborn health. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR202201753436676; https://tinyurl.com/ykhnpc49 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/52395 ", doi="10.2196/52395", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e52395" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/59496, author="Jiang, Nan and Zhao, Ariel and Rogers, S. Erin and Cupertino, Paula Ana and Zhao, Xiaoquan and Cartujano-Barrera, Francisco and Siu, Katherine and Sherman, E. Scott", title="Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of a Social Media--Based Peer-Group Mobile Messaging Smoking Cessation Intervention Among Chinese Immigrants who Smoke: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Jul", day="22", volume="12", pages="e59496", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="tobacco", keywords="mHealth", keywords="social media", keywords="Chinese American", keywords="immigrant", keywords="smoking", keywords="smoker", keywords="mobile messaging", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="tobacco use", keywords="feasibility", keywords="acceptability", keywords="nicotine replacement therapy", abstract="Background: Chinese immigrants experience significant disparities in tobacco use. Culturally adapted tobacco treatments targeting this population are sparse and the use is low. The low use of these treatment programs is attributed to their exclusive focus on individuals who are ready to quit and the wide range of barriers that Chinese immigrants face to access these programs. To support Chinese immigrant smokers at all levels of readiness to quit and address their access barriers, we developed the WeChat Quit Coach, a culturally and linguistically appropriate WeChat (Tencent Holdings Limited)--based peer group mobile messaging smoking cessation intervention. Objective: This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of WeChat Quit Coach. Methods: We enrolled a total of 60 Chinese immigrant smokers in 2022 in New York City for a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a single-arm pilot test. The first 40 participants were randomized to either the intervention arm (WeChat Quit Coach) or the control arm (self-help print material) using 1:1 block randomization stratified by sex. WeChat Quit Coach lasted 6 weeks, featuring small peer groups moderated by a coach, daily text messages with text questions, and chat-based instant messaging support from the coach in response to peer questions. The next 20 participants were enrolled in the single-arm pilot test to further assess intervention feasibility and acceptability. All 60 participants were offered a 4-week supply of complimentary nicotine replacement therapy. Surveys were administered at baseline and 6 weeks, with participants in the pilot RCT completing an additional survey at 6 months and biochemical verification of abstinence at both follow-ups. Results: Of 74 individuals screened, 68 (92\%) were eligible and 60 (88\%) were enrolled. The majority of participants, with a mean age of 42.5 (SD 13.8) years, were male (49/60, 82\%) and not ready to quit, with 70\% (42/60) in the precontemplation or contemplation stage at the time of enrollment. The pilot RCT had follow-up rates of 98\% (39/40) at 6 weeks and 93\% (37/40) at 6 months, while the single-arm test achieved 100\% follow-up at 6 weeks. On average, participants responded to daily text questions for 25.1 days over the 42-day intervention period and 23\% (9/40) used the chat-based instant messaging support. Most participants were satisfied with WeChat Quit Coach (36/39, 92\%) and would recommend it to others (32/39, 82\%). At 6 months, self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence rates were 25\% (5/20) in the intervention arm and 15\% (3/20) in the control arm, with biochemically verified abstinence rates of 25\% (5/20) and 5\% (1/20), respectively. Conclusions: WeChat Quit Coach was feasible and well-received by Chinese immigrants who smoke and produced promising effects on abstinence. Large trials are warranted to assess its efficacy in promoting abstinence in this underserved population. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05130788; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05130788 ", doi="10.2196/59496", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e59496", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39037756" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/54623, author="Li, Yun and Xiao, Qiuli and Chen, Min and Jiang, Chunhua and Kang, Shurong and Zhang, Ying and Huang, Jun and Yang, Yulin and Li, Mu and Jiang, Hong", title="Improving Parental Health Literacy in Primary Caregivers of 0- to 3-Year-Old Children Through a WeChat Official Account: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Public Health Surveill", year="2024", month="Jul", day="4", volume="10", pages="e54623", keywords="health literacy", keywords="WeChat", keywords="cluster randomized controlled trial", keywords="RCT", keywords="randomized", keywords="controlled trial", keywords="controlled trials", keywords="parental", keywords="parenting", keywords="parents", keywords="parent", keywords="China", keywords="Chinese", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="app", keywords="apps", keywords="applications", keywords="pediatric", keywords="pediatrics", keywords="paediatric", keywords="paediatrics", keywords="infant", keywords="infants", keywords="infancy", keywords="baby", keywords="babies", keywords="neonate", keywords="neonates", keywords="neonatal", keywords="newborn", keywords="newborns", keywords="toddler", keywords="toddlers", abstract="Background: Parental health literacy is important to children's health and development, especially in the first 3 years. However, few studies have explored effective intervention strategies to improve parental literacy. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of a WeChat official account (WOA)--based intervention on parental health literacy of primary caregivers of children aged 0-3 years. Methods: This cluster randomized controlled trial enrolled 1332 caregiver-child dyads from all 13 community health centers (CHCs) in Minhang District, Shanghai, China, between April 2020 and April 2021. Participants in intervention CHCs received purposefully designed videos via a WOA, which automatically recorded the times of watching for each participant, supplemented with reading materials from other trusted web-based sources. The contents of the videos were constructed in accordance with the comprehensive parental health literacy model of WHO (World Health Organization)/Europe (WHO/Europe). Participants in control CHCs received printed materials similar to the intervention group. All the participants were followed up for 9 months. Both groups could access routine child health services as usual during follow-up. The primary outcome was parental health literacy measured by a validated instrument, the Chinese Parental Health Literacy Questionnaire (CPHLQ) of children aged 0-3 years. Secondary outcomes included parenting behaviors and children's health outcomes. We used the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) for data analyses and performed different subgroup analyses. The $\beta$ coefficient, risk ratio (RR), and their 95\% CI were used to assess the intervention's effect. Results: After the 9-month intervention, 69.4\% (518/746) of caregivers had watched at least 1 video. Participants in the intervention group had higher CPHLQ total scores ($\beta$=2.51, 95\% CI 0.12-4.91) and higher psychological scores ($\beta$=1.63, 95\% CI 0.16-3.10) than those in the control group. The intervention group also reported a higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 months (38.9\% vs 23.44\%; RR 1.90, 95\% CI 1.07-3.38) and a higher awareness rate of vitamin D supplementation for infants younger than 6 months (76.7\% vs 70.5\%; RR 1.39, 95\% CI 1.06-1.82). No significant effects were detected for the physical score on the CPHLQ, breastfeeding rate, routine checkup rate, and children's health outcomes. Furthermore, despite slight subgroup differences in the intervention's effects on the total CPHLQ score and EBF rate, no interaction effect was observed between these subgroup factors and intervention factors. Conclusions: Using a WHO literacy model--based health intervention through a WOA has the potential of improving parental health literacy and EBF rates at 6 months. However, innovative strategies and evidence-based content are required to engage more participants and achieve better intervention outcomes. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000031711; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=51740 ", doi="10.2196/54623", url="https://publichealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e54623" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55722, author="Hooker, A. Stephanie and Crain, Lauren A. and Muegge, Jule and Rossom, C. Rebecca and Pronk, P. Nicolaas and Pasumarthi, Prasad Dhavan and Kunisetty, Gopikrishna and Masters, S. Kevin", title="Applying Meaning and Self-Determination Theory to the Development of a Web-Based mHealth Physical Activity Intervention: Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Jun", day="25", volume="8", pages="e55722", keywords="physical activity", keywords="midlife", keywords="digital health", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="theory-based", keywords="meaning in life", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Meaning in life is positively associated with health, well-being, and longevity, which may be partially explained by engagement in healthier behaviors, including physical activity (PA). However, promoting awareness of meaning is a behavior change strategy that has not been tested in previous PA interventions. Objective: This study aims to develop, refine, and pilot-test the Meaningful Activity Program (MAP; MAP to Health), a web-based mobile health PA intervention, theoretically grounded in meaning and self-determination theory, for insufficiently active middle-aged adults. Methods: Following an iterative user-testing and refinement phase, we used a single-arm double baseline proof-of-concept pilot trial design. Participants included 35 insufficiently active adults in midlife (aged 40-64 years) interested in increasing their PA. After a 4-week baseline period, participants engaged in MAP to Health for 8 weeks. MAP to Health used a web-based assessment and just-in-time SMS text messaging to individualize the intervention; promote meaning salience; support the basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness; and increase PA. Participants completed measures of the hypothesized mechanisms of behavior change, including meaning salience, needs satisfaction, and autonomous motivation at pretest (?4 weeks), baseline (0 weeks), midpoint (4 weeks), and posttest (8 weeks) time points, and wore accelerometers for the study duration. At the end of the intervention, participants completed a qualitative interview. Mixed models compared changes in behavioral mechanisms during the intervention to changes before the intervention. Framework matrix analyses were used to analyze qualitative data. Results: Participants were aged 50.8 (SD 8.2) years on average; predominantly female (27/35, 77\%); and 20\% (7/35) Asian, 9\% (3/35) Black or African American, 66\% (23/35) White, and 6\% (2/35) other race. Most (32/35, 91\%) used MAP to Health for ?5 of 8 weeks. Participants rated the intervention as easy to use (mean 4.3, SD 0.8 [out of 5.0]) and useful (mean 4.3, SD 0.6). None of the hypothesized mechanisms changed significantly during the preintervention phase (Cohen d values <0.15). However, autonomy (P<.001; Cohen d=0.76), competence (P<.001; Cohen d=0.65), relatedness (P=.004; Cohen d=0.46), autonomous motivation (P<.001; Cohen d=0.37), and meaning salience (P<.001; Cohen d=0.40) increased significantly during the intervention. Comparison of slopes before the intervention versus during the intervention revealed that increases during the intervention were significantly greater for autonomy (P=.002), competence (P<.001), and meaning salience (P=.001); however, slopes were not significantly different for relatedness (P=.10) and autonomous motivation (P=.17). Qualitative themes offered suggestions for improvement. Conclusions: MAP to Health was acceptable to participants, feasible to deliver, and associated with increases in the target mechanisms of behavior change. This is the first intervention to use meaning as a behavior change strategy in a PA intervention. Future research will test the efficacy of the intervention in increasing PA compared to a control condition. ", doi="10.2196/55722", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e55722" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/54946, author="Skolarus, E. Lesli and Lin, Chieh Chun and Mishra, Sonali and Meurer, William and Dinh, Mackenzie and Whitfield, Candace and Bi, Ran and Brown, Devin and Oteng, Rockefeller and Buis, R. Lorraine and Kidwell, Kelley", title="Engagement in mHealth-Prompted Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Participants Recruited From a Safety-Net Emergency Department: Secondary Analysis of the Reach Out Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Jun", day="12", volume="12", pages="e54946", keywords="hypertension", keywords="self-measured blood pressure", keywords="mobile health", keywords="blood pressure", keywords="emergency", keywords="blood pressure monitoring", keywords="risk factor", keywords="cardiovascular", keywords="cardiovascular disease", keywords="utilization", keywords="feedback", keywords="care", keywords="systolic blood pressure", keywords="emergency department", keywords="mHealth", keywords="health disparities", keywords="engagement", abstract="Background: Hypertension, a key modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is more prevalent among Black and low-income individuals. To address this health disparity, leveraging safety-net emergency departments for scalable mobile health (mHealth) interventions, specifically using text messaging for self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring, presents a promising strategy. This study investigates patterns of engagement, associated factors, and the impact of engagement on lowering blood pressure (BP) in an underserved population. Objective: We aimed to identify patterns of engagement with prompted SMBP monitoring with feedback, factors associated with engagement, and the association of engagement with lowered BP. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from Reach Out, an mHealth, factorial trial among 488 hypertensive patients recruited from a safety-net emergency department in Flint, Michigan. Reach Out participants were randomized to weekly or daily text message prompts to measure their BP and text in their responses. Engagement was defined as a BP response to the prompt. The k-means clustering algorithm and visualization were used to determine the pattern of SMBP engagement by SMBP prompt frequency---weekly or daily. BP was remotely measured at 12 months. For each prompt frequency group, logistic regression models were used to assess the univariate association of demographics, access to care, and comorbidities with high engagement. We then used linear mixed-effects models to explore the association between engagement and systolic BP at 12 months, estimated using average marginal effects. Results: For both SMBP prompt groups, the optimal number of engagement clusters was 2, which we defined as high and low engagement. Of the 241 weekly participants, 189 (78.4\%) were low (response rate: mean 20\%, SD 23.4) engagers, and 52 (21.6\%) were high (response rate: mean 86\%, SD 14.7) engagers. Of the 247 daily participants, 221 (89.5\%) were low engagers (response rate: mean 9\%, SD 12.2), and 26 (10.5\%) were high (response rate: mean 67\%, SD 8.7) engagers. Among weekly participants, those who were older (>65 years of age), attended some college (vs no college), married or lived with someone, had Medicare (vs Medicaid), were under the care of a primary care doctor, and took antihypertensive medication in the last 6 months had higher odds of high engagement. Participants who lacked transportation to appointments had lower odds of high engagement. In both prompt frequency groups, participants who were high engagers had a greater decline in BP compared to low engagers. Conclusions: Participants randomized to weekly SMBP monitoring prompts responded more frequently overall and were more likely to be classed as high engagers compared to participants who received daily prompts. High engagement was associated with a larger decrease in BP. New strategies to encourage engagement are needed for participants with lower access to care. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03422718; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03422718 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s13063-020-04340-z ", doi="10.2196/54946", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e54946" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/49040, author="Chen, Dongjin and Han, Wenchao and Yang, Yili and Pan, Jay", title="Doctors' Personal Preference and Adoption of Mobile Apps to Communicate with Patients in China: Qualitative Study", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Jun", day="10", volume="12", pages="e49040", keywords="medical platforms", keywords="doctor-patient communication", keywords="social networking apps", keywords="thematic content analysis", keywords="China", abstract="Background: Different kinds of mobile apps are used to promote communications between patients and doctors. Studies have investigated patients' mobile app adoption behavior; however, they offer limited insights into doctors' personal preferences among a variety of choices of mobile apps. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the nuanced adoption behaviors among doctors in China, which has a robust adoption of mobile apps in health care, and to explore the constraints influencing their selection of specific mobile apps. This paper addressed 3 research questions: (1) Which doctors opt to adopt mobile apps to communicate with patients? (2) What types of mobile apps do they choose? (3) To what degree do they exercise personal choice in adopting specific mobile apps? Methods: We used thematic content analysis of qualitative data gathered from semistructured interviews with 11 doctors in Hangzhou, which has been recognized for its advanced adoption of mobile technology in social services, including health care services. The selection of participants was purposive, encompassing diverse departments and hospitals. Results: In total, 5 themes emerged from the data analysis. First, the interviewees had a variety of options for communicating with patients via mobile apps, with the predominant ones being social networking apps (eg, WeChat) and medical platforms (eg, Haodf). Second, all interviewees used WeChat to facilitate communication with patients, although their willingness to share personal accounts varied (they are more likely to share with trusty intermediaries). Third, fewer than half of the doctors adopted medical platforms, and they were all from tertiary hospitals. Fourth, the preferences for in-person, WeChat, or medical platform communication reflected the interviewees' perceptions of different patient cohorts. Lastly, the selection of a particular kind of mobile app was significantly influenced by the doctors' affiliation with hospitals, driven by their professional obligations to fulfill multiple tasks assigned by the hospitals or the necessity of maintaining social connections with their colleagues. Conclusions: Our findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of doctors' adoption behavior regarding specific types of mobile apps for patient communication, instead of addressing such adoption behavior of a wide range of mobile apps as equal. Their choices of a particular kind of app were positioned within a social context where health care policies (eg, limited funding for public hospitals, dominance of public health care institutions, and absence of robust referral systems) and traditional culture (eg, trust based on social connections) largely shape their behavioral patterns. ", doi="10.2196/49040", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e49040", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38857491" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48520, author="Tran, Dieu-My and Dingley, Catherine and Bonilla, Roger", title="mHealth Intervention for Elevated Blood Pressure Among College Students: Single-Arm Intervention Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Jun", day="7", volume="8", pages="e48520", keywords="blood pressure", keywords="mHealth", keywords="self-management", keywords="students", keywords="intervention", keywords="elevated blood pressure", keywords="college", keywords="hypertension", keywords="young adult", keywords="mobile app", keywords="smartphone", keywords="monitoring", keywords="text messaging", keywords="text mining", abstract="Background: Current evidence reveals a growing pattern of hypertension among young adults, significantly increasing their risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Young adults, particularly those of college age, often develop risk factors related to lifestyle choices in diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption. Developing useful interventions that can assist with screening and possible behavioral modifications that are suitable and appealing to college-aged young adults could help with early identification and intervention for hypertension. Recent studies indicate mobile health (mHealth) apps are acceptable and effective for communication and message delivery among this population. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a mobile smartphone delivery system that provides tailored messages based on participant self-measured blood pressure (BP) with college-aged young adults. Methods: Using a single-arm intervention, pilot study design, the mHealth to Optimize BP Improvement (MOBILE) intervention was implemented with college students aged 18 years to 39 years who had systolic BP >120 mm Hg and diastolic BP ?80 mm Hg. Participants were required to measure their BP daily for 28 days, submit the readings to the app, and receive preset educational text messages tailored to their BP value and related to encouraging healthy lifestyle modifications. Changes in a participant's BP was evaluated using a mixed regression model, and a postintervention survey evaluated their perspectives on the mHealth intervention. Results: The participants' (N=9) mean age was 22.64 (SD 4.54) years; 56\% (5/9) were overweight, and 11\% (1/9) were obese. The average daily participation rate was 86\%. Of the 9 participants, 8 completed the survey, and all indicated the intervention was easy to use, found it increased awareness of their individual BP levels, indicated the text messages were helpful, and reported making lifestyle changes based on the study intervention. They also provided suggestions for future implementation of the intervention and program. Overall, no significant changes were noted in BP over the 28 days. Conclusions: The mHealth-supported MOBILE intervention for BP monitoring and tailored text messaging was feasible to implement, as our study indicated high rates of participation and acceptability. These encouraging findings support further development and testing in a larger sample over a longer time frame and hold the potential for early identification and intervention among college-aged adults, filling a gap in current research. ", doi="10.2196/48520", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e48520", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38848120" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/50783, author="Jiang, Lulu and Xu, Jiehui and Wu, Yanwei and Liu, Yanyan and Wang, Xiyi and Hu, Yun", title="Effects of the ``AI-TA'' Mobile App With Intelligent Design on Psychological and Related Symptoms of Young Survivors of Breast Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Jun", day="4", volume="12", pages="e50783", keywords="mobile app", keywords="artificial intelligence", keywords="interactivity", keywords="breast cancer", keywords="psychological symptoms", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="social support", keywords="quality of life", abstract="Background: Young women often face substantial psychological challenges in the initial years following cancer diagnosis, leading to a comparatively lower quality of life than older survivors. While mobile apps have emerged as potential interventions, their effectiveness remains inconclusive due to the diversity in intervention types and variation in follow-up periods. Furthermore, there is a particular dearth of evidence regarding the efficacy of these apps' intelligent features in addressing psychological distress with these apps. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app with intelligent design called ``AI-TA'' on cancer-related psychological health and ongoing symptoms with a randomized controlled design. Methods: Women aged 18 to 45 years diagnosed with breast cancer were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention was AI-TA, which included 2-way web-based follow-up every 2 weeks. Both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses employed repeated measurement analysis of variance. The participants' background features, primary outcomes (psychological distress and frequency, self-efficacy, and social support), and secondary outcomes (quality of life) were measured using multiple instruments at 3 time points (baseline, 1-month intervention, and 3-month intervention). Results: A total of 124 participants were randomly allocated to the control group (n=62, 50\%) or intervention group (n=62, 50\%). In total, 92.7\% (115/124) of the participants completed the intervention. Significant improvements in psychological symptoms (Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form) were observed in the ITT group from baseline to 1-month intervention relative to the control group (ITT vs control: 1.17 vs 1.23; P<.001), which persisted at 3-month follow-up (ITT vs control: 0.68 vs 0.91; P<.001). Both the ITT and PP groups exhibited greater improvements in self-efficacy (Cancer Behavior Inventory-Brief Version) than the control group at 1-month (ITT vs PP vs control: 82.83 vs 77.12 vs 65.35; P<.001) and 3-month intervention (ITT vs PP vs control: 92.83 vs 89.30 vs 85.65; P<.001). However, the change in social support (Social Support Rating Scale) did not increase significantly until 3-month intervention (ITT vs control: 50.09 vs 45.10; P=.002) (PP vs control: 49.78 vs 45.10; P<.001). All groups also experienced beneficial effects on quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast), which persisted at 3-month follow-up (P<.001). Conclusions: The intelligent mobile app AI-TA incorporating intelligent design shows promise for reducing psychological and cancer-related symptoms among young survivors of breast cancer. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200058823; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=151195 ", doi="10.2196/50783", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e50783", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38833298" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40275, author="Walters, Clarice and Gratzer, David and Dang, Kevin and Laposa, Judith and Knyahnytska, Yuliya and Ortiz, Abigail and Gonzalez-Torres, Christina and Moore, P. Lindsay and Chen, Sheng and Ma, Clement and Daskalakis, Zafiris and Ritvo, Paul", title="The Use of Text Messaging as an Adjunct to Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder in Youth: Secondary Analysis", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="May", day="31", volume="8", pages="e40275", keywords="online intervention", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="major depressive disorder", keywords="text message", keywords="online", keywords="cognitive", keywords="behavior therapy", keywords="treatment", keywords="depression", keywords="disorder", keywords="symptoms", keywords="young adults", keywords="wellness", keywords="procedure", keywords="anxiety", keywords="model", abstract="Background: As an established treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is now implemented and assessed in internet-based formats that, when combined with smartphone apps, enable secure text messaging. As an adjunct to such internet-based CBT (ICBT) approaches, text messaging has been associated with increased adherence and therapeutic alliance. Objective: This study analyzed data from the intervention arm of a randomized control trial evaluating 24-week ICBT for MDD (intervention arm) against standard-care psychiatry (waitlist control). The aim of this secondary analysis was to assess MDD symptom improvement in relation to the frequency and content of text messages sent by ICBT participants to Navigator-Coaches during randomized control trial participation. Higher text frequency in general and in 3 conceptual categories (appreciating alliance, alliance building disclosures, and agreement confirmation) was hypothesized to predict larger MDD symptom improvement. Methods: Participants were young adults (18-30 years) from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. The frequencies of categorized texts from 20 ICBT completers were analyzed with respect to MDD symptom improvement using linear regression models. Texts were coded by 2 independent coders and categorized using content analysis. MDD symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Results: Participants sent an average of 136 text messages. Analyses indicated that BDI-II improvement was negatively associated with text messaging frequency in general ($\beta$=--0.029, 95\% CI --0.11 to 0.048) and in each of the 3 categories: appreciating alliance ($\beta$=--0.096, 95\% CI --0.80 to 0.61), alliance building disclosures ($\beta$=--0.098, 95\% CI --0.28 to 0.084), and agreement confirmation ($\beta$=--0.076, 95\% CI --0.40 to 0.25). Altogether, the effect of text messaging on BDI-II improvement was uniformly negative across statistical models. More text messaging appeared associated with less MDD symptom improvement. Conclusions: The hypothesized positive associations between conceptually categorized text messages and MDD symptom improvement were not supported in this study. Instead, more text messaging appeared to indicate less treatment benefit. Future studies with larger samples are needed to discern the optimal use of text messaging in ICBT approaches using adjunctive modes of communication. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.gov NCT03406052; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03406052 ", doi="10.2196/40275", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e40275", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38820586" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47996, author="Musiimenta, Angella and Tumuhimbise, Wilson and Atukunda, Esther and Mugaba, Aaron and Linnemayr, Sebastian and Haberer, Jessica", title="Digital Adherence Technologies Linked to Mobile Money Incentives for Medication Adherence Among People Living With Tuberculosis: Mixed Methods Feasibility and Acceptability Study", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2024", month="May", day="31", volume="11", pages="e47996", keywords="digital adherence technologies", keywords="real-time monitoring", keywords="SMS text message reminders", keywords="mobile money", keywords="financial incentives", keywords="tuberculosis", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="user-centered approach", abstract="Background: Complementing digital adherence technologies (DATs) with mobile money incentives may improve their utility in supporting tuberculosis medication adherence, yet the feasibility and acceptability of this integrated approach remain unclear. Objective: This study aims to describe the feasibility and acceptability of a novel DAT intervention called My Mobile Wallet composed of real-time adherence monitoring, SMS text message reminders, and mobile money incentives for tuberculosis medication adherence in a low-income setting. Methods: We purposively recruited people living with tuberculosis from the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Mbarara, Uganda, who (1) were starting tuberculosis treatment at enrollment or within the past 4 weeks, (2) owned a mobile phone, (3) were able to use SMS test messaging, (4) were aged ?18 years, and (5) were living in Mbarara district. At study exit (month 6), we used interviews and questionnaires informed by the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to collect feasibility and acceptability data, reflecting patients' experiences of using each component of My Mobile Wallet. Feasibility also included tracking the functionality of the adherence monitor (ie, an electronic pillbox) as well as SMS text message and mobile money delivery. We used a content analytical approach to inductively analyze qualitative data and Stata (version 13; StataCorp LLC) to analyze quantitative data. Results: All 39 participants reported that the intervention was feasible because it was easy for them to use (eg, access and read SMS text messages) and worked as expected. Almost all SMS text messages (6880/7064, 97.4\%) were sent as planned. The transmission of adherence data from the monitor worked well, with 98.37\% (5682/5776) of the data transmitted as planned. All participants additionally reported that the intervention was acceptable because it helped them take their tuberculosis medication as prescribed; the mobile money incentives relieved them of tuberculosis-related financial burdens; SMS text message reminders and electronic pillbox--based alarms reminded them to take their medication on time; and participants perceived real-time adherence monitoring as ``being watched'' while taking their medication, which encouraged them to take their medication on time to demonstrate their commitment. The intervention was perceived as a sign of care, which eventually created emotional support and a sense of connectedness to health care. Participants preferred daily SMS text message reminders (32/39, 82\%) to reminders linked to missed doses (7/39, 18\%), citing the fact that tuberculosis medication is taken daily. Conclusions: The use of real-time adherence monitoring linked to SMS text message reminders and mobile money incentives for tuberculosis medication adherence was feasible and acceptable in a low-resource setting where poverty-based structural barriers heavily constrain tuberculosis treatment and care. ", doi="10.2196/47996", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2024/1/e47996", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38819905" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/50976, author="Xu, Yucan and Chan, Shaunlyn Christian and Chan, Evangeline and Chen, Junyou and Cheung, Florence and Xu, Zhongzhi and Liu, Joyce and Yip, Fai Paul Siu", title="Tracking and Profiling Repeated Users Over Time in Text-Based Counseling: Longitudinal Observational Study With Hierarchical Clustering", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="May", day="30", volume="26", pages="e50976", keywords="web-based counseling", keywords="text-based counseling", keywords="repeated users", keywords="frequent users", keywords="hierarchical clustering", keywords="service effectiveness", keywords="risk profiling", keywords="psychological profiles", keywords="psycholinguistic analysis", abstract="Background: Due to their accessibility and anonymity, web-based counseling services are expanding at an unprecedented rate. One of the most prominent challenges such services face is repeated users, who represent a small fraction of total users but consume significant resources by continually returning to the system and reiterating the same narrative and issues. A deeper understanding of repeated users and tailoring interventions may help improve service efficiency and effectiveness. Previous studies on repeated users were mainly on telephone counseling, and the classification of repeated users tended to be arbitrary and failed to capture the heterogeneity in this group of users. Objective: In this study, we aimed to develop a systematic method to profile repeated users and to understand what drives their use of the service. By doing so, we aimed to provide insight and practical implications that can inform the provision of service catering to different types of users and improve service effectiveness. Methods: We extracted session data from 29,400 users from a free 24/7 web-based counseling service from 2018 to 2021. To systematically investigate the heterogeneity of repeated users, hierarchical clustering was used to classify the users based on 3 indicators of service use behaviors, including the duration of their user journey, use frequency, and intensity. We then compared the psychological profile of the identified subgroups including their suicide risks and primary concerns to gain insights into the factors driving their patterns of service use. Results: Three clusters of repeated users with clear psychological profiles were detected: episodic, intermittent, and persistent-intensive users. Generally, compared with one-time users, repeated users showed higher suicide risks and more complicated backgrounds, including more severe presenting issues such as suicide or self-harm, bullying, and addictive behaviors. Higher frequency and intensity of service use were also associated with elevated suicide risk levels and a higher proportion of users citing mental disorders as their primary concerns. Conclusions: This study presents a systematic method of identifying and classifying repeated users in web-based counseling services. The proposed bottom-up clustering method identified 3 subgroups of repeated users with distinct service behaviors and psychological profiles. The findings can facilitate frontline personnel in delivering more efficient interventions and the proposed method can also be meaningful to a wider range of services in improving service provision, resource allocation, and service effectiveness. ", doi="10.2196/50976", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e50976", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38815258" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/52156, author="Pan, Peng and Yu, Changhua and Li, Tao and Dai, Tingting and Tian, Hanhan and Xiong, Yaozu and Lv, Jie and Hu, Xiaochu and Ma, Weidong and Yin, Wenda", title="Evaluating the Quality of Cancer-Related WeChat Public Accounts: Cross-Sectional Study", journal="JMIR Cancer", year="2024", month="May", day="30", volume="10", pages="e52156", keywords="cancer", keywords="big data", keywords="social media", keywords="health literacy", keywords="WeChat", keywords="China", keywords="public health", abstract="Background: WeChat (Tencent) is one of the most important information sources for Chinese people. Relevantly, various health-related data are constantly transmitted among WeChat users. WeChat public accounts (WPAs) for health are rapidly emerging. Health-related WeChat public accounts have a significant impact on public health. Because of the rise in web-based health-seeking behavior, the general public has grown accustomed to obtaining cancer information from WPAs. Although WPAs make it easy for people to obtain health information, the quality of the information is questionable. Objective: This study aims to assess the quality and suitability of cancer-related WeChat public accounts (CWPAs). Methods: The survey was conducted from February 1 to 28, 2023. Based on the WPA monthly list provided by Qingbo Big Data, 28 CWPAs in the WeChat communication index were selected as the survey sample. Quality assessment of the included CWPAs was performed using the HONcode instrument. Furthermore, suitability was measured by using the Suitability Assessment of Materials. A total of 2 researchers conducted the evaluations independently. Results: Of the 28 CWPAs, 12 (43\%) were academic and 16 (57\%) were commercial. No statistical difference was found regarding the HONcode scores between the 2 groups (P=.96). The quality of the academic and commercial CWPAs evaluated using the HONcode instrument demonstrated mean scores of 5.58 (SD 2.02) and 5.63 (SD 2.16), respectively, corresponding to a moderate class. All CWPAs' compliance with the HONcode principles was unsatisfactory. A statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in the Suitability Assessment of Materials scores (P=.04). The commercial WPAs reached an overall 55.1\% (SD 5.5\%) score versus the 50.2\% (SD 6.4\%) score reached by academic WPAs. The suitability of academic and commercial CWPAs was considered adequate. Conclusions: This study revealed that CWPAs are not sufficiently credible. WPA owners must endeavor to create reliable health websites using approved tools such as the HONcode criteria. However, it is necessary to educate the public about the evaluation tools of health websites to assess their credibility before using the provided content. In addition, improving readability will allow the public to read and understand the content. ", doi="10.2196/52156", url="https://cancer.jmir.org/2024/1/e52156", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38814688" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45561, author="Sapre, Manali and Elaiho, R. Cordelia and Brar Prayaga, Rena and Prayaga, Ram and Constable, Jeremy and Vangeepuram, Nita", title="The Development of a Text Messaging Platform to Enhance a Youth Diabetes Prevention Program: Observational Process Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="May", day="29", volume="8", pages="e45561", keywords="community-based participatory research", keywords="youth", keywords="diabetes prevention", keywords="peer education", keywords="mobile health technology", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="artificial intelligence", keywords="AI", abstract="Background: Approximately 1 in 5 adolescents in the United States has prediabetes, and racially and ethnically minoritized youths are disproportionately impacted. Unfortunately, there are few effective youth diabetes prevention programs, and in-person interventions are challenging because of barriers to access and engagement. Objective: We aimed to develop and assess the preliminary feasibility and acceptability of a youth-informed SMS text messaging platform to provide additional support and motivation to adolescents with prediabetes participating in a diabetes prevention workshop in East Harlem, New York City, New York, United States. We collaborated with our youth action board and a technology partner (mPulse Mobile) to develop and pilot-test the novel interactive platform. Methods: The technology subcommittee of our community action board (comprising youths and young adults) used the results from focus groups that we had previously conducted with youths from our community to develop 5 message types focused on healthy eating and active living: goal setting, behavior tracking, individually tailored guidance, motivational messages, and photo diary. We used an iterative process to develop and pilot the program with our internal study team, including youths from our community action board and mPulse Mobile developers. We then conducted a pilot of the 12-week SMS text messaging program with 13 youths with prediabetes. Results: Participants (aged 15-21 years; 10/13, 77\% female; 3/10, 23\% Black and 10/13, 77\% Hispanic or Latinx) received an average of 2 automated messages per day. The system correctly sent 84\% (2231/2656) of the messages at the time intended; the remaining 16\% (425/2656) of the messages were either sent at the incorrect time, or the system did not recognize a participant response to provide the appropriate reply. The level of engagement with the program ranged from 1 (little to no response) to 5 (highly responsive) based on how frequently participants responded to the interactive (2-way) messages. Highly responsive participants (6/13, 46\%) responded >75\% (1154/1538) of the time to interactive messages sent over 12 weeks, and 69\% (9/13) of the participants were still engaged with the program at week 12. During a focus group conducted after program completion, the participants remarked that the message frequency was appropriate, and those who had participated in our in-person workshops reflected that the messages were reminiscent of the workshop content. Participants rated goal setting, behavior tracking, and tailored messages most highly and informed planned adaptations to the platform. Participants described the program as: ``interactive, informative, enjoyable, very convenient, reliable, motivational, productive, and reflective.'' Conclusions: We partnered with youths in the initial content development and pilot testing of a novel SMS text messaging platform to support diabetes prevention. This study is unique in the triple partnership we formed among researchers, technology experts, and diverse youths to develop a mobile health platform to address diabetes-related disparities. ", doi="10.2196/45561", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e45561", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38809599" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/54595, author="Soltero, G. Erica and Musaad, M. Salma and O'Connor, M. Teresia and Thompson, Debbe and Norris, Keith and Beech, M. Bettina", title="Feasibility of Fit24, a Digital Diabetes Prevention Program for Hispanic Adolescents: Qualitative Evaluation Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="May", day="17", volume="8", pages="e54595", keywords="health disparities", keywords="diabetes prevention", keywords="Mexican youth", keywords="physical activity", keywords="sleep", keywords="digital health", abstract="Background: Digital health interventions are promising for reaching and engaging high-risk youth in disease prevention opportunities; however, few digital prevention interventions have been developed for Hispanic youth, limiting our knowledge of these strategies among this population. Objective: This study qualitatively assessed the feasibility and acceptability of Fit24, a 12-week goal-setting intervention that uses a Fitbit watch (Fitbit Inc) and theoretically grounded SMS text messages to promote physical activity and sleep among Hispanic adolescents (aged between 14 and 16 years) with obesity. Methods: After completing the intervention, a subsample of youth (N=15) participated in an in-depth interview. We categorized the themes into dimensions based on participant perspectives using the Practical, Robust Implementation, and Sustainability Model (PRISM) framework. Results: Participants shared positive perceptions of wearing the Fitbit and receiving SMS text messages. Youth were highly engaged in monitoring their behaviors and perceived increased activity and sleep. Almost all youth organically received social support from a peer or family member and suggested the use of a group chat or team challenge for integrating peers into future interventions. However, most youth also expressed the need to take personal responsibility for the change in their behavior. Barriers that impacted the feasibility of the study included the skin-irritating material on the Fitbit watch band and environmental barriers (eg, lack of resources and school schedules), that limited participation in activity suggestions. Additionally, sync issues with the Fitbit limited the transmission of data, leading to inaccurate feedback. Conclusions: Fit24 is a promising approach for engaging Hispanic youth in a diabetes prevention program. Strategies are needed to address technical issues with the Fitbit and environmental issues such as message timing. While integrating peer social support may be desired by some, peer support strategies should be mindful of youth's desire to foster personal motivation for behavior change. Findings from this study will inform future diabetes prevention trials of Fit24 and other digital health interventions for high-risk pediatric populations. ", doi="10.2196/54595", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e54595", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38758584" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42049, author="Schwab-Reese, Laura and Short, Caitlyn and Jacobs, Larel and Fingerman, Michelle", title="Rapport Building in Written Crisis Services: Qualitative Content Analysis", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="May", day="15", volume="26", pages="e42049", keywords="empathy", keywords="crisis hotline", keywords="child maltreatment", keywords="text hotline", keywords="chat hotline", keywords="telehealth", keywords="digital empathy", keywords="counseling", keywords="child abuse", keywords="family violence", keywords="crisis", keywords="hotline", keywords="chat", keywords="tele", keywords="emotional dynamics", keywords="therapeutic relationships", keywords="therapy", keywords="content analysis", keywords="text", keywords="inductive", keywords="deductive", keywords="emotion", keywords="affect", keywords="emotional dynamic", keywords="counseling psychology", abstract="Background: Building therapeutic relationships and social presence are challenging in digital services and maybe even more difficult in written services. Despite these difficulties, in-person care may not be feasible or accessible in all situations. Objective: This study aims to categorize crisis counselors' efforts to build rapport in written conversations by using deidentified conversation transcripts from the text and chat arms of the National Child Abuse Hotline. Using these categories, we identify the common characteristics of successful conversations. We defined success as conversations where help-seekers reported the hotline was a good way to seek help and that they were a lot more hopeful, a lot more informed, a lot more prepared to address the situation, and experiencing less stress, as reported by help-seekers. Methods: The sample consisted of transcripts from 314 purposely selected conversations from of the 1153 text and chat conversations during July 2020. Hotline users answered a preconversation survey (ie, demographics) and a postconversation survey (ie, their perceptions of the conversation). We used qualitative content analysis to process the conversations. Results: Active listening skills, including asking questions, paraphrasing, reflecting feelings, and interpreting situations, were commonly used by counselors. Validation, unconditional positive regard, and evaluation-based language, such as praise and apologies, were also often used. Compared with less successful conversations, successful conversations tended to include fewer statements that attend to the emotional dynamics. There were qualitative differences in how the counselors applied these approaches. Generally, crisis counselors in positive conversations tended to be more specific and tailor their comments to the situation. Conclusions: Building therapeutic relationships and social presence are essential to digital interventions involving mental health professionals. Prior research demonstrates that they can be challenging to develop in written conversations. Our work demonstrates characteristics associated with successful conversations that could be adopted in other written help-seeking interventions. ", doi="10.2196/42049", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e42049", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38748472" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44973, author="Wu, Socrates Yongda and Cheung, Derek Yee Tak and Lee, Jae Jay Jung and Wong, Ho Carlos King and Ho, Yin Sai and Li, Cheung William Ho and Yao, Ying and Lam, Hing Tai and Wang, Ping Man", title="Effect of Adding Personalized Instant Messaging Apps to a Brief Smoking Cessation Model in Community Smokers in Hong Kong: Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="May", day="13", volume="26", pages="e44973", keywords="instant messaging", keywords="text messaging", keywords="chatting", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="community smoker", abstract="Background: While text messaging has proven effective for smoking cessation (SC), engagement in the intervention remains suboptimal. Objective: This study aims to evaluate whether using more interactive and adaptive instant messaging (IM) apps on smartphones, which enable personalization and chatting with SC advisors, can enhance SC outcomes beyond the provision of brief SC advice and active referral (AR) to SC services. Methods: From December 2018 to November 2019, we proactively recruited 700 adult Chinese daily cigarette users in Hong Kong. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio. At baseline, all participants received face-to-face brief advice on SC. Additionally, they were introduced to local SC services and assisted in selecting one. The intervention group received an additional 26 personalized regular messages and access to interactive chatting through IM apps for 3 months. The regular messages aimed to enhance self-efficacy, social support, and behavioral capacity for quitting, as well as to clarify outcome expectations related to cessation. We developed 3 sets of messages tailored to the planned quit date (within 30 days, 60 days, and undecided). Participants in the intervention group could initiate chatting with SC advisors on IM themselves or through prompts from regular messages or proactive inquiries from SC advisors. The control group received 26 SMS text messages focusing on general health. The primary outcomes were smoking abstinence validated by carbon monoxide levels of <4 parts per million at 6 and 12 months after the start of the intervention. Results: Of the participants, 505/700 (72.1\%) were male, and 450/648 (69.4\%) were aged 40 or above. Planning to quit within 30 days was reported by 500/648 (77.2\%) participants, with fewer intervention group members (124/332, 37.3\%) reporting previous quit attempts compared with the control group (152/335, 45.4\%; P=.04). At the 6- and 12-month follow-ups (with retention rates of 456/700, 65.1\%, and 446/700, 63.7\%, respectively), validated abstinence rates were comparable between the intervention (14/350, 4.0\%, and 19/350, 5.4\%) and control (11/350, 3.1\% and 21/350, 6.0\%) groups. Compared with the control group, the intervention group reported greater utilization of SC services at 12 months (RR 1.26, 95\% CI 1.01-1.56). Within the intervention group, engaging in chat sessions with SC advisors predicted better validated abstinence at 6 months (RR 3.29, 95\% CI 1.13-9.63) and any use of SC services (RR 1.66, 95\% CI 1.14-2.43 at 6 months; RR 1.67, 95\% CI 1.26-2.23 at 12 months). Conclusions: An IM-based intervention, providing support and assistance alongside brief SC advice and AR, did not yield further increases in quitting rates but did encourage the utilization of SC services. Future research could explore whether enhanced SC service utilization leads to improved long-term SC outcomes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03800719; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03800719 ", doi="10.2196/44973", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e44973", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38739429" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55238, author="Ssekkadde, Peter and Tomberge, Jelena Vica Marie and Brugger, Curdin and Atuhaire, Aggrey and Dalvie, Aqiel Mohamed and Rother, Hanna-Andrea and R{\"o}{\"o}sli, Martin and Inauen, Jennifer and Fuhrimann, Samuel", title="Evaluating and Enhancing an Educational Intervention to Reduce Smallholder Farmers' Exposure to Pesticides in Uganda Through a Digital, Systematic Approach to Behavior Change: Protocol for a Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="May", day="8", volume="13", pages="e55238", keywords="smallholder farmers", keywords="knowledge", keywords="attitude", keywords="practice", keywords="behavior change", keywords="psychosocial determinants of behavior", keywords="health", keywords="education", keywords="pesticide exposure", keywords="SMS text messages", abstract="Background: Smallholder farmers receive educational interventions on safe pesticide handling by governmental agencies, industries, or nongovernmental organizations to reduce exposure risks. However, existing educational interventions have limited effects on changing behaviors. Targeting psychosocial determinants of behavior change in educational interventions through theory- and evidence-based approaches may enhance their effectiveness. Objective: We aim at describing the intervention development and study design of a 3-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial to assess the effects in improving safe pesticide handling and reducing pesticide exposure of (1) an existing educational intervention and (2) a newly developed SMS text messaging intervention based on the Risks, Attitudes, Norms, Abilities, and Self-regulation (RANAS) behavior change approach. Methods: We enrolled 539 Ugandan smallholder farmers in 12 clusters (subcounties). The clusters, each with 45 farmers, were randomly allocated to one of the three arms: (1) educational intervention, (2) educational intervention+RANAS-based SMS text messages, or (3) control group. The educational intervention comprised a 2-day workshop that targeted multiple aspects of safe pesticide handling, whereas the SMS text messages targeted the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and were based on the RANAS approach. For intervention development in this study, this approach includes identifying psychosocial determinants of PPE use at baseline and selecting behavior change techniques to target them in SMS text messages. The primary outcomes of the study are (1) pesticide knowledge, attitude, and practice scores indicating performance throughout the educational intervention; and (2) frequency of PPE use. Secondary outcomes are the RANAS-based behavioral determinants of PPE use, the frequency of glove use, algorithm-based pesticide exposure intensity scores, and signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning. The outcomes were assessed in structured interviews before the intervention (baseline) and at the 12-month follow-up. The effect of the interventions among the arms will be analyzed using the intervention arms and baseline measures as predictors and the follow-up measures as outcomes in linear multivariable mixed models including the clusters as random effects. The mediating psychosocial determinants of the interventions will be assessed in multiple mediation models. Results: The study was conducted from 2020 to 2021---baseline interviews were conducted in October 2020, and the educational intervention was delivered in November 2020. The RANAS-based SMS text messages were developed based on the baseline data for relevant behavioral determinants of PPE use and sent between February 2021 and September 2021. Follow-up interviews were conducted in October 2021. Overall, 539 farmers were enrolled in the study at baseline; 8.3\% (45/539) were lost to follow-up by the end of the study. Conclusions: This study will contribute to a better understanding of the effectiveness and behavior change mechanisms of educational interventions by using an experimental, cluster-randomized study design to improve pesticide handling among smallholder farmers. Trial Registration: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 18237656; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN18237656 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/55238 ", doi="10.2196/55238", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e55238", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38718387" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/53668, author="Shalaby, Reham and Vuong, Wesley and Agyapong, Belinda and Gusnowski, April and Surood, Shireen and Agyapong, Vincent", title="Cancer Care Supportive Text Messaging Program (Text4Hope) for People Living With Cancer and Their Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Longitudinal Observational Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Apr", day="24", volume="8", pages="e53668", keywords="Text4Hope Cancer Care", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="cancer", keywords="caregivers", keywords="mental health", keywords="anxiety", keywords="depression", keywords="cancer care", keywords="Canada", keywords="Canadian", keywords="treatment", keywords="stress", abstract="Background: Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, and living with cancer generates psychological demands, including depression and anxiety among cancer survivors and caregivers. Text4Hope-Cancer Care SMS text messaging--based service was provided to people with cancer and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic to support their mental health. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the clinical effectiveness of and satisfaction with Text4Hope-Cancer Care in addressing mental health conditions among people living with cancer and caregivers. Methods: The study was conducted in Alberta, Canada. People who were diagnosed or receiving cancer treatment and caregivers self-subscribed to receive 3-months daily supportive cognitive behavioral therapy--based SMS text messages and a web-based survey was sent at designated time points to collect clinical and nonclinical data. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) was used to examine changes in anxiety and depression symptoms after receiving the service. Satisfaction with the service was assessed using a survey with a Likert scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, and test significance was considered with P?.05. Results: Overall, 107 individuals subscribed to the service, and 93 completed the program (completion rate 93/107, 86.9\%). A significant improvement in the anxiety symptoms (HADS-Anxiety [HADS-A] subscale) was reported after 3 months of Text4Hope-Cancer Care (t11=2.62; P=.02), with medium effect size (Hedges g=0.7), but not depression symptoms (HADS-Depression [HADS-D] subscale). Subscribers expressed high satisfaction and agreed that the service has helped them to cope with mental health symptoms and improve their quality of life. Most subscribers read the SMS text messages more than once (30/30, 100\%); took time to reflect or took a beneficial action after reading the messages (27/30, 90\%); and highly agreed (27/30, >80\%) with the value of the received supportive SMS text messages as being relevant, succinct, affirmative, and positive. All subscribers recommended SMS text messaging for stress, anxiety, and depression and for cancer care support (30/30, 100\%). Conclusions: Text4Hope-Cancer Care was well-perceived and effectively addressed anxiety symptoms among people living with cancer and caregivers during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides evidence-based support and insight for policy and stakeholders to implement similar convenient, economic, and accessible mental health services that support vulnerable populations during crises. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/20240 ", doi="10.2196/53668", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e53668", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38657234" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55509, author="Lozada-Tequeanes, Lilia Ana and Th{\'e}odore, L. Florence and Kim-Herrera, Edith and Garc{\'i}a-Guerra, Armando and Quezada-S{\'a}nchez, D. Amado and Alvarado-Casas, Rocio and Bonvecchio, Anabelle", title="Effectiveness and Implementation of a Text Messaging mHealth Intervention to Prevent Childhood Obesity in Mexico in the COVID-19 Context: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Apr", day="9", volume="12", pages="e55509", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="feasibility", keywords="mHealth", keywords="SMS text message", keywords="mixed methods", keywords="infant obesity", keywords="physical activity", keywords="healthy feeding", keywords="children", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="Mexico", abstract="Background: Promoting physical activity (PA) and healthy feeding (HF) is crucial to address the alarming increase in obesity rates in developing countries. Leveraging mobile phones for behavior change communication to encourage infant PA and promote HF is particularly significant within the Mexican context. Objective: This study aims to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of mHealth interventions aimed at promoting PA and HF among primary caregivers (PCs) of Mexican children under the age of 5 years. Additionally, the study aims to disseminate insights gained from intervention implementation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and assess the potential of behavior change mHealth interventions on a broader population scale. Methods: NUTRES, an mHealth intervention, underwent an effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial. Over 36 weeks, participants in the intervention group (IG), totaling 230 individuals, received approximately 108 SMS text messages tailored to their children's age. These messages covered topics such as PA and HF and emphasized the significance of proper child nutrition amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. NUTRES participants were recruited from both urban and rural health units across 2 states in Mexico. Given the COVID-19 context, both baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted via mobile or fixed telephone. The evaluation of effectiveness and implementation used a mixed methods approach. Qualitative analysis delved into participants' experiences with NUTRES and various implementation indicators, including acceptance, relevance, and coverage. Grounded theory was used for coding and analysis. Furthermore, difference-in-differences regression models were used to discern disparities between groups (comparison group [CG] versus IG) concerning knowledge and practices pertaining to infant PA and HF. Results: Of the total 494 PCs enrolled in NUTRES, 334 persisted until the end of the study, accounting for 67.6\% (334/494) participation across both groups. A majority of PCs (43/141, 30.5\%, always; and 97/141, 68.8\%, sometimes) used the SMS text message information. Satisfaction and acceptability toward NUTRES were notably high, reaching 98\% (96/98), with respondents expressing that NUTRES was ``good,'' ``useful,'' and ``helpful'' for enhancing child nutrition. Significant differences after the intervention were observed in PA knowledge, with social interaction favored (CG: 8/135, 5.9\% vs IG: 20/137, 14.6\%; P=.048), as well as in HF practice knowledge. Notably, sweetened beverage consumption, associated with the development of chronic diseases, showed divergence (CG: 92/157, 58.6\% vs IG: 110/145, 75.9\%; P=.003). In the difference-in-differences model, a notable increase of 0.03 in knowledge regarding the benefits of PA was observed (CG: mean 0.13, SD 0.10 vs IG: mean 0.16, SD 0.11; P=.02). PCs expressed feeling accompanied and supported, particularly amidst the disruption of routine health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: While NUTRES exhibited a restricted impact on targeted knowledge and behaviors, the SMS text messages functioned effectively as both a reminder and a source of new knowledge for PCs of Mexican children under 5 years of age. The key lessons learned were as follows: mHealth intervention strategies can effectively maintain communication with individuals during emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; methodological and implementation barriers can constrain the effectiveness of mHealth interventions; and using mixed methods approaches ensures the complementary nature of results. The findings contribute valuable evidence regarding the opportunities and constraints associated with using mobile phones to enhance knowledge and practices concerning PA and HF among PCs of children under 5 years old. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04250896; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04250896 ", doi="10.2196/55509", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e55509", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38592753" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/53006, author="Sun, Ting and Xu, Xuejie and Ding, Zenghui and Xie, Hui and Ma, Linlin and Zhang, Jing and Xia, Yuxin and Zhang, Guoli and Ma, Zuchang", title="Development of a Health Behavioral Digital Intervention for Patients With Hypertension Based on an Intelligent Health Promotion System and WeChat: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2024", month="Apr", day="5", volume="12", pages="e53006", keywords="adherence", keywords="hypertension", keywords="health behavior", keywords="mHealth", keywords="digital health", abstract="Background: The effectiveness of timely medication, physical activity (PA), a healthy diet, and blood pressure (BP) monitoring for promoting health outcomes and behavioral changes among patients with hypertension is supported by a substantial amount of literature, with ``adherence'' playing a pivotal role. Nevertheless, there is a lack of consistent evidence regarding whether digital interventions can improve adherence to healthy behaviors among individuals with hypertension. Objective: The aim was to develop a health behavioral digital intervention for hypertensive patients (HBDIHP) based on an intelligent health promotion system and WeChat following the behavior change wheel (BCW) theory and digital micro-intervention care (DMIC) model and assess its efficacy in controlling BP and improving healthy behavior adherence. Methods: A 2-arm, randomized trial design was used. We randomly assigned 68 individuals aged >60 years with hypertension in a 1:1 ratio to either the control or experimental group. The digital intervention was established through the following steps: (1) developing digital health education materials focused on adherence to exercise prescriptions, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), prescribed medication, and monitoring of BP; (2) using the BCW theory to select behavior change techniques; (3) constructing the intervention's logic following the guidelines of the DMIC model; (4) creating an intervention manual including the aforementioned elements. Prior to the experiment, participants underwent physical examinations at the community health service center's intelligent health cabin and received intelligent personalized health recommendations. The experimental group underwent a 12-week behavior intervention via WeChat, while the control group received routine health education and a self-management manual. The primary outcomes included BP and adherence indicators. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with independent sample t tests, chi-square tests, paired t tests, and McNemar tests. A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The final analysis included 54 participants with a mean age of 67.24 (SD 4.19) years (n=23 experimental group, n=31 control group). The experimental group had improvements in systolic BP (--7.36 mm Hg, P=.002), exercise time (856.35 metabolic equivalent [MET]-min/week, P<.001), medication adherence (0.56, P=.001), BP monitoring frequency (P=.02), and learning performance (3.23, P<.001). Both groups experienced weight reduction (experimental: 1.2 kg, P=.002; control: 1.11 kg, P=.009) after the intervention. The diet types and quantities for both groups (P<.001) as well as the subendocardial viability ratio (0.16, P=.01) showed significant improvement. However, there were no statistically significant changes in other health outcomes. Conclusions: The observations suggest our program may have enhanced specific health outcomes and adherence to health behaviors in older adults with hypertension. However, a longer-term, larger-scale trial is necessary to validate the effectiveness. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200062643; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=172782 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/46883 ", doi="10.2196/53006", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2024/1/e53006", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38578692" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/52695, author="Pak, Lam Sharon Hoi and Wang, Ping Man and Teitelman, M. Anne and Wong, Ha Janet Yuen and Fong, Tak Daniel Yee and Choi, Hang Edmond Pui", title="Nurse-Led Brief Intervention for Enhancing Safe Sex Practice Among Emerging Adults in Hong Kong Using Instant Messaging: Feasibility Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Mar", day="20", volume="8", pages="e52695", keywords="condom use", keywords="emerging adults", keywords="HIV prevention", keywords="IM intervention", keywords="mHealth", keywords="nurse-led intervention", keywords="safer sex practice", keywords="sexual health", keywords="sexually transmitted infections", keywords="text-messaging", abstract="Background: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections has been increasing throughout the world. Additionally, substantial changes in emerging adults' attitudes toward sex and the popularization of premarital sex could further affect the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. With the high acceptability and effectiveness of instant messaging (IM) interventions for health promotion, there is potential for such interventions to improve condom use knowledge and promote safer sex practice. Objective: The study evaluates the feasibility of a nurse-led IM intervention to promote safer sex practices in emerging adults. Methods: A 30-minute adaptive IM intervention and a 5-day booster dose of daily messages after 2 weeks through WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc) were conducted with emerging adults in local universities in Hong Kong aged between 18 and 29 years with previous sexual experience. A questionnaire was distributed 1 week after the intervention that measured the consistency in condom use, the change in condom use knowledge and attitudes, and the acceptability of the intervention. The feasibility of the intervention was assessed by Bowen's feasibility framework. Results: A total of 20 participants completed the intervention and questionnaire. Results showed (1) high satisfaction level (mean satisfaction score: 9.10/10), (2) high demand of the intervention (retention rate: 95\%), (3) smooth implementation of the intervention, (4) high practicality (13/20, 65\% of the participants viewed IM to be an effective means of intervention), (5) potential integration of the intervention, and (6) significant mean increase in condom use knowledge and attitudes (mean increase 9.05; t19=3.727; 95\% CI 3.97-14.13; P=.001). Conclusions: The IM intervention was feasible, acceptable, and had potential impacts on improving safer sex practices. These findings will support the future development of IM interventions in the arena of sexual health promotion. ", doi="10.2196/52695", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e52695", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38506897" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55041, author="Aycock, A. Chase and Mallawaarachchi, Indika and Wang, Xin-Qun and Cassidy, G. Daniel and Ellis, M. Jordan and Klesges, C. Robert and Talcott, Wayne G. and Wiseman, Kara", title="Developing a Text Messaging Intervention to Prevent Binge and Heavy Drinking in a Military Population: Mixed Methods Development Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Mar", day="19", volume="8", pages="e55041", keywords="text messaging", keywords="alcohol reduction", keywords="binge drinking", keywords="US", keywords="United States", keywords="US military", keywords="alcohol misuse", keywords="military", keywords="functioning", keywords="readiness", keywords="health", keywords="career", keywords="careers", keywords="text message", keywords="text messages", keywords="short message service", keywords="SMS", keywords="SMS intervention", keywords="drinking", keywords="Air Force", keywords="Airmen", keywords="mixed methods approach", keywords="message", keywords="messages", keywords="development study", keywords="qualitative coding", keywords="drinking alcohol", keywords="alcohol consumption", keywords="survey", keywords="descriptive statistics", abstract="Background: Alcohol misuse is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a significant problem in the US military. Brief alcohol interventions can reduce negative alcohol outcomes in civilian and military populations, but additional scalable interventions are needed to reduce binge and heavy drinking. SMS text messaging interventions could address this need, but to date, no programs exist for military populations. Objective: We aimed to develop an SMS text messaging intervention to address binge and heavy drinking among Airmen in Technical Training in the US Air Force. Methods: We implemented a 2-phase, mixed methods study to develop the SMS text messaging intervention. In phase 1, a total of 149 respondents provided feedback about the persuasiveness of 49 expert-developed messages, preferences regarding message frequency, timing and days to receive messages, and suggested messages, which were qualitatively coded. In phase 2, a total of 283 respondents provided feedback about the persuasiveness of 77 new messages, including those developed through the refinement of messages from phase 1, which were coded and assessed based on the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy (BCTT). For both phases, mean persuasiveness scores (range 1-5) were calculated and compared according to age (aged <21 or ?21 years) and gender. Top-ranking messages from phase 2 were considered for inclusion in the final message library. Results: In phase 1, top-rated message themes were about warnings about adverse outcomes (eg, impaired judgment and financial costs), recommendations to reduce drinking, and invoking values and goals. Through qualitative coding of suggested messages, we identified themes related to warnings about adverse outcomes, recommendations, prioritizing long-term goals, team and belonging, and invoking values and goals. Respondents preferred to receive 1 to 3 messages per week (124/137, 90.5\%) and to be sent messages on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (65/142, 45.8\%). In phase 2, mean scores for messages in the final message library ranged from 3.31 (SD 1.29) to 4.21 (SD 0.90). Of the top 5 highest-rated messages, 4 were categorized into 2 behavior change techniques (BCTs): valued self-identity and information about health consequences. The final message library includes 28 BCTT-informed messages across 13 BCTs, with messages having similar scores across genders. More than one-fourth (8/28, 29\%) of the final messages were informed by the suggested messages from phase 1. As Airmen aged <21 years face harsher disciplinary action for alcohol consumption, the program is tailored based on the US legal drinking age. Conclusions: This study involved members from the target population throughout 2 formative stages of intervention development to design a BCTT-informed SMS text messaging intervention to reduce binge and heavy drinking, which is now being tested in an efficacy trial. The results will determine the impact of the intervention on binge drinking and alcohol consumption in the US Air Force. ", doi="10.2196/55041", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e55041", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38502165" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/53391, author="Jensen, H{\o}pfner Lili Worre and Rahbek, Ole and Lauritsen, Kildahl Rikke Emilie and Kold, S{\o}ren and Dinesen, Birthe", title="Health Care Professionals' Perspectives Before and After Use of eDialogue for Team-Based Digital Communication Across Settings: Qualitative Study", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2024", month="Mar", day="8", volume="11", pages="e53391", keywords="CFIR", keywords="Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research", keywords="digital communication", keywords="hospital discharge", keywords="implementation science", keywords="interdisciplinary communication", keywords="orthopedic surgery", keywords="patient-provider communication", keywords="postoperative care", keywords="qualitative research", keywords="text messaging", abstract="Background: Orthopedic surgical treatment is a transversal task that requires the active involvement of patients, relatives, and health care professionals (HCPs) across various settings. However, after hospital discharge, communication is challenged and undertaken primarily by phone. New digital communication solutions have the potential to create a space for seamless and patient-centered dialogue across discipline and sector boundaries. When evaluating new communication solutions, knowledge about HCPs' needs and perspectives of use must be explored, as it is they who are responsible for implementing changes in practice. Objective: This study aimed to (1) investigate HCPs' perceptions of current communication pathways (phase 1) and (2) explore their experiences of using a simple messenger-like solution (eDialogue) for team-based digital communication across settings (phase 2). Methods: We used a triangulation of qualitative data collection techniques, including document analysis, observations, focus groups, and individual interviews of HCPs before (n=28) and after (n=12) their use of eDialogue. Data collection and analysis were inspired by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to specifically understand facilitators and barriers to implementation as perceived by HCPs. Results: HCPs perceive current communication pathways as insufficient for both patients and themselves. Phone calls are disruptive, and there is a lack of direct communication modalities when communication crosses sector boundaries. HCPs experienced the use of eDialogue as a quick and easy way for timely interdisciplinary interaction with patients and other HCPs across settings; however, concerns were raised about time consumption. Conclusions: eDialogue can provide needed support for interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral patient-centered communication. However, future studies of this solution should address its impact and the use of resources. ", doi="10.2196/53391", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2024/1/e53391", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38457798" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46195, author="C{\^o}t{\'e}, Louis-Philippe and Lane, Julie", title="Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Suicide.ca, Quebec's Digital Suicide Prevention Strategy Platform: Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Mar", day="6", volume="8", pages="e46195", keywords="suicide prevention", keywords="public health", keywords="information and communication technology", keywords="digital mental health", keywords="helpline", keywords="digital strategy", keywords="communication technology", keywords="information technology", keywords="suicide", keywords="psychoeducation", keywords="mobile app", keywords="suicide risk", keywords="risk factor", keywords="users", keywords="mental health", keywords="text", keywords="website", keywords="prevention strategy", keywords="prevention", keywords="Google Analytics", keywords="Canada", keywords="Quebec", keywords="questionnaire", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: In 2017, the Quebec government assigned the Association qu{\'e}b{\'e}coise de pr{\'e}vention du suicide (AQPS) to develop a digital suicide prevention strategy (DSPS). The AQPS responded by creating a centralized website that provides information on suicide and mental health, identifies at-risk individuals on the internet, and offers direct crisis intervention support via chat and text. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of suicide.ca, Quebec's DSPS platform. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. The study population comprised internet users from Quebec, Canada, who visited the suicide.ca platform between October 2020 and October 2021. Various data sources, such as Google Analytics, Firebase Console, and Customer Relation Management data, were analyzed to document the use of the platform. To understand the profile of suicide.ca users, frequency analyses were conducted using data from the self-assessment module questionnaires, the intervention service's triage questionnaire, and the counselors' intervention reports. The effectiveness of the platform's promotional activities on social media was assessed by examining traffic peaks. Google Analytics was used to evaluate the effectiveness of AQPS' strategy for identifying at-risk internet users. The impact of the intervention service was evaluated through an analysis of counselors' intervention reports and postintervention survey results. Results: The platform received traffic from a diverse range of sources, with promotional efforts on social media directly contributing to the increased traffic. The requirement of a user account posed a barrier to the use of the mobile app, and a triage question that involved personal information led to a substantial number of dropouts during the intervention service triage. AdWords campaigns and fact sheets addressing suicide risk factors played a crucial role in driving traffic to the platform. With regard to the profile of suicide.ca users, the findings revealed that the platform engaged individuals with diverse levels of suicidal risk. Notably, users of the chat service displayed a higher suicide risk than those who used the self-assessment module. Crisis chat counselors reported a positive impact on approximately half of the contacts, and overall, intervention service users expressed satisfaction with the support they received. Conclusions: A centralized digital platform can be used to implement a DSPS, effectively reaching the general population, individuals with risk factors for suicide, and those facing suicidal issues. ", doi="10.2196/46195", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e46195", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38446536" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/52583, author="Kent-Marvick, Jacqueline and Gibson, Bryan and Bristol, A. Alycia and St Clair, Stephanie and Simonsen, E. Sara", title="Tailoring of Health-Promotion Video Messaging for Reproductive-Aged Women at Risk for Developing Cardiometabolic Disease: Qualitative Focus-Groups Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Mar", day="5", volume="8", pages="e52583", keywords="cardiometabolic disease", keywords="type 2 diabetes mellitus", keywords="gestational diabetes mellitus", keywords="hypertensive disorder of pregnancy", keywords="prediabetes", keywords="obesity", keywords="women's health", keywords="lifestyle change", keywords="health promotion technology", keywords="qualitative research", abstract="Background: Targeting reproductive-aged women at high risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) provides an opportunity for prevention earlier in the life course. A woman's experiences during her reproductive years may have a large impact on her future risk of T2D. Her risk is 7 to 10 times higher if she has had gestational diabetes (GDM). Despite these risks, T2D is preventable. Evidence-based programs, such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), can reduce the risk of developing T2D by nearly 60\%. However, only 0.4\% of adults with prediabetes have participated in the DPP to date and reproductive-aged women are 50\% less likely to participate than older women. In prior work, our team developed a mobile 360{\textdegree} video to address diabetes risk awareness and promote DPP enrollment among at-risk adults; this video was not designed, however, for reproductive-aged women. Objective: This study aims to obtain feedback from reproductive-aged women with cardiometabolic disease risk about a 360{\textdegree} video designed to promote enrollment in the DPP, and to gather suggestions about tailoring video messages to reproductive-aged women. Methods: Focus groups and a qualitative descriptive approach were used. Women with at least 1 previous pregnancy, aged 18 to 40 years, participated in one of three focus groups stratified by the following health risks: (1) a history of GDM or a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, (2) a diagnosis of prediabetes, or (3) a BMI classified as obese. Focus-group questions addressed several topics; this report shared findings regarding video feedback. The 3 focus-group discussions were conducted via Zoom and were recorded and transcribed for analysis. Deductive codes were used to identify concepts related to the research question and inductive codes were created for novel insights shared by participants. The codes were then organized into categories and themes. Results: The main themes identified were positive feedback, negative feedback, centering motherhood, and the importance of storytelling. While some participants said the video produced a sense of urgency for health-behavior change, all participants agreed that design changes could improve the video's motivating effect on health-behavior change in reproductive-aged women. Participants felt a tailored video should recognize the complexities of being a mother and how these dynamics contribute to women's difficulty engaging in healthy behaviors without stirring feelings of guilt. Women desired a video with a positive, problem-solving perspective, and recommended live links as clickable resources for practical solutions promoting health behavior change. Women suggested using storytelling, both to describe how complications experienced during pregnancy impact long-term health and to motivate health behavior change. Conclusions: Reproductive-aged women require tailored lifestyle-change messaging that addresses barriers commonly encountered by this population (eg, parenting or work responsibilities). Moreover, messaging should prioritize a positive tone that harnesses storytelling and human connection while offering realistic solutions. ", doi="10.2196/52583", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e52583", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38441920" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44861, author="Lightfoot, Marguerita and Campbell, Chadwick and Maragh-Bass, C. Allysha and Jackson-Morgan, Joi and Taylor, Kelly", title="What Adolescents Say in Text Messages to Motivate Peer Networks to Access Health Care and Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing: Qualitative Thematic Analysis", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Feb", day="28", volume="26", pages="e44861", keywords="adolescents", keywords="clinics", keywords="HIV/STI testing", keywords="intervention", keywords="mobile health", keywords="peer", keywords="screening", keywords="sexually active", keywords="STI", keywords="text messaging", keywords="young adult", abstract="Background: While rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are extremely high among adolescents and young adults in the United States, rates of HIV and STI testing remain low. Given the ubiquity of mobile phones and the saliency of peers for youths, text messaging strategies may successfully promote HIV or STI testing among youths. Objective: This study aimed to understand the types of messages youths believe were motivating and persuasive when asked to text friends to encourage them to seek HIV or STI testing services at a neighborhood clinic. Methods: We implemented an adolescent peer-based text messaging intervention to encourage clinic attendance and increase STI and HIV testing among youths (n=100) at an adolescent clinic in San Francisco, California. Participants were asked to send a text message to 5 friends they believed were sexually active to encourage their friends to visit the clinic and receive STI or HIV screening. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the content of the text messages sent and received during the clinic visit. Member checking and consensus coding were used to ensure interrater reliability and significance of themes. Results: We identified four themes in the messages sent by participants: (1) calls to action to encourage peers to get tested, (2) personalized messages with sender-specific information, (3) clinic information such as location and hours, and (4) self-disclosure of personal clinic experience. We found that nearly all text messages included some combination of 2 or more of these broad themes. We also found that youths were inclined to send messages they created themselves, as opposed to sending the same message to each peer, which they tailored to each individual to whom they were sent. Many (40/100, 40\%) received an immediate response to their message, and most participants reported receiving at least 1 positive response, while a few reported that they had received at least 1 negative response. There were some differences in responses depending on the type of message sent. Conclusions: Given the high rates of STI and HIV and low rates of testing among adolescents, peer-driven text messaging interventions to encourage accessing care may be successful at reaching this population. This study suggests that youths are willing to text message their friends, and there are clear types of messages they develop and use. Future research should use these methods with a large, more diverse sample of youths and young adults for long-term evaluation of care seeking and care retention outcomes to make progress in reducing HIV and STI among adolescents and young adults. ", doi="10.2196/44861", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e44861", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38416541" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/49317, author="Haack, M. Lauren and Armstrong, C. Courtney and Travis, Kate and Aguilera, Adrian and Darrow, M. Sabrina", title="HealthySMS Text Messaging System Adjunct to Adolescent Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Context of COVID-19 (Let's Text!): Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study", journal="JMIR Ment Health", year="2024", month="Feb", day="19", volume="11", pages="e49317", keywords="depression", keywords="adolescents", keywords="evidence-based intervention", keywords="texting", keywords="SMS text message", keywords="cognitive behavioral therapy", keywords="CBT", keywords="group CBT", keywords="shelter-in-place", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="therapy", keywords="cognitive", keywords="behavior", keywords="web-based therapy", keywords="e-therapy", keywords="youth", keywords="young adults", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: The widespread occurrence and devastating impact of adolescent depression warrant health service research focused on feasible and acceptable digital health tools to supplement evidence-based intervention (EBI) efforts, particularly in the context of shelter-in-place guidelines disrupting youth socialization and service use in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the promise of SMS text message interventions to enhance EBI engagement, our team developed the HealthySMS system as an adjunct to one of the most empirically supported interventions for adolescent depression: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group services. The system sends daily SMS text messages requesting responses assessing mood, thoughts, and activities; weekly attendance reminder messages; daily tips about adherence (eg, a prompt for activity completion); and personalized responses based on participants' texts. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of HealthySMS in a real-world setting and explore potential mechanisms of change in EBI engagement, before evaluating the system's impact on adolescents' group CBT engagement and, ultimately, depression outcomes. Methods: Over the course of 2020, we invited all 20 adolescents receiving CBT group services for depression at an outpatient psychiatry clinic to enroll in our HealthySMS study; ultimately, 17 (85\%) adolescents agreed to participate. We tracked participant initiation and engagement with the HealthySMS system as well as the content of SMS text message responses to HealthySMS. We also invited each participant to engage in a semistructured interview to gather additional qualitative inputs on the system. Results: All (n=17, 100\%) research participants invited agreed to receive HealthySMS messages, and 94\% (16/17) of the participants maintained use during the first month without opting out. We uncovered meaningful qualitative themes regarding the feasibility and acceptability of HealthySMS, as well as its potential impact on EBI engagement. Conclusions: Taken together, the results of this pilot study suggest that HealthySMS adjunct to adolescent CBT group depression services is feasible and acceptable, as evidenced by high rates of HealthySMS initiation and low rates of dropout, as well as meaningful themes uncovered from participants' qualitative feedback. In addition, the findings provide evidence regarding iterative improvements to the HealthySMS system and research protocol, as well as potential mechanisms of change for enhanced EBI engagement and, ultimately, adolescent depression outcomes, which can be used in future effectiveness research. ", doi="10.2196/49317", url="https://mental.jmir.org/2024/1/e49317", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38373030" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/50863, author="Li, Zhaoying and Lei, Yating and Bui, Quoc and DePaul, Olivia and Nicol, E. Ginger and Mohr, C. David and Lee, I. Sunghoon and Fong, M. Mandy W. and Metts, L. Christopher and Tomazin, E. Stephanie and Wong, K. Alex W.", title="A Digital Intervention to Promote Self-Management Self-Efficacy Among Community-Dwelling Individuals With Stroke: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol", year="2024", month="Feb", day="19", volume="11", pages="e50863", keywords="digital intervention", keywords="feasibility", keywords="mobile health", keywords="participation", keywords="rehabilitation", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="self-management", keywords="stroke", keywords="technology", keywords="telehealth", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="text messaging", abstract="Background: Digital interventions provided through smartphones or the internet that are guided by a coach have been proposed as promising solutions to support the self-management of chronic conditions. However, digital intervention for poststroke self-management is limited; we developed the interactive Self-Management Augmented by Rehabilitation Technologies (iSMART) intervention to address this gap. Objective: This study aimed to examine the feasibility and initial effects of the iSMART intervention to improve self-management self-efficacy in people with stroke. Methods: A parallel, 2-arm, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial of 12-week duration was conducted. A total of 24 participants with mild-to-moderate chronic stroke were randomized to receive either the iSMART intervention or a manual of stroke rehabilitation (attention control). iSMART was a coach-guided, technology-supported self-management intervention designed to support people managing chronic conditions and maintaining active participation in daily life after stroke. Feasibility measures included retention and engagement rates in the iSMART group. For both the iSMART intervention and active control groups, we used the Feasibility of Intervention Measure, Acceptability of Intervention Measure, and Intervention Appropriateness Measure to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness, respectively. Health measures included the Participation Strategies Self-Efficacy Scale and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System's Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions. Results: The retention rate was 82\% (9/11), and the engagement (SMS text message response) rate was 78\% for the iSMART group. Mean scores of the Feasibility of Intervention Measure, Acceptability of Intervention Measure, and Intervention Appropriateness Measure were 4.11 (SD 0.61), 4.44 (SD 0.73), and 4.36 (SD 0.70), respectively, which exceeded our benchmark (4 out of 5), suggesting high feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of iSMART. The iSMART group showed moderate-to-large effects in improving self-efficacy in managing emotions (r=0.494), symptoms (r=0.514), daily activities (r=0.593), and treatments and medications (r=0.870), but the control group showed negligible-to-small effects in decreasing self-efficacy in managing emotions (r=0.252), symptoms (r=0.262), daily activities (r=0.136), and treatments and medications (r=0.049). In addition, the iSMART group showed moderate-to-large effects of increasing the use of participation strategies for management in the home (r=0.554), work (r=0.633), community (r=0.673), and communication activities (r=0.476). In contrast, the control group showed small-to-large effects of decreasing the use of participation strategies for management in the home (r=0.567), work (r=0.342, community (r=0.215), and communication activities (r=0.379). Conclusions: Our findings support the idea that iSMART was feasible to improve poststroke self-management self-efficacy. Our results also support using a low-cost solution, such as SMS text messaging, to supplement traditional therapeutic patient education interventions. Further evaluation with a larger sample of participants is still needed. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov 202004137; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04743037?id=202004137\&rank=1 ", doi="10.2196/50863", url="https://rehab.jmir.org/2024/1/e50863", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38373029" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/54530, author="Kormanis, Aryn and Quinones, Selina and Obermiller, Corey and Denizard-Thompson, Nancy and Palakshappa, Deepak", title="Feasibility of Using Text Messaging to Identify and Assist Patients With Hypertension With Health-Related Social Needs: Cross-Sectional Study", journal="JMIR Cardio", year="2024", month="Feb", day="13", volume="8", pages="e54530", keywords="social determinants of health", keywords="health-related social needs", keywords="mobile health", keywords="health information technology", keywords="feasibility", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="message", keywords="pilot study", keywords="patients", keywords="patient", keywords="hypertension", keywords="screening", abstract="Background: Health-related social needs are associated with poor health outcomes, increased acute health care use, and impaired chronic disease management. Given these negative outcomes, an increasing number of national health care organizations have recommended that the health system screen and address unmet health-related social needs as a routine part of clinical care, but there are limited data on how to implement social needs screening in clinical settings to improve the management of chronic diseases such as hypertension. SMS text messaging could be an effective and efficient approach to screen patients; however, there are limited data on the feasibility of using it. Objective: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with hypertension to determine the feasibility of using SMS text messaging to screen patients for unmet health-related social needs. Methods: We randomly selected 200 patients (?18 years) from 1 academic health system. Patients were included if they were seen at one of 17 primary care clinics that were part of the academic health system and located in Forsyth County, North Carolina. We limited the sample to patients seen in one of these clinics to provide tailored information about local community-based resources. To ensure that the participants were still patients within the clinic, we only included those who had a visit in the previous 3 months. The SMS text message included a link to 6 questions regarding food, housing, and transportation. Patients who screened positive and were interested received a subsequent message with information about local resources. We assessed the proportion of patients who completed the questions. We also evaluated for the differences in the demographics between patients who completed the questions and those who did not using bivariate analyses. Results: Of the 200 patients, the majority were female (n=109, 54.5\%), non-Hispanic White (n=114, 57.0\%), and received commercial insurance (n=105, 52.5\%). There were no significant differences in demographics between the 4446 patients who were eligible and the 200 randomly selected patients. Of the 200 patients included, the SMS text message was unable to be delivered to 9 (4.5\%) patients and 17 (8.5\%) completed the social needs questionnaire. We did not observe a significant difference in the demographic characteristics of patients who did versus did not complete the questionnaire. Of the 17, a total of 5 (29.4\%) reported at least 1 unmet need, but only 2 chose to receive resource information. Conclusions: We found that only 8.5\% (n=17) of patients completed a SMS text message--based health-related social needs questionnaire. SMS text messaging may not be feasible as a single modality to screen patients in this population. Future research should evaluate if SMS text message--based social needs screening is feasible in other populations or effective when paired with other screening modalities. ", doi="10.2196/54530", url="https://cardio.jmir.org/2024/1/e54530", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38349714" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55930, author="Adam, Maya and Nguy?n, K{\'i}nh V?n", title="Authors' Reply: Concerns About the Generalizability Associated With a South African Randomized Controlled Trial on Prenatal Mothers", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Feb", day="12", volume="26", pages="e55930", keywords="maternal child health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="short animated storytelling", keywords="South Africa", keywords="video health messaging", doi="10.2196/55930", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e55930", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38345840" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/53861, author="Lin, Yongjian", title="Concerns About the Generalizability Associated With a South African Randomized Controlled Trial on Prenatal Mothers", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2024", month="Feb", day="12", volume="26", pages="e53861", keywords="letter", keywords="maternal child health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="short animated storytelling", keywords="South Africa", keywords="video health messaging", doi="10.2196/53861", url="https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e53861", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38345847" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/49491, author="Semere, Wagahta and Karter, J. Andrew and Lyles, R. Courtney and Reed, E. Mary and Karliner, Leah and Kaplan, Celia and Liu, Y. Jennifer and Livaudais-Toman, Jennifer and Schillinger, Dean", title="Care Partner Engagement in Secure Messaging Between Patients With Diabetes and Their Clinicians: Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Diabetes", year="2024", month="Feb", day="9", volume="9", pages="e49491", keywords="caregivers", keywords="diabetes", keywords="telehealth", keywords="secure messaging", keywords="patient portal", keywords="messaging", keywords="diabetes outcomes", keywords="family care", keywords="clinical care", abstract="Background: Patient engagement with secure messaging (SM) via digital patient portals has been associated with improved diabetes outcomes, including increased patient satisfaction and better glycemic control. Yet, disparities in SM uptake exist among older patients and racial and ethnic underserved groups. Care partners (family members or friends) may provide a means for mitigating these disparities; however, it remains unclear whether and to what extent care partners might enhance SM use. Objective: We aim to examine whether SM use differs among older patients with diabetes based on the involvement of care partner proxies. Methods: This is a substudy of the ECLIPPSE (Employing Computational Linguistics to Improve Patient-Provider Secure Emails) project, a cohort study taking place in a large, fully integrated health care delivery system with an established digital patient portal serving over 4 million patients. Participants included patients with type 2 diabetes aged ?50 years, newly registered on the patient portal, who sent ?1 English-language message to their clinician between July 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015. Proxy SM was identified by having a registered proxy. To identify nonregistered proxies, a computational linguistics algorithm was applied to detect words and phrases more likely to appear in proxy messages compared to patient-authored messages. The primary outcome was the annual volume of secure messages (sent or received); secondary outcomes were the length of time to the first SM sent by patient or proxy and the number of annual SM exchanges (unique message topics generating ?1 reply). Results: The mean age of the cohort (N=7659) at this study's start was 61 (SD 7.16) years; 75\% (n=5573) were married, 15\% (n=1089) identified as Black, 10\% (n=747) Chinese, 12\% (n=905) Filipino, 13\% (n=999) Latino, and 30\% (n=2225) White. Further, 49\% (n=3782) of patients used a proxy to some extent. Compared to nonproxy users, proxy users were older (P<.001), had lower educational attainment (P<.001), and had more comorbidities (P<.001). Adjusting for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, proxy users had greater annual SM volume (20.7, 95\% CI 20.2-21.2 vs 10.9, 95\% CI 10.7-11.2; P<.001), shorter time to SM initiation (hazard ratio vs nonusers: 1.30, 95\% CI 1.24-1.37; P<.001), and more annual SM exchanges (6.0, 95\% CI 5.8-6.1 vs 2.9, 95\% CI 2.9-3.0, P<.001). Differences in SM engagement by proxy status were similar across patient levels of education, and racial and ethnic groups. Conclusions: Among a cohort of older patients with diabetes, proxy SM involvement was independently associated with earlier initiation and increased intensity of messaging, although it did not appear to mitigate existing disparities in SM. These findings suggest care partners can enhance patient-clinician telecommunication in diabetes care. Future studies should examine the effect of care partners' SM involvement on diabetes-related quality of care and clinical outcomes. ", doi="10.2196/49491", url="https://diabetes.jmir.org/2024/1/e49491", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38335020" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47360, author="Bhattacharjee, Ananya and Chen, Pan and Mandal, Abhijoy and Hsu, Anne and O'Leary, Katie and Mariakakis, Alex and Williams, Jay Joseph", title="Exploring User Perspectives on Brief Reflective Questioning Activities for Stress Management: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Feb", day="8", volume="8", pages="e47360", keywords="reflection", keywords="mental health", keywords="stress", keywords="reflective questioning activity", keywords="RQA", keywords="brief intervention", keywords="computer-mediated communication", keywords="email", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Current online interventions dedicated to assisting individuals in managing stress and negative emotions often necessitate substantial time commitments. This can be burdensome for users, leading to high dropout rates and reducing the effectiveness of these interventions. This highlights an urgent need for concise digital activities that individuals can swiftly access during instances of negative emotions or stress in their daily lives. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the viability of using a brief digital exercise, specifically a reflective questioning activity (RQA), to help people reflect on their thoughts and emotions about a troubling situation. The RQA is designed to be quick, applicable to the general public, and scalable without requiring a significant support structure. Methods: We conducted 3 simultaneous studies. In the first study, we recruited 48 participants who completed the RQA and provided qualitative feedback on its design through surveys and semistructured interviews. In the second study, which involved 215 participants from Amazon Mechanical Turk, we used a between-participants design to compare the RQA with a single-question activity. Our hypotheses posited that the RQA would yield greater immediate stress relief and higher perceived utility, while not significantly altering the perception of time commitment. To assess these, we measured survey completion times and gathered multiple self-reported scores. In the third study, we assessed the RQA's real-world impact as a periodic intervention, exploring engagement via platforms such as email and SMS text messaging, complemented by follow-up interviews with participants. Results: In our first study, participants appreciated the RQA for facilitating structured reflection, enabling expression through writing, and promoting problem-solving. However, some of the participants experienced confusion and frustration, particularly when they were unable to find solutions or alternative perspectives on their thoughts. In the second study, the RQA condition resulted in significantly higher ratings (P=.003) for the utility of the activity and a statistically significant decrease (P<.001) in perceived stress rating compared with the single-question activity. Although the RQA required significantly more time to be completed (P<.001), there was no statistically significant difference in participants' subjective perceived time commitment (P=.37). Deploying the RQA over 2 weeks in the third study identified some potential challenges to consider for such activities, such as the monotony of doing the same activity several times, the limited affordances of mobile phones, and the importance of having the prompts align with the occurrence of new troubling situations. Conclusions: This paper describes the design and evaluation of a brief online self-reflection activity based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles. Our findings can inform practitioners and researchers in the design and exploration of formats for brief interventions to help people with everyday struggles. ", doi="10.2196/47360", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e47360", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38329800" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/55700, author="Davis, Ellen and Townsend, Elizabeth and Cavalier, Aero and Chen, Yi-Fan and Edwards-Hart, Dameka and Kitsiou, Spyros and Kowalczyk, Wiktoria and Mansur, Iliana and Okpara, Ebere and Powell, Karen and Press, G. Valerie and Ramirez, Toni and Salvo, Deborah and Sharp, K. Lisa and Wright, Brittani and Nyenhuis, Maria Sharmilee", title="Physical Activity Intervention for Urban Black Women With Asthma: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Efficacy Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2024", month="Feb", day="7", volume="13", pages="e55700", keywords="asthma", keywords="physical activity", keywords="lifestyle", keywords="Black women", abstract="Background: Black women experience a higher prevalence of poor asthma outcomes and physical inactivity than their White counterparts. Black women comprise a particularly vulnerable group of patients with asthma, with some of the highest rates of asthma in adults, high health care use (emergency department visits and hospitalizations), and the highest crude asthma mortality rate of all race or ethnicity groups. Despite recommendations to engage in regular physical activity, fewer than 15\% of Black women meet the 2008 National Physical Activity Guidelines, the lowest of all racial subgroups of adults. Given the connection between physical inactivity and poor asthma outcomes, addressing physical activity among Black women with asthma is imperative. Objective: This 2-arm randomized controlled trial aims to (1) determine the efficacy of a lifestyle walking intervention on asthma control compared to an education (control) group over 24 weeks, (2) examine the maintenance effects of the lifestyle walking intervention on asthma control at 48 weeks, (3) explore the behavioral mediators (eg, self-efficacy, social support, self-regulation, and daily physical activity levels) and contextual moderators (eg, baseline asthma severity, neighborhood environment, comorbid conditions, and social determinants of health) that contribute to treatment responsiveness, and (4) assess the reach and implementation potential of the intervention. Methods: The proposed study (ACTION [A Lifestyle Physical Activity Intervention for Minority Women with Asthma]) delivers a 24-week lifestyle walking intervention designed for and by urban Black women with asthma. Participants (n=224) will be recruited through 2 urban health care systems that care for a diverse Black population. Patients will be randomized to one of two groups: (1) ACTION intervention (group sessions, physical activity self-monitoring---Fitbit, and text-based support for step goal setting) or (2) education control (an individual asthma education session and SMS text messages related to asthma education). Outcome assessments will take place at baseline, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. The primary outcome is a change in asthma control from baseline to week 24 as assessed by the asthma control questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6). Secondary outcomes include asthma-related quality of life, health care use, and asthma exacerbations and behavioral outcomes such as self-efficacy, self-regulation, social support, and physical activity. Results: This study was funded by the National Institute of Minority Health Disparities in August 2022. We pilot-tested our recruitment and intervention procedures and began recruitment in April 2023, with the enrollment of our first participant in May 2023. The anticipated completion of the study is April 2027. Conclusions: This study will deliver a new approach to physical activity interventions in Black women with asthma and help to provide guidance for addressing physical activity within this subgroup. This study will also provide a potential framework for future studies in minoritized populations with other disease conditions associated with low levels of physical activity. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05726487; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05726487 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/55700 ", doi="10.2196/55700", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2024/1/e55700", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38324365" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/49590, author="Kapoor, Alok and Patel, Parth and Chennupati, Soumya and Mbusa, Daniel and Sadiq, Hammad and Rampam, Sanjeev and Leung, Robert and Miller, Megan and Vargas, Rivera Kevin and Fry, Patrick and Lowe, Martin Mary and Catalano, Christina and Harrison, Charles and Catanzaro, Nicholas John and Crawford, Sybil and Smith, Marie Anne", title="Comparing the Efficacy of Targeted and Blast Portal Messaging in Message Opening Rate and Anticoagulation Initiation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in the Preventing Preventable Strokes Study II: Prospective Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Cardio", year="2024", month="Jan", day="24", volume="8", pages="e49590", keywords="anticoagulants", keywords="atrial fibrillation", keywords="humans", keywords="outpatients", keywords="patient education as topic", keywords="patient portals", abstract="Background: The gap in anticoagulation use among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major public health threat. Inadequate patient education contributes to this gap. Patient portal--based messaging linked to educational materials may help bridge this gap, but the most effective messaging approach is unknown. Objective: This study aims to compare the responsiveness of patients with AF to an AF or anticoagulation educational message between 2 portal messaging approaches: sending messages targeted at patients with upcoming outpatient appointments 1 week before their scheduled appointment (targeted) versus sending messages to all eligible patients in 1 blast, regardless of appointment scheduling status (blast), at 2 different health systems: the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMass) and the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville (UFL). Methods: Using the 2 approaches, we sent patient portal messages to patients with AF and grouped patients by high-risk patients on anticoagulation (group 1), high-risk patients off anticoagulation (group 2), and low-risk patients who may become eligible for anticoagulation in the future (group 3). Risk was classified based on the congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ?75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, age between 65 and 74 years, and sex category (CHA2DS2-VASc) score. The messages contained a link to the Upbeat website of the Heart Rhythm Society, which displays print and video materials about AF and anticoagulation. We then tracked message opening, review of the website, anticoagulation use, and administered patient surveys across messaging approaches and sites using Epic Systems (Epic Systems Corporation) electronic health record data and Google website traffic analytics. We then conducted chi-square tests to compare potential differences in the proportion of patients opening messages and other evaluation metrics, adjusting for potential confounders. All statistical analyses were performed in SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute). Results: We sent 1686 targeted messages and 1450 blast messages. Message opening was significantly higher with the targeted approach for patients on anticoagulation (723/1156, 62.5\% vs 382/668, 57.2\%; P=.005) and trended the same in patients off anticoagulation; subsequent website reviews did not differ by messaging approach. More patients off anticoagulation at baseline started anticoagulation with the targeted approach than the blast approach (adjusted percentage 9.3\% vs 2.1\%; P<.001). Conclusions: Patients were more responsive in terms of message opening and subsequent anticoagulation initiation with the targeted approach. ", doi="10.2196/49590", url="https://cardio.jmir.org/2024/1/e49590", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38265849" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51795, author="Efe, Zeki and Baldofski, Sabrina and Kohls, Elisabeth and Eckert, Melanie and Saee, Shadi and Thomas, Julia and Wundrack, Richard and Rummel-Kluge, Christine", title="Linguistic Variables and Gender Differences Within a Messenger-Based Psychosocial Chat Counseling Service for Children and Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2024", month="Jan", day="12", volume="8", pages="e51795", keywords="e-mental health", keywords="chat counseling", keywords="crisis", keywords="helpline", keywords="linguistic", keywords="language", keywords="Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count", keywords="LIWC", keywords="psychiatric symptoms", abstract="Background: Text messaging is widely used by young people for communicating and seeking mental health support through chat-based helplines. However, written communication lacks nonverbal cues, and language usage is an important source of information about a person's mental health state and is known to be a marker for psychopathology. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate language usage, and its gender differences and associations with the presence of psychiatric symptoms within a chat counseling service for adolescents and young adults. Methods: For this study, the anonymized chat content of a German messenger--based psychosocial chat counseling service for children and adolescents (``krisenchat'') between May 2020 and July 2021 was analyzed. In total, 661,131 messages from 6962 users were evaluated using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, considering the following linguistic variables: first-person singular and plural pronouns, negations, positive and negative emotion words, insight words, and causation words. Descriptive analyses were performed, and gender differences of those variables were evaluated. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis examined the predictive value of linguistic variables on the presence of psychiatric symptoms. Results: Across all analyzed chats, first-person singular pronouns were used most frequently (965,542/8,328,309, 11.6\%), followed by positive emotion words (408,087/8,328,309, 4.9\%), insight words (341,460/8,328,309, 4.1\%), negations (316,475/8,328,309, 3.8\%), negative emotion words (266,505/8,328,309, 3.2\%), causation words (241,520/8,328,309, 2.9\%), and first-person plural pronouns (499,698/8,328,309, 0.6\%). Female users and users identifying as diverse used significantly more first-person singular pronouns and insight words than male users (both P<.001). Negations were significantly more used by female users than male users or users identifying as diverse (P=.007). Similar findings were noted for negative emotion words (P=.01). The regression model of predicting psychiatric symptoms by linguistic variables was significant and indicated that increased use of first-person singular pronouns (odds ratio [OR] 1.05), negations (OR 1.11), and negative emotion words (OR 1.15) was positively associated with the presence of psychiatric symptoms, whereas increased use of first-person plural pronouns (OR 0.39) and causation words (OR 0.90) was negatively associated with the presence of psychiatric symptoms. Suicidality, self-harm, and depression showed the most significant correlations with linguistic variables. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of examining linguistic features in chat counseling contexts. By integrating psycholinguistic findings into counseling practice, counselors may better understand users' psychological processes and provide more targeted support. For instance, certain linguistic features, such as high use of first-person singular pronouns, negations, or negative emotion words, may indicate the presence of psychiatric symptoms, particularly among female users and users identifying as diverse. Further research is needed to provide an in-depth look into language processes within chat counseling services. ", doi="10.2196/51795", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e51795", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38214955" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48958, author="Lee, N. Donghee and Sadasivam, S. Rajani and Stevens, M. Elise", title="Developing Mood-Based Computer-Tailored Health Communication for Smoking Cessation: Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Dec", day="22", volume="7", pages="e48958", keywords="mood", keywords="smoking cessation messages", keywords="computer-tailored health communication", keywords="innovation", keywords="smoking", keywords="cessation", keywords="digital intervention", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="text mining", keywords="adult", keywords="motivation", abstract="Background: Computer-tailored health communication (CTHC), a widely used strategy to increase the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions, is focused on selecting the best messages for an individual. More recently, CTHC interventions have been tested using contextual information such as participants' current stress or location to adapt message selection. However, mood has not yet been used in CTCH interventions and may increase their effectiveness. Objective: This study aims to examine the association of mood and smoking cessation message effectiveness among adults who currently smoke cigarettes. Methods: In January 2022, we recruited a web-based convenience sample of adults who smoke cigarettes (N=615; mean age 41.13 y). Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 mood conditions (positive, negative, or neutral) and viewed pictures selected from the International Affective Picture System to induce an emotional state within the assigned condition. Participants then viewed smoking cessation messages with topics covering five themes: (1) financial costs or rewards, (2) health, (3) quality of life, (4) challenges of quitting, and (5) motivation or reasons to quit. Following each message, participants completed questions on 3 constructs: message receptivity, perceived relevance, and their motivation to quit. The process was repeated 30 times. We used 1-way ANOVA to estimate the association of the mood condition on these constructs, controlling for demographics, cigarettes per day, and motivation to quit measured during the pretest. We also estimated the association between mood and outcomes for each of the 5 smoking message theme categories. Results: There was an overall statistically significant effect of the mood condition on the motivation to quit outcome (P=.02) but not on the message receptivity (P=.16) and perceived relevance (P=.86) outcomes. Participants in the positive mood condition reported significantly greater motivation to quit compared with those in the negative mood condition (P=.005). Participants in the positive mood condition reported higher motivation to quit after viewing smoking cessation messages in the financial (P=.03), health (P=.01), quality of life (P=.04), and challenges of quitting (P=.03) theme categories. We also compared each mood condition and found that participants in the positive mood condition reported significantly greater motivation to quit after seeing messages in the financial (P=.01), health (P=.003), quality of life (P=.01), and challenges of quitting (P=.01) theme categories than those in the negative mood condition. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that considering mood may be important for future CTHC interventions. Because those in the positive mood state at the time of message exposure were more likely to have greater quitting motivations, smoking cessation CTHC interventions may consider strategies to help improve participants' mood when delivering these messages. For those in neutral and negative mood states, focusing on certain message themes (health and motivation to quit) may be more effective than other message themes. ", doi="10.2196/48958", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e48958", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38133916" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47250, author="Karnik, Varun and Henderson, Hamish and Khan, Raza Urooj and Boyd, James", title="Phone-Based Text Therapy for Youth Mental Health: Rapid Review", journal="Interact J Med Res", year="2023", month="Dec", day="14", volume="12", pages="e47250", keywords="text therapy", keywords="mHealth", keywords="adolescent health", keywords="distance counseling", keywords="mental illness", keywords="mobile health intervention", keywords="adolescent", keywords="health promotion", keywords="digital mental health intervention", abstract="Background: Mental illness has become a prevalent issue impacting adolescents worldwide. Many barriers, including stigma and poor health literacy, prevent this population group from accessing reliable mental health care services. Synchronous text--therapy counseling is an underused therapeutic approach in combating adolescent mental illness. Phone-based text therapy is uniquely placed to offer personalized counseling to adolescents through a familiar and engaging treatment modality. Objective: This rapid review aims to understand the clinical effectiveness, usability, and accessibility of phone-based text therapy for youth mental health. Methods: Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO were used to search for suitable literature. Five groups of keywords were used: those related to (1) ``therapy,'' (2) ``text,'' (3) ``phone,'' (4) ``youth,'' and (5) ``mental health.'' Eligibility criteria were formed through the PICO (Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcome) framework. Studies were included if a synchronous phone-based text therapy intervention was used in an adolescent population, with an age range of 12-24 years. Only literature available in full-text, English, and a peer-reviewed journal was considered. Furthermore, a date limit of 5 years was set to reflect the recent development of digital interventions for mental health. Pertinent information from each study was tabulated, and a narrative synthesis was used to assess, describe, and organize the included studies comprehensively and concisely. Results: Of the 771 studies dual screened, 7 studies were included in this rapid review. Most of the exclusions occurred due to the use of the wrong intervention, such as asynchronous messaging. The selected studies had a low risk of bias and were suitable for the review. All interventional trials demonstrated reductions in mental health symptoms, primarily depression and anxiety. Most studies displayed high usability among participants, while data were unclear regarding accessibility. Conclusions: This review reveals the high potential of phone-based text therapy as an intervention for adolescents experiencing mental illness. We hope that this review promotes further refinement of text-based phone therapies and encourages future research on this subject matter. ", doi="10.2196/47250", url="https://www.i-jmr.org/2023/1/e47250", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38096012" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51277, author="Turvey, Carolyn and Fuhrmeister, Lindsey and Klein, Dawn and McCoy, Kimberly and Moeckli, Jane and Stewart Steffensmeier, R. Kenda and Suiter, Natalie and Van Tiem, Jen", title="Secure Messaging Intervention in Patients Starting New Antidepressant to Promote Adherence: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Dec", day="8", volume="7", pages="e51277", keywords="depression", keywords="text messaging", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="medication", keywords="medications", keywords="adherence", keywords="antidepressant", keywords="antidepressants", keywords="depressive", keywords="text message", keywords="text messages", keywords="messaging", keywords="SMS", keywords="veteran", keywords="veterans", keywords="military", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="RCT", keywords="controlled trials", keywords="mental health", keywords="psychiatry", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: There are a range of effective pharmacological and behavioral treatments for depression. However, approximately one-third of patients discontinue antidepressants within the first month of treatment and 44\% discontinue them by the third month of treatment. The major reasons reported for discontinuation were side effect burden, patients experiencing that the medications were not working, and patients wanting to resolve their depression without using medication. Objective: This study tested the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of an SMS messaging intervention designed to improve antidepressant adherence and depression outcomes in veterans. The intervention specifically targeted the key reasons for antidepressant discontinuation. For example, the secure message included reminders that it can take up to 6 weeks for an antidepressant to work, or prompts to call their provider should the side effect burden become significant. Methods: This pilot was a 3-armed randomized controlled trial of 53 veterans undergoing depression treatment at the Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Veterans starting a new antidepressant were randomized to secure messaging only (SM-Only), secure messaging with coaching (SM+Coach), or attention control (AC) groups. The intervention lasted 12 weeks with follow-up assessments of key outcomes at 6 and 12-weeks. This included a measure of antidepressant adherence, depressive symptom severity, and side effect burden. Results: The 2 active interventions (SM-Only and SM+Coach) demonstrated small to moderate effect sizes (ESs) in improving antidepressant adherence and reducing side effect burden. They did not appear to reduce the depressive symptom burden any more than in the AC arm. Veteran participants in the SM arms demonstrated improved medication adherence from baseline to 12 weeks on the Medication Adherence Rating Scale compared with those in the AC arm, who had a decline in adherence (SM-Only: ES=0.09; P=.19; SM+Coach: ES=0.85; P=.002). Depression scores on the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire decreased for all 3 treatment arms, although the decline was slightly larger for the SM-Only (ES=0.32) and the SM+Coach (ES=0.24) arms when compared with the AC arm. The 2 intervention arms indicated a decrease in side effects on the Frequency, Intensity, and Burden of Side Effects Ratings, whereas the side effect burden for the AC arm increased. These differences indicated moderate ES (SM-Only vs AC: ES=0.40; P=.07; SM+Coach: ES=0.54; P=.07). Conclusions: A secure messaging program targeting specific reasons for antidepressant discontinuation had small-to-moderate ES in improving medication adherence. Consistent with prior research, the intervention that included brief synchronic meetings with a coach appeared to have a greater benefit than the SMS-alone intervention. Veterans consistently engaged with the SMS messaging in both treatment arms throughout the study period. They additionally provided feedback on which texts were most helpful, tending to prefer messages providing overall encouragement rather than specific wellness recommendations. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03930849; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03930849 ", doi="10.2196/51277", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e51277", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38064267" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/51316, author="Einhorn, Julian and Murphy, R. Andrew and Rogal, S. Shari and Suffoletto, Brian and Irizarry, Taya and Rollman, L. Bruce and Forman, E. Daniel and Muldoon, F. Matthew", title="Automated Messaging Program to Facilitate Systematic Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: Qualitative Analysis of Provider Interviews", journal="JMIR Cardio", year="2023", month="Dec", day="4", volume="7", pages="e51316", keywords="mHealth", keywords="digital intervention", keywords="qualitative research", keywords="provider stakeholders", keywords="hypertension", keywords="home blood pressure monitoring", keywords="implementation research", keywords="short-messaging system", keywords="remote monitoring", keywords="qualitative analysis", keywords="messaging program", keywords="blood pressure", keywords="monitoring", keywords="cardiovascular", keywords="disease", keywords="text messaging", keywords="text mining", keywords="self-management", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular and kidney disease in the United States, yet blood pressure (BP) control at a population level is poor and worsening. Systematic home BP monitoring (HBPM) programs can lower BP, but programs supporting HBPM are not routinely used. The MyBP program deploys automated bidirectional text messaging for HBPM and disease self-management support. Objective: We aim to produce a qualitative analysis of input from providers and staff regarding implementation of an innovative HBPM program in primary care practices. Methods: Semistructured interviews (average length 31 minutes) were conducted with physicians (n=11), nurses, and medical assistants (n=6) from primary care settings. The interview assessed multiple constructs in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains of intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, and characteristics of individuals. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive coding to organize meaningful excerpts and identify salient themes, followed by mapping to the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs. Results: Health care providers reported that MyBP has good ease of use and was likely to engage patients in managing their high BP. They also felt that it would directly support systematic BP monitoring and habit formation in the convenience of the patient's home. This could increase health literacy and generate concrete feedback to raise the day-to-day salience of BP control. Providers expressed concern that the cost of BP devices remains an encumbrance. Some patients were felt to have overriding social or emotional barriers, or lack the needed technical skills to interact with the program, use good measurement technique, and input readings accurately. With respect to effects on their medical practice, providers felt MyBP would improve the accuracy and frequency of HBPM data, and thereby improve diagnosis and treatment management. The program may positively affect the patient-provider relationship by increasing rapport and bidirectional accountability. Providers appreciated receiving aggregated HBPM data to increase their own efficiency but also expressed concern about timely routing of incoming HBPM reports, lack of true integration with the electronic health record, and the need for a dedicated and trained staff member. Conclusions: In this qualitative analysis, health care providers perceived strong relative advantages of using MyBP to support patients. The identified barriers suggest the need for corrective implementation strategies to support providers in adopting the program into routine primary care practice, such as integration into the workflow and provider education. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03650166; https://tinyurl.com/bduwn6r4 ", doi="10.2196/51316", url="https://cardio.jmir.org/2023/1/e51316", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38048147" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48271, author="Mokaya, Moses and Kyallo, Florence and Yiga, Peter and Koole, Lena Janna and Boedt, Tessy and Vangoitsenhoven, Roman and Matthys, Christophe", title="Designing Mobile Phone Text Messages Using the Behavior Change Wheel Framework to Influence Food Literacy in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in Kenya: Protocol for a Systematic Development Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Dec", day="4", volume="12", pages="e48271", keywords="behavior change techniques", keywords="Behavior Change Wheel", keywords="type 2 diabetes", keywords="low-income populations", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="glycemic control", keywords="adults", keywords="diabetes", keywords="Africa", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="support care", keywords="care", keywords="support", keywords="behavior", abstract="Background: The worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has increased in the past decade, and it is projected to increase by 126\% by 2045 in Africa. At the same time, mobile phone use has increased in Africa, providing a potential for innovative mobile health interventions to support diabetes care. Objective: This study aimed to apply the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework to develop text messages to influence food literacy in adults with T2D in urban Kenya. Methods: The 8 steps of the BCW framework guided the development of text messages: (1) Define the problem in behavioral terms; (2) select target behaviors; (3) specify the target behaviors based on who needs to perform the behaviors, what needs to change, and when, where, how often, and with whom; (4) identify what needs to change; (5) identify intervention functions; (6) select policy categories; (7) select behavior change techniques (BCTs); and (8) select the mode of delivery. Recent exploratory studies in Kenya and other low- and middle-income countries provided information that was used to contextualize the intervention. Results: In step 1, the behavioral problem was defined as unhealthy dietary patterns among adults with T2D. In step 2, based on a qualitative study in the target population, the target behavior was selected to be evaluation of reliable sources of information, and selection and preparation of healthy food. In step 3, unhealthy dietary patterns were selected. In step 4, 10 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework were identified, and in step 5, 5 intervention functions were linked to the domains and unhealthy dietary patterns were specified. In step 6, communication and regulations were identified as policy categories, while in step 7, 9 BCTs were selected from the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy version 1. In step 8, the most suitable mode of delivery was determined to be mobile text messages. A total of 36 mobile text messages were developed based on the 9 BCTs. Conclusions: This study shows the step-by-step application of the BCW framework to develop mobile text messages to influence food literacy in adults with T2D. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/48271 ", doi="10.2196/48271", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e48271", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38048150" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47312, author="B{\"a}ccman, Charlotte and Bergkvist, Linda and W{\"a}stlund, Erik", title="Personalized Coaching via Texting for Behavior Change to Understand a Healthy Lifestyle Intervention in a Naturalistic Setting: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Nov", day="15", volume="7", pages="e47312", keywords="digital health intervention", keywords="behavior change", keywords="personalized SMS coaching", keywords="Capability, Opportunity, Motivation--Behavior", keywords="COM-B", keywords="physical activity", keywords="mixed methods design", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Digital health interventions, such as personalized SMS coaching, are considered affordable and scalable methods to support healthy lifestyle changes. SMS, or texting, is a readily available service to most people in Sweden, and personalized SMS coaching has shown great promise in supporting behavior changes. Objective: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of highly personalized SMS coaching for behavior change according to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation--Behavior (COM-B) model on a sample of physically inactive adults in a nonprofit fitness organization in Sweden. Methods: The study used a mixed methods design in which clients acted as their own controls. The participants were clients (n=28) and fitness consultants (n=12). Three types of data were collected: (1) quantitative data at baseline and after the SMS intervention and the waitlist from the clients, (2) qualitative data from semistructured interviews with the fitness consultants, and (3) pseudonymized texting conversations between the fitness consultants and clients. Results: Overall, the results showed that personalized SMS coaching was effective in supporting the clients' behavior changes. The quantitative analysis showed how the clients' capabilities (Cohen d=0.50), opportunities (Cohen d=0.43), and relationship with the fitness consultants (Cohen d=0.51) improved during the SMS intervention in comparison with baseline. Furthermore, the qualitative analysis revealed how personalized texts added value to existing work methods (eg, increasing continuity and flexibility) and how the relationship between the clients and fitness consultants changed during the intervention, which helped motivate the clients. Conclusions: Personalized SMS coaching is an effective method for supporting healthy behavior changes. The human connection that emerged in this study needs to be further explored to fully understand the effectiveness of a digital health intervention. ", doi="10.2196/47312", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e47312", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37966893" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/49174, author="Ronen, Keshet and Mugo, Cyrus and Kaggiah, Anne and Seeh, David and Kumar, Manasi and Guthrie, L. Brandon and Moreno, A. Megan and John-Stewart, Grace and Inwani, Irene", title="Facilitated WhatsApp Support Groups for Youth Living With HIV in Nairobi, Kenya: Single-Arm Pilot Intervention Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Nov", day="13", volume="7", pages="e49174", keywords="HIV", keywords="mHealth", keywords="social media", keywords="youth", keywords="adolescent", keywords="social support", abstract="Background: Mobile technology can support HIV care, but studies in youth are limited. In 2014, youth receiving HIV care at several health care facilities in Nairobi, Kenya spontaneously formed peer support groups using the social media platform WhatsApp. Objective: Inspired by youth-initiated groups, we aimed to evaluate the use of WhatsApp to deliver a social support intervention to improve HIV treatment and psychosocial outcomes in youth. We developed a facilitated WhatsApp group intervention (named Vijana-SMART), which was grounded in social support theory and guided by the design recommendations of youth living with HIV. This paper evaluates the intervention's acceptability and pre-post changes in health outcomes. Methods: The intervention involved interactive WhatsApp groups facilitated by study staff for 6 months, with each group having approximately 25 members. Study staff sent weekly structured messages, and the message content was based on social support theory and encouraged unstructured peer-to-peer messaging and support. We conducted a single-arm pilot among 55 youth living with HIV aged 14-24 years recruited from a government health care facility serving a mixed-income area of Nairobi. At enrollment and follow-up, self-report questionnaires assessed acceptability; antiretroviral therapy (ART) information, motivation, and behavioral skills (IMB); depression; social support; stigma; resilience; and ART adherence. All participants received the intervention. We used generalized estimating equations (GEEs) clustered by participant to evaluate changes in scores from baseline to follow-up, and correlates of participant WhatsApp messaging. Results: The median participant age was 18 years, and 67\% (37/55) were female. Intervention acceptability was high. All participants reported that it was helpful, and 73\% (38/52) sent ?1 WhatsApp message. Messaging levels varied considerably between participants and were higher during school holidays, earlier in the intervention period, and among youth aged ?18 years. IMB scores increased from enrollment to follow-up (66.9\% to 71.3\%; P<.001). Stigma scores also increased (8.3\% to 16.7\%; P=.001), and resilience scores decreased (75.0\% to 70.0\%; P<.001). We found no significant change in ART adherence, social support, or depression. We detected a positive association between the level of messaging during the study and the resilience score, but no significant association between messaging and other outcomes. Once enrolled, it was common for participants to change their phone numbers or leave the groups and request to be added back, which may present implementation challenges at a larger scale. Conclusions: Increased IMB scores following WhatsApp group participation may improve HIV outcomes. Increased stigma and decreased resilience were unintended consequences and may reflect transient effects of group sharing of challenging experiences, which should be addressed in larger randomized evaluations. WhatsApp groups present a promising and acceptable modality to deliver supportive interventions to youth living with HIV beyond the clinic, and further evaluation is warranted. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05634265); https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05634265 ", doi="10.2196/49174", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e49174", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37955957" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46128, author="Gomaa, Sameh and Posey, James and Bashir, Babar and Basu Mallick, Atrayee and Vanderklok, Eleanor and Schnoll, Max and Zhan, Tingting and Wen, Kuang-Yi", title="Feasibility of a Text Messaging--Integrated and Chatbot-Interfaced Self-Management Program for Symptom Control in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: Pilot Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Nov", day="10", volume="7", pages="e46128", keywords="chemotherapy", keywords="gastrointestinal cancer", keywords="digital health", keywords="text messaging", keywords="chatbot", keywords="side effect management", abstract="Background: Outpatient chemotherapy often leaves patients to grapple with a range of complex side effects at home. Leveraging tailored evidence-based content to monitor and manage these symptoms remains an untapped potential among patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Objective: This study aims to bridge the gap in outpatient chemotherapy care by integrating a cutting-edge text messaging system with a chatbot interface. This approach seeks to enable real-time monitoring and proactive management of side effects in patients with GI cancer undergoing intravenous chemotherapy. Methods: Real-Time Chemotherapy-Associated Side Effects Monitoring Supportive System (RT-CAMSS) was developed iteratively, incorporating patient-centered inputs and evidence-based information. It synthesizes chemotherapy knowledge, self-care symptom management skills, emotional support, and healthy lifestyle recommendations. In a single-arm 2-month pilot study, patients with GI cancer undergoing chemotherapy received tailored intervention messages thrice a week and a weekly Patient-Reported Outcomes Version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events--based symptom assessment via a chatbot interface. Baseline and postintervention patient surveys and interviews were conducted. Results: Out of 45 eligible patients, 34 were enrolled (76\% consent rate). The mean age was 61 (SD 12) years, with 19 (56\%) being females and 21 (62\%) non-Hispanic White. The most common cancer type was pancreatic (n=18, 53\%), followed by colon (n=12, 35\%) and stomach (n=4, 12\%). In total, 27 (79\% retention rate) participants completed the postintervention follow-up. In total, 20 patients texted back at least once to seek additional information, with the keyword ``chemo'' or ``support'' texted the most. Among those who used the chatbot system checker, fatigue emerged as the most frequently reported symptom (n=15), followed by neuropathy (n=7). Adjusted for multiple comparisons, patients engaging with the platform exhibited significantly improved Patient Activation Measure (3.70, 95\% CI --6.919 to --0.499; P=.02). Postintervention interviews and satisfaction surveys revealed that participants found the intervention was user-friendly and were provided with valuable information. Conclusions: Capitalizing on mobile technology communication holds tremendous scalability for enhancing health care services. This study presents initial evidence of the engagement and acceptability of RT-CAMSS, warranting further evaluation in a controlled clinical trial setting. ", doi="10.2196/46128", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e46128", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37948108" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/50872, author="Berry, Michael and Taylor, Lauren and Huang, Zhuoran and Chwyl, Christina and Kerrigan, Stephanie and Forman, Evan", title="Automated Messaging Delivered Alongside Behavioral Treatment for Weight Loss: Qualitative Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Nov", day="6", volume="7", pages="e50872", keywords="mobile health technology", keywords="weight loss", keywords="tailored messaging", keywords="lifestyle modification", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="messaging", keywords="intervention", keywords="overweight", keywords="obesity", keywords="qualitative", keywords="thematic analysis", abstract="Background: Mobile health interventions for weight loss frequently use automated messaging. However, this intervention modality appears to have limited weight loss efficacy. Furthermore, data on users' subjective experiences while receiving automated messaging--based interventions for weight loss are scarce, especially for more advanced messaging systems providing users with individually tailored, data-informed feedback. Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize the experiences of individuals with overweight or obesity who received automated messages for 6-12 months as part of a behavioral weight loss trial. Methods: Participants (n=40) provided Likert-scale ratings of messaging acceptability and completed a structured qualitative interview (n=39) focused on their experiences with the messaging system and generating suggestions for improvement. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants found the messages most useful for summarizing goal progress and least useful for suggesting new behavioral strategies. Overall message acceptability was moderate (2.67 out of 5). From the interviews, 2 meta-themes emerged. Participants indicated that although the messages provided useful reminders of intervention goals and skills, they did not adequately capture their lived experiences while losing weight. Conclusions: Many participants found the automated messages insufficiently tailored to their personal weight loss experiences. Future studies should explore alternative methods for message tailoring (eg, allowing for a higher degree of participant input and interactivity) that may boost treatment engagement and efficacy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05231824; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05231824 ", doi="10.2196/50872", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e50872", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37930786" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48968, author="Mansor, Norain and Ahmad, Norliza and Md Said, Salmiah and Tan, Kit-Aun and Sutan, Rosnah", title="Effectiveness of a Theory-Based Digital Animated Video Intervention to Reduce Intention and Willingness to Sext Among Diploma Students: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Oct", day="20", volume="25", pages="e48968", keywords="sexting", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="YouTube", keywords="intention", keywords="willingness", keywords="young adult", keywords="Malaysia, diploma students", keywords="digital content", keywords="digital health intervention", keywords="attrition rate", keywords="primary outcome", keywords="sexual risk", keywords="sexual health", keywords="WhatsApp", abstract="Background: Sexting refers to the exchange of sexually explicit digital content in the form of texts, photos, or videos. In recent years, sexting has become a public health concern. Surveys in Malaysia show a high prevalence of young adults engaged in sexting. Given that sexting is associated with sexual risk behavior, cyberbullying, and mental health issues, this behavior needs intervention to alleviate the resulting public health burden. However, there is a scarcity of theory-based intervention programs on the prevention of intention and willingness to sext among young adults. Objective: This study aimed to develop and implement a sexting intervention module guided by the prototype willingness model (PWM), delivered using web-based animated video, and evaluate its effectiveness among diploma students from a public higher educational institution. The primary outcomes were intention and willingness to sext, while the secondary outcomes were knowledge, attitude, perceived norms, and prototype perceptions of sexting. Methods: This 2-armed, parallel, single-blinded cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in a public higher educational institution in the state of Melaka, Malaysia. Diploma students from 12 programs were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. Both groups answered a self-administered web-based questionnaire assessing the outcomes at the baseline. The intervention group received a newly developed intervention module based on the PWM in the form of 5 animated videos posted on a private YouTube platform, while the control group was put on the waitlist. The intervention group was encouraged to discuss any issues raised with the researchers via WhatsApp private chat after viewing the videos. All participants were observed immediately and 3 months postintervention. Data analysis was performed with SPSS (version 26; IBM Corp). A generalized linear mixed model was used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: There were a total of 300 participants with an attrition rate of 8.3\% (n=25). After adjusting for age, sex, relationship status, and the amount of time spent on the web, there were significant differences in the intention to sext ($\beta$=--.12; P=.002; Cohen d=0.23), willingness to sext ($\beta$=--.16; P<.001; Cohen d=0.40), knowledge ($\beta$=.12; P<.001; Cohen d=0.39), attitude ($\beta$=--.11; P=.001; Cohen d=0.31), perceived norms ($\beta$=--.06; P=.04; Cohen d=0.18), and prototype perceptions ($\beta$=--.11; P<.001; Cohen d=0.35) between the intervention and control groups over 3 months. Conclusions: In this study, the sexting intervention module using the PWM that was delivered via web-based animated videos was effective in reducing intention and willingness to sext as well as in improving knowledge of sexting, attitudes, perceived norms, and prototype perceptions. Therefore, relevant agencies involved in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health among young adults in Malaysia can consider the implementation of this module. Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trial Registry TCTR20201010002; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20201002001 ", doi="10.2196/48968", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e48968", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37862090" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45977, author="Ross, Edgar and Al Ozairi, Ebaa and Al qabandi, Naeema and Jamison, Robert", title="Optimizing an mHealth Program to Promote Type 2 Diabetes Prevention in High-Risk Individuals: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Oct", day="16", volume="7", pages="e45977", keywords="SMS", keywords="short text message interventions: mHealth", keywords="smartphone", keywords="type 2 diabetes prevention", keywords="social media", keywords="friends and family", keywords="percolation theory", keywords="diabetes", keywords="prevention", keywords="risk", keywords="development", keywords="pilot study", keywords="social network", keywords="theory modeling", keywords="disease control", keywords="initiative", abstract="Background: We evaluated the outcomes of a pilot SMS text messaging--based public health campaign that identified social networking nodes and variations of response rates to develop a list of variables that could be used to analyze and develop an outreach strategy that would maximize the impact of future public health campaigns planned for Kuwait. Computational analysis of connections has been used to analyze the spread of infectious diseases, dissemination of new thoughts and ideas, efficiency of logistics networks, and even public health care campaigns. Percolation theory network analysis provides a mathematical alternative to more established heuristic approaches that have been used to optimize network development. We report on a pilot study designed to identify and treat subjects at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in Kuwait. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify ways to optimize efficient deployment of resources and improve response rates in a public health campaign by using variables identified in this secondary analysis of our previously published data (Alqabandi et al, 2020). This analysis identified key variables that could be used in a computational analysis to plan for future public health campaigns. Methods: SMS text message screening posts were sent inviting recipients to answer 6 questions to determine their risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. If subjects agreed to participate, a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prediabetes screening test was automatically transmitted to their mobile devices. The phone numbers used in this campaign were recorded and compared to the responses received through SMS text messaging and social media forwarding. Results: A total of 180,000 SMS text messages through 5 different campaigns were sent to 6\% of the adult population in Kuwait. A total of 260 individuals agreed to participate, of which 153 (58.8\%) completed the screening. Remarkably, 367 additional surveys were received from individuals who were not invited by the original circulated SMS text messages. These individuals were invited through forwarded surveys from the original recipients after authentication with the study center. The original SMS text messages were found to successfully identify influencers in existing social networks to improve the efficacy of the public health campaign. Conclusions: SMS text messaging--based health care screening campaigns were found to have limited effectiveness alone; however, the increased reach through shared second-party forwarding suggests the potential of exponentially expanding the reach of the study and identifying a higher percentage of eligible candidates through the use of percolation theory. Future research should be directed toward designing SMS text messaging campaigns that support a combination of SMS text message invitations and social networks along with identification of influential nodes and key variables, which are likely unique to the environment and cultural background of the population, using percolation theory modeling and chatbots. ", doi="10.2196/45977", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e45977", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37843911" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47266, author="Adam, Maya and Kwinda, Zwannda and Dronavalli, Mithilesh and Leonard, Elizabeth and Nguy?n, K{\'i}nh V?n and Tshivhase, Vusani and B{\"a}rnighausen, Till and Pillay, Yogan", title="Effect of Short, Animated Video Storytelling on Maternal Knowledge and Satisfaction in the Perinatal Period in South Africa: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Oct", day="13", volume="25", pages="e47266", keywords="maternal child health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="short animated storytelling", keywords="South Africa", keywords="video health messaging", abstract="Background: Innovative mobile health (mHealth) interventions can improve maternal knowledge, thereby supporting national efforts to reduce preventable maternal and child mortality in South Africa. Studies have documented a potential role for mobile video content to support perinatal health messaging, enhance maternal satisfaction, and overcome literacy barriers. Short, animated storytelling (SAS) is an innovative, emerging approach to mHealth messaging. Objective: We aimed to measure the effect of SAS videos on maternal knowledge and user satisfaction for mothers enrolled in antenatal care programs at 2 public health facilities in the Tshwane District of South Africa. Methods: We used a randomized controlled trial with a nested evaluation of user satisfaction. Participants were randomized 1:1 into Standard-of-Care (SOC) Control, and SAS Intervention groups. The intervention videos were delivered through WhatsApp, and 1 month later, participants responded to telephone surveys assessing their knowledge. The intervention group then participated in a nested evaluation of user satisfaction. Results: We surveyed 204 participants. Of them, 49.5\% (101/204) were aged between 25 and 34 years. Almost all participants self-identified as Black, with the majority (190/204, 93.2\%) having completed secondary school. The mean overall knowledge score was 21.92/28. We observed a slight increase of 0.28 (95\% uncertainty interval [UI] --0.58 to 1.16) in the overall knowledge score in the intervention arm. We found that those with secondary education or above scored higher than those with only primary education by 2.24 (95\% UI 0.76-4.01). Participants aged 35 years or older also scored higher than the youngest age group (18-24 years) by 1.83 (95\% CI 0.39-3.33). Finally, the nested user satisfaction evaluation revealed high maternal satisfaction (4.71/5) with the SAS video series. Conclusions: While the SAS videos resulted in high user satisfaction, measured knowledge gains were small within a participant population that was already receiving perinatal health messages through antenatal clinics. The higher knowledge scores observed in older participants with higher education levels suggest that boosting maternal knowledge in younger mothers with lower education levels should continue to be a public health priority in South Africa. Given the high maternal satisfaction among the SAS video-users in this study, policy makers should consider integrating similar approaches into existing, broad-reaching perinatal health programs, such as MomConnect, to boost satisfaction and potentially enhance maternal engagement. While previous studies have shown the promise of animated video health education, most of this research has been conducted in high-income countries. More research in underresourced settings is urgently needed, especially as access to mobile technology increases in the Global South. Future studies should explore the effect of SAS videos on maternal knowledge in hard-to-reach populations with limited access to antenatal care, although real-world logistical challenges persist when implementing studies in underresourced South African populations. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR202203673222680; https://tinyurl.com/362cpuny ", doi="10.2196/47266", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e47266", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37831505" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48583, author="Baratta, R. Laura and Harford, Derek and Sinsky, A. Christine and Kannampallil, Thomas and Lou, S. Sunny", title="Characterizing the Patterns of Electronic Health Record--Integrated Secure Messaging Use: Cross-Sectional Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Oct", day="6", volume="25", pages="e48583", keywords="clinical care", keywords="clinician burden", keywords="communication", keywords="electronic health record", keywords="EHR", keywords="interprofessional communication", keywords="medical assistant", keywords="messaging", keywords="nurses", keywords="observational study", keywords="physicians", keywords="secure messaging", keywords="users", abstract="Background: Communication among health care professionals is essential for the delivery of safe clinical care. Secure messaging has rapidly emerged as a new mode of asynchronous communication. Despite its popularity, relatively little is known about how secure messaging is used and how such use contributes to communication burden. Objective: This study aims to characterize the use of an electronic health record--integrated secure messaging platform across 14 hospitals and 263 outpatient clinics within a large health care system. Methods: We collected metadata on the use of the Epic Systems Secure Chat platform for 6 months (July 2022 to January 2023). Information was retrieved on message volume, response times, message characteristics, messages sent and received by users, user roles, and work settings (inpatient vs outpatient). Results: A total of 32,881 users sent 9,639,149 messages during the study. Median daily message volume was 53,951 during the first 2 weeks of the study and 69,526 during the last 2 weeks, resulting in an overall increase of 29\% (P=.03). Nurses were the most frequent users of secure messaging (3,884,270/9,639,149, 40\% messages), followed by physicians (2,387,634/9,639,149, 25\% messages), and medical assistants (1,135,577/9,639,149, 12\% messages). Daily message frequency varied across users; inpatient advanced practice providers and social workers interacted with the highest number of messages per day (median 19). Conversations were predominantly between 2 users (1,258,036/1,547,879, 81\% conversations), with a median of 2 conversational turns and a median response time of 2.4 minutes. The largest proportion of inpatient messages was from nurses to physicians (972,243/4,749,186, 20\% messages) and physicians to nurses (606,576/4,749,186, 13\% messages), while the largest proportion of outpatient messages was from physicians to nurses (344,048/2,192,488, 16\% messages) and medical assistants to other medical assistants (236,694/2,192,488, 11\% messages). Conclusions: Secure messaging was widely used by a diverse range of health care professionals, with ongoing growth throughout the study and many users interacting with more than 20 messages per day. The short message response times and high messaging volume observed highlight the interruptive nature of secure messaging, raising questions about its potentially harmful effects on clinician workflow, cognition, and errors. ", doi="10.2196/48583", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e48583", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37801359" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/49668, author="Sideropoulos, Vassilis and Vangeli, Eleni and Naughton, Felix and Cox, Sharon and Frings, Daniel and Notley, Caitlin and Brown, Jamie and Kimber, Catherine and Dawkins, Lynne", title="Mobile Phone Text Messages to Support People to Stop Smoking by Switching to Vaping: Codevelopment, Coproduction, and Initial Testing Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Sep", day="27", volume="7", pages="e49668", keywords="coproduction", keywords="SMS text messages", keywords="e-cigarette", keywords="smoking", keywords="eHealth", keywords="vaping", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="codevelopment", keywords="text message", abstract="Background: SMS text messages are affordable, scalable, and effective smoking cessation interventions. However, there is little research on SMS text message interventions specifically designed to support people who smoke to quit by switching to vaping. Objective: Over 3 phases, with vapers and smokers, we codeveloped and coproduced a mobile phone SMS text message program. The coproduction paradigm allowed us to collaborate with researchers and the community to develop a more relevant, acceptable, and equitable SMS text message program. Methods: In phase 1, we engaged people who vape via Twitter and received 167 responses to our request to write SMS text messages for people who wish to quit smoking by switching to vaping. We screened, adjusted, refined, and themed the messages, resulting in a set of 95 that were mapped against the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation--Behavior constructs. In phase 2, we evaluated the 95 messages from phase 1 via a web survey where participants (66/202, 32.7\% woman) rated up to 20 messages on 7-point Likert scales on 9 constructs: being understandable, clear, believable, helpful, interesting, inoffensive, positive, and enthusiastic and how happy they would be to receive the messages. In phase 3, we implemented the final set of SMS text messages as part of a larger randomized optimization trial, in which 603 participants (mean age 38.33, SD 12.88 years; n=369, 61.2\% woman) received SMS text message support and then rated their usefulness and frequency and provided free-text comments at the 12-week follow-up. Results: For phase 2, means and SDs were calculated for each message across the 9 constructs. Those with means below the neutral anchor of 4 or with unfavorable comments were discussed with vapers and further refined or removed. This resulted in a final set of 78 that were mapped against early, mid-, or late stages of quitting to create an order for the messages. For phase 3, a total of 38.5\% (232/603) of the participants provided ratings at the 12-week follow-up. In total, 69.8\% (162/232) reported that the SMS text messages had been useful, and a significant association between quit rates and usefulness ratings was found ($\chi$21=9.6; P=.002). A content analysis of free-text comments revealed that the 2 most common positive themes were helpful (13/47, 28\%) and encouraging (6/47, 13\%) and the 2 most common negative themes were too frequent (9/47, 19\%) and annoying (4/47, 9\%). Conclusions: In this paper, we describe the initial coproduction and codevelopment of a set of SMS text messages to help smokers stop smoking by transitioning to vaping. We encourage researchers to use, further develop, and evaluate the set of SMS text messages and adapt it to target populations and relevant contexts. ", doi="10.2196/49668", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e49668", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37756034" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46548, author="Wutz, Maximilian and Hermes, Marius and Winter, Vera and K{\"o}berlein-Neu, Juliane", title="Factors Influencing the Acceptability, Acceptance, and Adoption of Conversational Agents in Health Care: Integrative Review", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Sep", day="26", volume="25", pages="e46548", keywords="conversational agent", keywords="chatbot", keywords="acceptability", keywords="acceptance", keywords="adoption", keywords="health care", keywords="digital health", keywords="artificial intelligence", keywords="AI", keywords="natural language", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Conversational agents (CAs), also known as chatbots, are digital dialog systems that enable people to have a text-based, speech-based, or nonverbal conversation with a computer or another machine based on natural language via an interface. The use of CAs offers new opportunities and various benefits for health care. However, they are not yet ubiquitous in daily practice. Nevertheless, research regarding the implementation of CAs in health care has grown tremendously in recent years. Objective: This review aims to present a synthesis of the factors that facilitate or hinder the implementation of CAs from the perspectives of patients and health care professionals. Specifically, it focuses on the early implementation outcomes of acceptability, acceptance, and adoption as cornerstones of later implementation success. Methods: We performed an integrative review. To identify relevant literature, a broad literature search was conducted in June 2021 with no date limits and using all fields in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, LIVIVO, and PsycINFO. To keep the review current, another search was conducted in March 2022. To identify as many eligible primary sources as possible, we used a snowballing approach by searching reference lists and conducted a hand search. Factors influencing the acceptability, acceptance, and adoption of CAs in health care were coded through parallel deductive and inductive approaches, which were informed by current technology acceptance and adoption models. Finally, the factors were synthesized in a thematic map. Results: Overall, 76 studies were included in this review. We identified influencing factors related to 4 core Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) factors (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and hedonic motivation), with most studies underlining the relevance of performance and effort expectancy. To meet the particularities of the health care context, we redefined the UTAUT2 factors social influence, habit, and price value. We identified 6 other influencing factors: perceived risk, trust, anthropomorphism, health issue, working alliance, and user characteristics. Overall, we identified 10 factors influencing acceptability, acceptance, and adoption among health care professionals (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence, price value, perceived risk, trust, anthropomorphism, working alliance, and user characteristics) and 13 factors influencing acceptability, acceptance, and adoption among patients (additionally hedonic motivation, habit, and health issue). Conclusions: This review shows manifold factors influencing the acceptability, acceptance, and adoption of CAs in health care. Knowledge of these factors is fundamental for implementation planning. Therefore, the findings of this review can serve as a basis for future studies to develop appropriate implementation strategies. Furthermore, this review provides an empirical test of current technology acceptance and adoption models and identifies areas where additional research is necessary. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022343690; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display\_record.php?RecordID=343690 ", doi="10.2196/46548", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e46548", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37751279" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45484, author="Chen, Nai-Jung and Huang, Chiu-Mieh and Fan, Ching-Chih and Lu, Li-Ting and Lin, Fen-He and Liao, Jung-Yu and Guo, Jong-Long", title="User Evaluation of a Chat-Based Instant Messaging Support Health Education Program for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Preliminary Findings of a Formative Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Sep", day="19", volume="7", pages="e45484", keywords="chronic kidney disease", keywords="chatbot", keywords="health education", keywords="push notification", keywords="users' evaluation", abstract="Background: Artificial intelligence--driven chatbots are increasingly being used in health care, but few chat-based instant messaging support health education programs are designed for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to evaluate their effectiveness. In addition, limited research exists on the usage of chat-based programs among patients with CKD, particularly those that integrate a chatbot aimed at enhancing the communication ability and disease-specific knowledge of patients. Objective: The objective of this formative study is to gather the data necessary to develop an intervention program of chat-based instant messaging support health education for patients with CKD. Participants' user experiences will form the basis for program design improvements. Methods: Data were collected from April to November 2020 using a structured questionnaire. A pre-post design was used, and a total of 60 patients consented to join the 3-month program. Among them, 55 successfully completed the study measurements. The System Usability Scale was used for participant evaluations of the usability of the chat-based program. Results: Paired t tests revealed significant differences before and after intervention for communicative literacy (t54=3.99; P<.001) and CKD-specific disease knowledge (t54=7.54; P<.001). Within disease knowledge, significant differences were observed in the aspects of CKD basic knowledge (t54=3.46; P=.001), lifestyle (t54=3.83; P=.001), dietary intake (t54=5.51; P<.001), and medication (t54=4.17; P=.001). However, no significant difference was found in the aspect of disease prevention. Subgroup analysis revealed that while the findings among male participants were similar to those of the main sample, this was not the case among female participants. Conclusions: The findings reveal that a chat-based instant messaging support health education program may be effective for middle-aged and older patients with CKD. The use of a chat-based program with multiple promoting approaches is promising, and users' evaluation is satisfactory. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05665517; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05665517 ", doi="10.2196/45484", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e45484", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37725429" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/52204, author="Feng, Yuheng and Li, Xiaohong", title="Authors' Reply: Methodological Considerations for a Diabetes Family-Based eHealth Intervention", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2023", month="Sep", day="18", volume="11", pages="e52204", keywords="public health", keywords="type 2 diabetes mellitus", keywords="intervention", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="community health center", doi="10.2196/52204", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e52204", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37721796" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48652, author="Bro?, Jan and Campbell, D. Matthew and Krollov{\'a}, Pavl{\'i}na and Michalec, Juraj", title="Methodological Considerations for a Diabetes Family-Based eHealth Intervention", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2023", month="Sep", day="18", volume="11", pages="e48652", keywords="public health", keywords="type 2 diabetes mellitus", keywords="intervention", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="community health center", doi="10.2196/48652", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e48652", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37721787" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/33810, author="Krasuska, Marta and Davidson, M. Emma and Beune, Erik and Jenum, Karen Anne and Gill, MR Jason and Stronks, Karien and van Valkengoed, GM Irene and Diaz, Esperanza and Sheikh, Aziz", title="A Culturally Adapted Diet and Physical Activity Text Message Intervention to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for Women of Pakistani Origin Living in Scotland: Formative Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Sep", day="15", volume="7", pages="e33810", keywords="diabetes", keywords="diet", keywords="ethnic minority populations", keywords="Pakistani", keywords="physical activity", keywords="prevention", keywords="South Asian", keywords="text messages", keywords="women", keywords="women's health", keywords="health intervention", keywords="digital health", keywords="mobile health", keywords="minority", keywords="exercise", keywords="text message", keywords="text messaging", keywords="SMS", keywords="development", keywords="formative", keywords="diabetes mellitus", abstract="Background: Individuals of South Asian origin are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared with other ethnic minority groups. Therefore, there is a need to develop interventions to address, and reduce, this heightened risk. Objective: We undertook formative work to develop a culturally adapted diet and physical activity text message intervention to prevent T2DM for women of Pakistani origin living in Scotland. Methods: We used a stepwise approach that was informed by the Six Steps in Quality Intervention Development framework, which consisted of gathering evidence through literature review and focus groups (step 1), developing a program theory for the intervention (step 2), and finally developing the content of the text messages and an accompanying delivery plan (step 3). Results: In step 1, we reviewed 12 articles and identified 3 key themes describing factors impacting on diet and physical activity in the context of T2DM prevention: knowledge on ways to prevent T2DM through diet and physical activity; cultural, social, and gender norms; and perceived level of control and sense of inevitability over developing T2DM. The key themes that emerged from the 3 focus groups with a total of 25 women were the need for interventions to provide ``friendly encouragement,'' ``companionship,'' and a ``focus on the individual'' and also for the text messages to ``set achievable goals'' and include ``information on cooking healthy meals.'' We combined the findings of the focus groups and literature review to create 13 guiding principles for culturally adapting the text messages. In step 2, we developed a program theory, which specified the main determinants of change that our text messages should aim to enhance: knowledge and skills, sense of control, goal setting and planning behavior, peer support, and norms and beliefs guiding behavior. In step 3, we used both the intervention program theory and guiding principles to develop a set of 73 text messages aimed at supporting a healthy diet and 65 text messages supporting increasing physical activity. Conclusions: We present a theory-based approach to develop a culturally adapted diet and physical activity text message intervention to prevent T2DM for women of Pakistani origin living in Scotland. This study outlines an approach that may also be applicable to the development of interventions for other ethnic minority populations in diverse settings. There is now a need to build on this formative work and undertake a feasibility trial of a text message--based diet and physical activity intervention to prevent T2DM for women of Pakistani origin living in Scotland. ", doi="10.2196/33810", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e33810", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37713245" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46560, author="Mishra, R. Sonali and Dempsey, Walter and Klasnja, Predrag", title="A Text Messaging Intervention for Priming the Affective Rewards of Exercise in Adults: Protocol for a Microrandomized Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Sep", day="1", volume="12", pages="e46560", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth interventions", keywords="physical activity", keywords="affective attitudes", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Physical activity is a critical target for health interventions, but effective interventions remain elusive. A growing body of work suggests that interventions targeting affective attitudes toward physical activity may be more effective for sustaining activity long term than those that rely on cognitive constructs alone, such as goal setting and self-monitoring. Anticipated affective response in particular is a promising target for intervention. Objective: We will evaluate the efficacy of an SMS text messaging intervention that manipulates anticipated affective response to exercise to promote physical activity. We hypothesize that reminding users of a positive postexercise affective state before their planned exercise sessions will increase their calories burned during this exercise session. We will deploy 2 forms of affective SMS text messages to explore the design space: low-reflection messages written by participants for themselves and high-reflection prompts that require users to reflect and respond. We will also explore the effect of the intervention on affective attitudes toward exercise. Methods: A total of 120 individuals will be enrolled in a 9-week microrandomized trial testing affective messages that remind users about feeling good after exercise (40\% probability), control reminders (30\% probability), or no message (30\% probability). Two types of affective SMS text messages will be deployed: one requiring a response and the other in a read-only format. Participants will write the read-only messages themselves to ensure that the messages accurately reflect the participants' anticipated postexercise affective state. Affective attitudes toward exercise and intrinsic motivation for exercise will be measured at the beginning and end of the study. The weighted and centered least squares method will be used to analyze the effect of delivering the intervention versus not on calories burned over 4 hours around the time of the planned activity, measured by the Apple Watch. Secondary analyses will include the effect of the intervention on step count and active minutes, as well as an investigation of the effects of the intervention on affective attitudes toward exercise and intrinsic motivation for exercise. Participants will be interviewed to gain qualitative insights into intervention impact and acceptability. Results: Enrollment began in May 2023, with 57 participants enrolled at the end of July 2023. We anticipate enrolling 120 participants. Conclusions: This study will provide early evidence about the effect of a repeated manipulation of anticipated affective response to exercise. The use of 2 different types of messages will yield insight into optimal design strategies for improving affective attitudes toward exercise. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05582369; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05582369 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/46560 ", doi="10.2196/46560", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e46560", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37656493" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44612, author="Ni, Chen-Xu and Lu, Wen-Jie and Ni, Min and Huang, Fang and Li, Dong-Jie and Shen, Fu-Ming", title="Advanced Messaging Intervention for Medication Adherence and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Cancer: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Cancer", year="2023", month="Aug", day="31", volume="9", pages="e44612", keywords="5G messaging", keywords="fifth-generation", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="patients with cancer", keywords="clinical pharmacists", keywords="randomized controlled trial", abstract="Background: Medication adherence is crucial for improving clinical outcomes in the treatment of patients with cancer. The lack of adherence and adverse drug reactions can reduce the effectiveness of cancer therapy including the quality of life. The commonly used intervention methods for medication adherence continue to evolve, and the age of fifth-generation (5G) messaging has arrived. Objective: In this study, we conducted a prospective, pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of 5G messaging on medication adherence and clinical outcomes among patients with cancer in China. Methods: The research population was patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer undergoing pemetrexed chemotherapy who require regular folic acid (FA) and vitamin B12 supplements. The intervention and control groups were assigned to 5G messaging and second-generation (2G) messaging, respectively. The patients' medication adherence and quality of life were assessed at baseline and 1-month and 3-month time points. Moreover, the chemotherapy-related hematologic or nonhematologic toxicities, as well as the serum levels of FA and vitamin B12, were measured. Results: Of the 567 patients assessed for eligibility between January and May 2021, a total of 154 (27.2\%) patients were included. Overall, 80 were randomized to the control group and 74 to the intervention group. The odds of adherence in the 5G messaging intervention group were significantly higher than the control group at the 1-month (62/69, 90\% vs 56/74, 76\%; adjusted odds ratio 2.67, 95\% CI 1.02-7.71) and 3-month (50/60, 83\% vs 48/64, 75\%; adjusted odds ratio 2.36, 95\% CI 1.00-5.23) time points. Correspondingly, the FA and vitamin B12 serum levels of patients in the 5G messaging group were higher than those of the control group. Regarding hematologic toxicities, only the incidence of leukopenia in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group (25/80, 31\% in the control group vs 12/74, 16\% in the intervention group; P=.04). There were no differences in nonhematologic toxicities and quality of life between the 2 groups. Conclusions: In summary, we conclude that compared with conventional 2G text-based messaging, a 5G messaging intervention can better improve medication adherence and clinical outcome among patients with cancer. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200058188; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=164489 ", doi="10.2196/44612", url="https://cancer.jmir.org/2023/1/e44612", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37651170" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45198, author="Memenga, Paula and Baumann, Eva and Luetke Lanfer, Hanna and Reifegerste, Doreen and Geulen, Julia and Weber, Winja and Hahne, Andrea and M{\"u}ller, Anne and Weg-Remers, Susanne", title="Intentions of Patients With Cancer and Their Relatives to Use a Live Chat on Familial Cancer Risk: Results From a Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Aug", day="28", volume="25", pages="e45198", keywords="live chat", keywords="technology acceptance", keywords="familial cancer risk", keywords="Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology", keywords="cancer information seeking", keywords="patients and relatives with cancer", keywords="patients with cancer", keywords="cancer risk", keywords="genetic testing", keywords="diagnosis", keywords="severity", keywords="cross-sectional survey", abstract="Background: An important prerequisite for actively engaging in cancer prevention and early detection measures, which is particularly recommended in cases of familial cancer risk, is the acquisition of information. Although a lot of cancer information is available, not all social groups are equally well reached because information needs and communicative accessibility differ. Previous research has shown that a live chat service provided by health professionals could be an appropriate, low-threshold format to meet individual information needs on sensitive health topics such as familial cancer risk. An established German Cancer Information Service is currently developing such a live chat service. As it is only worthwhile if accepted by the target groups, formative evaluation is essential in the course of the chat service's development and implementation. Objective: This study aimed to explore the acceptance of a live chat on familial cancer risk by patients with cancer and their relatives (research question [RQ] 1) and examine the explanatory power of factors associated with their intentions to use such a service (RQ2). Guided by the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), we examined the explanatory power of the following UTAUT2 factors: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and habit, supplemented by perceived information insufficiency, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and cancer diagnosis as additional factors related to information seeking about familial cancer. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey via a German web-based access panel in March 2022 that was stratified by age, gender, and education (N=1084). The participants are or have been diagnosed with cancer themselves (n=144) or have relatives who are or have been affected (n=990). All constructs were measured with established scales. To answer RQ1, descriptive data (mean values and distribution) were used. For RQ2, a blockwise multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. Results: Overall, 32.7\% of participants were (rather) willing, 28.9\% were undecided, and 38.4\% were (rather) not willing to use a live chat on familial cancer risk in the future. A multiple linear regression analysis explained 47\% of the variance. It revealed that performance expectancy, social influence, habit, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity were positively associated with the intention to use a live chat on familial cancer risk. Effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, information insufficiency, and cancer diagnosis were not related to usage intentions. Conclusions: A live chat seems promising for providing information on familial cancer risk. When promoting the service, the personal benefits should be addressed in particular. UTAUT2 is an effective theoretical framework for explaining live chat usage intentions and does not need to be extended in the context of familial cancer risk. ", doi="10.2196/45198", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45198", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37639311" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41833, author="Wyant, Kendra and Moshontz, Hannah and Ward, B. Stephanie and Fronk, E. Gaylen and Curtin, J. John", title="Acceptability of Personal Sensing Among People With Alcohol Use Disorder: Observational Study", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2023", month="Aug", day="28", volume="11", pages="e41833", keywords="personal sensing", keywords="digital therapeutics", keywords="mobile health", keywords="smartphone", keywords="alcohol use disorder", keywords="self-report", keywords="alcohol use", keywords="symptom monitoring", keywords="mental health", keywords="acceptability", keywords="alcohol intake", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Personal sensing may improve digital therapeutics for mental health care by facilitating early screening, symptom monitoring, risk prediction, and personalized adaptive interventions. However, further development and the use of personal sensing requires a better understanding of its acceptability to people targeted for these applications. Objective: We aimed to assess the acceptability of active and passive personal sensing methods in a sample of people with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder using both behavioral and self-report measures. This sample was recruited as part of a larger grant-funded project to develop a machine learning algorithm to predict lapses. Methods: Participants (N=154; n=77, 50\% female; mean age 41, SD 11.9 years; n=134, 87\% White and n=150, 97\% non-Hispanic) in early recovery (1-8 weeks of abstinence) were recruited to participate in a 3-month longitudinal study. Participants were modestly compensated for engaging with active (eg, ecological momentary assessment [EMA], audio check-in, and sleep quality) and passive (eg, geolocation, cellular communication logs, and SMS text message content) sensing methods that were selected to tap into constructs from the Relapse Prevention model by Marlatt. We assessed 3 behavioral indicators of acceptability: participants' choices about their participation in the study at various stages in the procedure, their choice to opt in to provide data for each sensing method, and their adherence to a subset of the active methods (EMA and audio check-in). We also assessed 3 self-report measures of acceptability (interference, dislike, and willingness to use for 1 year) for each method. Results: Of the 192 eligible individuals screened, 191 consented to personal sensing. Most of these individuals (169/191, 88.5\%) also returned 1 week later to formally enroll, and 154 participated through the first month follow-up visit. All participants in our analysis sample opted in to provide data for EMA, sleep quality, geolocation, and cellular communication logs. Out of 154 participants, 1 (0.6\%) did not provide SMS text message content and 3 (1.9\%) did not provide any audio check-ins. The average adherence rate for the 4 times daily EMA was .80. The adherence rate for the daily audio check-in was .54. Aggregate participant ratings indicated that all personal sensing methods were significantly more acceptable (all P<.001) compared with neutral across subjective measures of interference, dislike, and willingness to use for 1 year. Participants did not significantly differ in their dislike of active methods compared with passive methods (P=.23). However, participants reported a higher willingness to use passive (vs active) methods for 1 year (P=.04). Conclusions: These results suggest that active and passive sensing methods are acceptable for people with alcohol use disorder over a longer period than has previously been assessed. Important individual differences were observed across people and methods, indicating opportunities for future improvement. ", doi="10.2196/41833", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e41833", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37639300" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44707, author="Luetke Lanfer, Hanna and Reifegerste, Doreen and Berg, Annika and Memenga, Paula and Baumann, Eva and Weber, Winja and Geulen, Julia and M{\"u}ller, Anne and Hahne, Andrea and Weg-Remers, Susanne", title="Understanding Trust Determinants in a Live Chat Service on Familial Cancer: Qualitative Triangulation Study With Focus Groups and Interviews in Germany", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Aug", day="23", volume="25", pages="e44707", keywords="trust", keywords="live chat", keywords="web-based health seeking", keywords="qualitative research", keywords="cancer", abstract="Background: In dealing with familial cancer risk, seeking web-based health information can be a coping strategy for different stakeholder groups (ie, patients, relatives, and those suspecting an elevated familial cancer risk). In the vast digital landscape marked by a varied quality of web-based information and evolving technologies, trust emerges as a pivotal factor, guiding the process of health information seeking and interacting with digital health services. This trust formation in health information can be conceptualized as context dependent and multidimensional, involving 3 key dimensions: information seeker (trustor), information provider (trustee), and medium or platform (application). Owing to the rapid changes in the digital context, it is critical to understand how seekers form trust in new services, given the interplay among these different dimensions. An example of such a new service is a live chat operated by physicians for the general public with personalized cancer-related information and a focus on familial cancer risk. Objective: To gain a comprehensive picture of trust formation in a cancer-related live chat service, this study investigates the 3 dimensions of trust---trustor, trustee, and application---and their respective relevant characteristics based on a model of trust in web-based health information. In addition, the study aims to compare these characteristics across the 3 different stakeholder groups, with the goal to enhance the service's trustworthiness for each group. Methods: This qualitative study triangulated the different perspectives of medical cancer advisers, advisers from cancer support groups, and members of the public in interviews and focus group discussions to explore the 3 dimensions of trust---trustor, trustee, and application---and their determinants for a new live chat service for familial cancer risk to be implemented at the German Cancer Information Service. Results: The results indicate that experience with familial cancer risk is the key trustor characteristic to using, and trusting information provided by, the live chat service. The live chat might also be particularly valuable for people from minority groups who have unmet needs from physician-patient interactions. Participants highlighted trustee characteristics such as ability, benevolence, integrity, and humanness (ie, not a chatbot) as pivotal in a trustworthy cancer live chat service. Application-related characteristics, including the reputation of the institution, user-centric design, modern technology, and visual appeal, were also deemed essential. Despite the different backgrounds and sociodemographics of the 3 stakeholder groups, many overlaps were found among the 3 trust dimensions and their respective characteristics. Conclusions: Trust in a live chat for cancer information is formed by different dimensions and characteristics of trust. This study underscores the importance of understanding trust formation in digital health services and suggests potential enhancements for effective, trustworthy interactions in live chat services (eg, by providing biographies of the human medical experts to differentiate them from artificial intelligence chatbots). ", doi="10.2196/44707", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e44707", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37610815" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44924, author="Fletcher, Richard and Regan, Casey and Dizon, Jason and Leigh, Lucy", title="Understanding Attrition in Text-Based Health Promotion for Fathers: Survival Analysis", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Aug", day="18", volume="7", pages="e44924", keywords="attrition", keywords="dropout", keywords="text-based program", keywords="parenting", keywords="fathers", abstract="Background: Web-based interventions targeting parents with health and parenting support frequently report high rates of attrition. The SMS4dads text messaging program, developed in Australia, has delivered texts to over 10,000 fathers. The brief text messages, which are sent 3 times per week from 16 weeks of gestation to 48 weeks after birth, include regular reminders that participants can leave the program by texting back ``STOP'' to any message. Although acceptance of the program is high, almost 1 in 5 ask it to be removed. Analyzing the factors influencing attrition from digital parenting programs such as SMS4dads may assist in developing more effective interventions. Objective: This study aimed to examine factors associated with attrition in a text-based intervention targeting fathers. Methods: Demographic characteristics, requests to complete a psychological scale, individual message content, participant feedback, and automatically collected data registering clicks on links embedded in the texts were examined to identify attrition factors among 3261 participants enrolled in SMS4dads from 4 local health districts in New South Wales, Australia, between September 2020 and December 2021. Results: Participants who were smokers, recorded risky alcohol consumption, had a lower education level, or signed up prenatally had 30\% to 47\% higher hazard of dropout from the program, whereas participant age, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status, rurality, and psychological distress score (as Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K10] category) were not associated with dropout. Primary reasons for dropping out reported by 202 of 605 respondents included ``other reasons'' (83/202, 41.1\%), followed by ``not helpful'' (47/202, 23.3\%) and ``too busy'' (44/202, 21.8\%). Program features such as repeated requests to complete a psychological scale (K10) and the content of individual messages were not linked to increased dropout rates. Analysis of a sample (216/2612) of inactive participants who had not engaged (clicked on any embedded links) for at least 10 weeks but who had not opted out identified a further 1.5\% of participants who would opt to leave the program if asked. Conclusions: Identifying which features of the participant population and of the program are linked to dropout rates can provide guidance for improving program adherence. However, with limited information from feedback surveys of those exiting early, knowing which features to target does not, by itself, suggest ways to increase engagement. Planning ahead to include robust measures of attrition, including more detailed feedback from participants, could provide more effective guidance. A novel element in this study was seeking feedback from inactive participants to estimate dropout from this group and thereby provide an overall dropout rate of 20\%. The retention rate of 80\%, relatively high compared with other web-based parenting programs for fathers, suggests that tailoring the content to specifically address fathers' role may be an important consideration in reducing fathers' disengagement. ", doi="10.2196/44924", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e44924", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37594788" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/43024, author="Guo, Monica and Brar Prayaga, Rena and Levitz, E. Carly and Kuo, S. Elena and Ruiz, Esmeralda and Torres-Ozadali, Evelyn and Escaron, Anne", title="Tailoring a Text Messaging and Fotonovela Program to Increase Patient Engagement in Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Large Urban Community Clinic Population: Quality Improvement Project", journal="JMIR Cancer", year="2023", month="Aug", day="10", volume="9", pages="e43024", keywords="colorectal cancer screening", keywords="texting program", keywords="fotonovela", keywords="fecal immunochemical test", keywords="FIT", keywords="FIT kit", keywords="thematic analysis", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Appropriate annual screenings for colorectal cancer (CRC) are an essential preventive measure for the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Studies have shown that CRC screening rates are influenced by various social determinants of health (SDOH) factors, including race, ethnicity, and geography. According to 2018 national data, participation in screening is lowest among Hispanic or Latinx individuals (56.1\%). At an urban Federally Qualified Health Center, a quality improvement project was conducted to evaluate a texting program with a motivational fotonovela---a short narrative comic. Fotonovelas have previously been used in programs to improve knowledge of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus, vaccinations, and treatments for depression. Objective: This study aimed to encourage compliance with fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening. Patient engagement involved a texting program with fotonovelas informed by behavior change techniques. This study sought to understand the qualitative characteristics of patient motivation, intention, and barriers to completing their screening. Methods: A total of 5241 English-speaking or Spanish-speaking Federally Qualified Health Center patients aged 50 to 75 years were randomized to either intervention (a 4-week tailored 2-way texting program with a fotonovela comic) or usual care (an SMS text message reminder and patient navigator phone call). The texting vendor used a proprietary algorithm to categorize patients in the intervention group into SDOH bands based on their home addresses (high impact=high social needs and low impact=low social needs). Over 4 weeks, patients were texted questions about receiving and returning their FIT, what barriers they may be experiencing, and their thoughts about the fotonovela. Results: The SDOH index analysis showed that most of the patient population was in the SDOH band categories of high impact (555/2597, 21.37\%) and very high impact (1416/2597, 54.52\%). Patients sent 1969 total responses to the texting system. Thematic analysis identified 3 major themes in these responses: messages as a reminder, where patients reported that they were motivated to return the FIT and had already done so or would do so as soon as possible; increasing patients' understanding of screening importance, where patients expressed an increased knowledge about the purpose and importance of the FIT; and expressing barriers, where patients shared reasons for not completing the FIT. Conclusions: The texting program and fotonovela engaged a subset of patients in each SDOH band, including the high and very high impact bands. Creating culturally tailored messages can encourage patient engagement for accepting the content of the messaging, confirming intentions to complete their FIT, and sharing insights about barriers to behavior change. To better support all patients across the continuum of care with CRC screening, it is important to continue to develop and assess strategies that engage patients who did not return their home-mailed FIT. ", doi="10.2196/43024", url="https://cancer.jmir.org/2023/1/e43024", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37561562" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/50231, author="Powell, R. Kimberly and Popescu, Mihail and Lee, Suhwon and Mehr, R. David and Alexander, L. Gregory", title="Examining the Use of Text Messages Among Multidisciplinary Care Teams to Reduce Avoidable Hospitalization of Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Protocol for a Secondary Analysis", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Aug", day="9", volume="12", pages="e50231", keywords="age-friendly health systems", keywords="Alzheimer disease", keywords="communication", keywords="dementia", keywords="nursing homes", keywords="older adults", abstract="Background: Reducing avoidable nursing home (NH)--to-hospital transfers of residents with Alzheimer disease or a related dementia (ADRD) has become a national priority due to the physical and emotional toll it places on residents and the high costs to Medicare and Medicaid. Technologies supporting the use of clinical text messages (TMs) could improve communication among health care team members and have considerable impact on reducing avoidable NH-to-hospital transfers. Although text messaging is a widely accepted mechanism of communication, clinical models of care using TMs are sparsely reported in the literature, especially in NHs. Protocols for assessing technologies that integrate TMs into care delivery models would be beneficial for end users of these systems. Without evidence to support clinical models of care using TMs, users are left to design their own methods and protocols for their use, which can create wide variability and potentially increase disparities in resident outcomes. Objective: Our aim is to describe the protocol of a study designed to understand how members of the multidisciplinary team communicate using TMs and how salient and timely communication can be used to avert poor outcomes for NH residents with ADRD, including hospitalization. Methods: This project is a secondary analysis of data collected from a Centers for Medicare \& Medicaid Services (CMS)--funded demonstration project designed to reduce avoidable hospitalizations for long-stay NH residents. We will use two data sources: (1) TMs exchanged among the multidisciplinary team across the 7-year CMS study period (August 2013-September 2020) and (2) an adapted acute care transfer tool completed by advanced practice registered nurses to document retrospective details about NH-to-hospital transfers. The study is guided by an age-friendly model of care called the 4Ms (What Matters, Medications, Mentation, and Mobility) framework. We will use natural language processing, statistical methods, and social network analysis to generate a new ontology and to compare communication patterns found in TMs occurring around the time NH-to-hospital transfer decisions were made about residents with and without ADRD. Results: After accounting for inclusion and exclusion criteria, we will analyze over 30,000 TMs pertaining to over 3600 NH-to-hospital transfers. Development of the 4M ontology is in progress, and the 3-year project is expected to run until mid-2025. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this project will be the first to explore the content of TMs exchanged among a multidisciplinary team of care providers as they make decisions about NH-to-hospital resident transfers. Understanding how the presence of evidence-based elements of high-quality care relate to avoidable hospitalizations among NH residents with ADRD will generate knowledge regarding the future scalability of behavioral interventions. Without this knowledge, NHs will continue to rely on ineffective and outdated communication methods that fail to account for evidence-based elements of age-friendly care. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/50231 ", doi="10.2196/50231", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e50231", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37556199" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47018, author="Ngah, Emerencia Yayah and Raoufi, Ghazal and Amirkhani, Maral and Esmaeili, Ashkan and Nikooifard, Rasa and Ghaemi Mood, Shidrokh and Rahmanian, Ava and Boltena, Tadesse Minyahil and Aga, Eresso and Neogi, Ujjwal and Ikomey Mondinde, George and El-Khatib, Ziad", title="Testing the Impact of Phone Texting Reminders for Children's Immunization Appointments in Rural Cameroon: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Aug", day="9", volume="12", pages="e47018", keywords="immunization", keywords="children", keywords="Cameroon", keywords="digital health", keywords="global health", keywords="nonrandomized controlled trial", keywords="child vaccination", abstract="Background: Globally, over 20 million children are unvaccinated and over 25 million missed their follow-up doses during the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, they face vaccine-preventable diseases and unnecessary deaths. This is especially the case for those with HIV or living in vulnerable settings. Using cell phones to send reminders to parents has been shown to improve vaccination rates. Objective: We aim to determine whether implementation of an automated SMS reminder will improve child vaccination rates in a turbulent, semiurban/semirural setting in a low-income country. Methods: This will be a nonrandomized controlled trial that will be conducted at Azire Integrated Health Centre, Bamenda, Cameroon. Results: A total of 200 parents per study group (aged over 18 years) who are registered at the clinic at least one month prior to the study will be recruited. The intervention group will receive 2 reminders: 1 week and 2 days prior to the scheduled vaccination. For those who miss their appointments, a reminder will be sent 1 week after their missed appointment. The control group will receive the regular care provided at the clinic. Baseline information, clinical visit data, and vaccination records will be collected for both groups. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize baseline characteristics between and within clusters and groups. The Fisher exact test will be used to compare parent-child units who return for follow-up visits (as a percentage) and children vaccinated as scheduled (as a percentage) between the study groups. Finally, we will compare how many members of both study groups return for 1 follow-up visit using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Conclusions: Due to limited effective child vaccination interventions in unstable settings, this study will be of high importance for suggesting a holistic approach to improve child vaccination and public health. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/47018 ", doi="10.2196/47018", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e47018", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37556178" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46606, author="Soltero, Erica and Lopez, Callie and Mihail, Sandra and Hernandez, Ayleen and Musaad, M. Salma and O'Connor, M. Teresia and Thompson, Debbe", title="An SMS Text Message--Based Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program for Hispanic Adolescents With Obesity: Qualitative Co-Design Process", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Aug", day="2", volume="7", pages="e46606", keywords="Hispanic health", keywords="adolescents", keywords="digital health", keywords="physical activity", keywords="sleep", keywords="type 2 diabetes", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="smartphone", abstract="Background: SMS text message--based interventions are a promising approach for reaching and engaging high-risk youths, such as Hispanic adolescents with obesity, in health promotion and disease prevention opportunities. This is particularly relevant, given that SMS text messaging is widely accessible and available and that adolescents are frequent texters. Including youths in the development of SMS text message content can lead to more acceptable and relevant messaging; however, few studies include this group as cocollaborators. Objective: This study aimed to use a co-design process to inform the development of SMS text messages that promote healthy physical activity (PA) and sleep behaviors among Hispanic adolescents with obesity. Methods: The co-design framework uses multiple methods across several phases. Self-determination theory and a literature review of SMS text message--based interventions guided the background and research phases. In the co-design phase, Hispanic adolescents (n=20) completed in-depth interviews to identify barriers and facilitators of PA and sleep, preferences for ways to emphasize key self-determination theory constructs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), and suggestions for making SMS text message content engaging. In the design and content phase, interview findings were used to develop initial SMS text messages, which were then evaluated in the early evaluation phase by experts (n=6) and adolescents (n=6). Feedback from these panels was integrated into the SMS text message content during refinement. Results: The background phase revealed that few SMS text message--based interventions have included Hispanic adolescents. Common barriers and facilitators of activity and sleep as well as preferences for ways in which SMS text messages could provide autonomy, competence, and relatedness support were identified in the co-design phase. The youths also wanted feedback about goal attainment. Suggestions to make SMS text messages more engaging included using emojis, GIFs, and media. This information informed an initial bank of SMS text messages (N=116). Expert review indicated that all (116/116, 100\%) SMS text messages were age and culturally appropriate; however, some (21/116, 18.1\%) did not adequately address youth-identified barriers and facilitators of PA and sleep, whereas others (30/116, 25.9\%) were not theoretically adherent. Adolescents reported that SMS text messages were easy to understand (116/116, 100\%), provided the support needed for behavior change (103/116, 88.8\%), and used mostly acceptable language (84/116, 72.4\%). Feedback was used to refine and develop the final bank of 125 unique text messages. Conclusions: Using a co-design process, a theoretically grounded, appealing, and relevant bank of SMS text messages promoting healthy PA and sleep behaviors to adolescents was developed. The SMS text messages will be further evaluated in a pilot study to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy. The co-design process used in this study provides a framework for future studies aimed at developing SMS text message--based strategies among high-risk adolescents. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1016/j.cct.2023.107117 ", doi="10.2196/46606", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e46606", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37531191" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45769, author="Li, Wen-Wen and Toh, Prisca", title="WeChat-Based Intervention for Chinese Immigrants With Hypertension: Development and Evaluation Study", journal="Asian Pac Isl Nurs J", year="2023", month="Jul", day="27", volume="7", pages="e45769", keywords="social media", keywords="hypertension", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="Chinese immigrants", keywords="WeChat", keywords="blood pressure", keywords="BP", abstract="Background: Despite Chinese immigrants having a higher or comparable proportion of hypertension (HTN) compared to non-Hispanic White and Hispanic individuals, there are no effective technology-based intervention studies that target HTN management in Chinese immigrants in the United States. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and pilot-test the efficacy of a culturally and linguistically sensitive social media--based intervention (WeChat) for Chinese immigrants to improve blood pressure (BP) control, antihypertensive medication adherence, and self-efficacy. Methods: The study was conducted in 2020 with a pre- and posttest design (N=20). A WeChat-based intervention was implemented using one 20-minute video presentation plus one 20-minute nurse counseling session via WeChat at the baseline, followed by 4 biweekly 20-minute nurse counseling sessions via WeChat calls. The primary outcome (BP control) and secondary outcomes, including medication adherence and self-efficacy in HTN management, were measured at baseline and at 6 months. Results: The participants' mean age was 68.9 (SD 10.2; range: 51-86) years. The majority of the participants were female (n=13, 65\%), had a high school degree or less (n=15, 75\%), were married (n=16, 80\%), not religious (n=13, 65\%), and not employed (n=12, 60\%). The results showed that the mean baseline systolic BP was 131.43 (SD 9.61) mmHg, and the mean diastolic BP was 79.79 (SD 9.62) mmHg. The 6-month outcome showed a reduction of systolic BP (--0.74, SD 9.18 mmHg; P=.05) and diastolic BP (--0.96, SD 6.92 mmHg; P=.001). The mean score for medication adherence at baseline was 4.50 (SD 1.70), and it significantly improved to 3.65 (SD 1.18) at 6 months (reversely scored; possible range was 1-5, with 1 being the best score; P=.001). Self-efficacy in HTN management had a trend in reduction from a baseline score of 8.28 (SD 1.25) decreasing to 7.93 (SD 1.48) at 6 months, with a mean difference of 0.34 (SD 2.02), with a score of 0 indicating the lowest self-efficacy and a score of 10 indicating the highest self-efficacy. Conclusions: Our WeChat-based HTN management program showed a significant improvement in diastolic BP and medication adherence as well as a trend of reduction for systolic BP and self-efficacy in managing HTN in Chinese immigrants. Compared to the traditional health care system, the proposed WeChat-based HTN management program has a low cost and is easy to implement. Thus, further investigation is recommended to generate further results. This intervention should be tested across different regions and clinical settings to verify the findings. The long-term goal is to implement the intervention in clinical settings to help Chinese immigrants at large achieve better HTN management. ", doi="10.2196/45769", url="https://apinj.jmir.org/2023/1/e45769", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37498663" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45164, author="Singleton, C. Anna and Raeside, Rebecca and Hyun, K. Karice and Hayes, Molly and Sherman, A. Kerry and Elder, Elisabeth and Redfern, Julie and Partridge, R. Stephanie", title="A National Health and Wellness SMS Text Message Program for Breast Cancer Survivors During COVID-19 (EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19): Mixed Methods Evaluation Using the RE-AIM Framework", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Jul", day="25", volume="25", pages="e45164", keywords="digital health", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="breast cancer", keywords="implementation science", keywords="cancer survivorship", keywords="supportive care", keywords="public health", keywords="COVID-19", abstract="Background: COVID-19 lockdowns caused widespread closures of supportive care services for breast cancer survivors in Australia. In a randomized controlled trial, our team's lifestyle-focused, evidence-based SMS text message support program (EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19) was found to be acceptable and useful for breast cancer survivors, and it was ready for rapid widespread delivery. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the reach (uptake) of an adapted 3-month lifestyle-focused SMS text message program (EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19) and barriers and enablers to implementation using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Methods: A mixed methods pre-post study was conducted to evaluate the EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19 program. The study evaluated the following aspects: (1) reach/representativeness, which refers to the proportion of participant enrollment (ie, number enrolled/number that visited the study website) and demographics (eg, age, sex, ethnicity, time since completing treatment, Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage [IRSAD; quintile 1, which refers to most disadvantaged areas, to quintile 5, which refers to least disadvantaged areas, and remoteness); (2) effectiveness, in which participant engagement and acceptability were evaluated using SMS text message reply data and a feedback survey (5-point Likert scale and free-text responses); (3) adoption, which corresponds to the proportion of organizations or health professionals who agreed to promote the program; (4) implementation fidelity and maintenance, which evaluated SMS text message delivery data, opt-outs, costs, and adaptations. Quantitative data were summarized using means and SDs or frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: With regard to the reach/representativeness of the program, 841/1340 (62.8\%) participants enrolled and provided electronic consent. Participants had a mean age of 58.8 (SD 9.8; range 30-87) years. According to the data collected, most participants identified as female (837/840, 99.6\%) and White (736/840, 87.6\%) and nearly half (418/841, 49.7\%) finished treatment ?18 months ago. Most resided in major cities (574/838, 68.5\%) and 30\% (251/838) in IRSAD quintile 1 or 2. In terms of effectiveness, 852 replies were received from 511 unique participants (median 1; range 1-26). The most common replies were participants stating how they heard about the program (467/852, 54.8\%) or ``thank you'' (131/852, 15.4\%). None of the replies contained urgent safety concerns. Among participants who provided feedback (449/841, 53.4\%), most ``(strongly) agreed'' the SMS text messages were easy to understand (445/448, 99.3\%), useful (373/440, 84.8\%), helped participants feel supported (388/448, 86.6\%), and motivated participants to be physically active (312/445, 70.1\%) and eat healthier (313/457, 68.5\%). Free-text responses revealed 5 factors influencing engagement: (1) feeling supported and less alone, (2) motivation and reassurance for health self-management, (3) the variety of information, (4) weblinks to information and resources, and (5) the option to save the SMS text messages. Concerning adoption, 50\% (18/36) of organizations/health professionals agreed to promote the program. With regard to implementation/maintenance, SMS text messages were delivered as planned (97.43\% [41,257/42,344] of SMS text messages were successfully delivered) with minimal opt-outs (62/838, 7.4\%) and low cost (Aus \$15.40/participant; Aus \$1=US \$0.67). No adaptations were made during the intervention period. Postintervention adaptations included adding weblinks and participant-selected customizations. Conclusions: EMPOWER-SMS COVID-19 was implemented quickly, had a broad reach, and had high engagement and acceptability among socioeconomically diverse participants. The program had high fidelity, low cost, and required minimal staff oversight, which may facilitate future implementation. However, further research is needed to evaluate barriers and enablers to adoption and implementation for health professionals and strategies for long-term maintenance. ", doi="10.2196/45164", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45164", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37490319" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/47121, author="Greene, Brittney and Bernardo, Leah and Thompson, Morgan and Loughead, James and Ashare, Rebecca", title="Behavioral Economic Strategies to Improve Enrollment Rates in Clinical Research: Embedded Recruitment Pilot Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Jul", day="21", volume="7", pages="e47121", keywords="behavior change", keywords="behavioral economics", keywords="clinical trials", keywords="contingency management", keywords="evidence based", keywords="information provision", keywords="recruitment", keywords="retention", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="study within a trial", keywords="SWAT", abstract="Background: Nearly 1 in 3 clinical trials end prematurely due to underenrollment. Strategies to enhance recruitment are often implemented without scientific rigor to evaluate efficacy. Evidence-based, cost-effective behavioral economic strategies designed to influence decision-making may be useful to promote clinical trial enrollment. Objective: This study evaluated 2 behavioral economic strategies to improve enrollment and retention rates across 4 clinical trials: information provision (IP) and contingency management (CM; ie, lottery). IP targets descriptive and injunctive norms about participating in research and CM provides participants incentives to reinforce a target behavior. Methods: A sample of 212 participants was enrolled across 4 clinical trials focused on tobacco use: 2 focused on HIV and 2 focused on neuroimaging. The CM condition included a lottery: for each study visit completed, participants received 5 ``draws'' from a bowl containing 500 ``chips'' valued at US \$0, US \$1, US \$5, or US \$100. In the IP condition, text messages that targeted injunctive norms about research (eg, ``Many find it a rewarding way to advance science and be part of a community'') were sent through the Way to Health platform before all study visits. Participants were randomized to 1 of 4 conditions: IP, CM, IP+CM, or standard recruitment (SR). We performed logistic regression, controlling for sex and study, with condition as a between-subject predictor. Outcomes were the percentage of participants who attended a final eligibility visit (primary), met intent-to-treat (ITT) criteria (secondary), and completed the study (secondary). Recruitment was evaluated by the percentage of participants who attended a final eligibility visit, enrollment by ITT status, and retention by the percentage of participants who completed the study. Results: Rates of attending the eligibility visit and meeting ITT status were 58.9\% (33/56) and 33.9\% (19/56) for IP+CM; 45.5\% (25/55) and 18.2\% (10/55) for IP only; 41.5\% (22/53) and 18.9\% (10/53) for CM only; and 37.5\% (18/48) and 12.5\% (6/48) for SR, respectively. In the logistic regression, females were more likely to meet ITT status than males (odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95\% CI 1.2-5.7; P=.01). The IP+CM group was twice as likely to attend the final eligibility visit than the SR group (OR 2.4, 95\% CI 1.1-5.2; P=.04). The IP+CM group was also significantly more likely to reach ITT status than the SR condition (OR 3.9, 95\% CI 1.3-11.1; P=.01). Those who received any active intervention (IP, CM, or IP+CM) had a higher study completion rate (33/53, 63.5\%) compared to those who received SR (5/12, 41.7\%), but this difference was not significant (P=.26). Conclusions: Combining IP and CM strategies may motivate participants to participate in research and improve recruitment and retention rates. Evidence from this study provides preliminary support for the utility of behavioral economics strategies to improve enrollment and reduce attrition in clinical trials. ", doi="10.2196/47121", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e47121", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37477975" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45186, author="Mason, J. Michael and Coatsworth, Douglas J. and Zaharakis, Nikola and Russell, Michael and Brown, Aaron and McKinstry, Sydney", title="Testing Mechanisms of Change for Text Message--Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Randomized Clinical Trial for Young Adult Depression", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2023", month="Jul", day="11", volume="11", pages="e45186", keywords="young adults", keywords="depression", keywords="SMS text message--delivered treatment", keywords="cognitive behavioral therapy", keywords="randomized clinical trial", keywords="mobile health treatment", keywords="mHealth treatment", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Current psychiatric epidemiological evidence estimates that 17\% of young adults (aged 18-25 years) experienced a major depressive episode in 2020, relative to 8.4\% of all adults aged ?26 years. Young adults with a major depressive episode in the past year are the least likely to receive treatment for depression compared with other age groups. Objective: We conducted a randomized clinical trial following our initial 4-week SMS text message--delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-txt) for depression in young adults. We sought to test mechanisms of change for CBT-txt. Methods: Based on participant feedback, outcome data, and the empirical literature, we increased the treatment dosage from 4-8 weeks and tested 3 mechanisms of change with 103 young adults in the United States. Participants were from 34 states, recruited from Facebook and Instagram and presenting with at least moderate depressive symptomatology. Web-based assessments occurred at baseline prior to randomization and at 1, 2, and 3 months after enrollment. The primary outcome, the severity of depressive symptoms, was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II. Behavioral activation, perseverative thinking, and cognitive distortions were measured as mechanisms of change. Participants were randomized to CBT-txt or a waitlist control condition. Those assigned to the CBT-txt intervention condition received 474 fully automated SMS text messages, delivered every other day over a 64-day period and averaging 14.8 (SD 2.4) SMS text messages per treatment day. Intervention texts are delivered via TextIt, a web-based automated SMS text messaging platform. Results: Across all 3 months of the study, participants in the CBT-txt group showed significantly larger decreases in depressive symptoms than those in the control group (P<.001 at each follow-up), producing a medium-to-large effect size (Cohen d=0.76). Over half (25/47, 53\%) of the treatment group moved into the ``high-end functioning'' category, representing no or minimal clinically significant depressive symptoms, compared with 15\% (8/53) of the control condition. Mediation analysis showed that CBT-txt appeared to lead to greater increases in behavioral activation and greater decreases in cognitive distortions and perseverative thinking across the 3-month follow-up period, which were then associated with larger baseline to 3-month decreases in depression. The size of the indirect effects was substantial: 57\%, 41\%, and 50\% of the CBT-txt effect on changes in depression were mediated by changes in behavioral activation, cognitive distortions, and perseverative thinking, respectively. Models including all 3 mediators simultaneously showed that 63\% of the CBT-txt effect was mediated by the combined indirect effects. Conclusions: Results provide evidence for the efficacy of CBT-txt to reduce young adult depressive symptoms through hypothesized mechanisms. To the best of our knowledge, CBT-txt is unique in its SMS text message--delivered modality, the strong clinical evidence supporting efficacy and mechanisms of change. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05551702; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05551702 ", doi="10.2196/45186", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e45186", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37432723" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44165, author="Piette, D. John and Thomas, Laura and Newman, Sean and Marinec, Nicolle and Krauss, Joel and Chen, Jenny and Wu, Zhenke and Bohnert, B. Amy S.", title="An Automatically Adaptive Digital Health Intervention to Decrease Opioid-Related Risk While Conserving Counselor Time: Quantitative Analysis of Treatment Decisions Based on Artificial Intelligence and Patient-Reported Risk Measures", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Jul", day="11", volume="25", pages="e44165", keywords="artificial intelligence", keywords="opioid safety", keywords="telehealth", keywords="reinforcement learning", keywords="pain management", abstract="Background: Some patients prescribed opioid analgesic (OA) medications for pain experience serious side effects, including dependence, sedation, and overdose. As most patients are at low risk for OA-related harms, risk reduction interventions requiring multiple counseling sessions are impractical on a large scale. Objective: This study evaluates whether an intervention based on reinforcement learning (RL), a field of artificial intelligence, learned through experience to personalize interactions with patients with pain discharged from the emergency department (ED) and decreased self-reported OA misuse behaviors while conserving counselors' time. Methods: We used data representing 2439 weekly interactions between a digital health intervention (``Prescription Opioid Wellness and Engagement Research in the ED'' [PowerED]) and 228 patients with pain discharged from 2 EDs who reported recent opioid misuse. During each patient's 12 weeks of intervention, PowerED used RL to select from 3 treatment options: a brief motivational message delivered via an interactive voice response (IVR) call, a longer motivational IVR call, or a live call from a counselor. The algorithm selected session types for each patient each week, with the goal of minimizing OA risk, defined in terms of a dynamic score reflecting patient reports during IVR monitoring calls. When a live counseling call was predicted to have a similar impact on future risk as an IVR message, the algorithm favored IVR to conserve counselor time. We used logit models to estimate changes in the relative frequency of each session type as PowerED gained experience. Poisson regression was used to examine the changes in self-reported OA risk scores over calendar time, controlling for the ordinal session number (1st to 12th). Results: Participants on average were 40 (SD 12.7) years of age; 66.7\% (152/228) were women and 51.3\% (117/228) were unemployed. Most participants (175/228, 76.8\%) reported chronic pain, and 46.2\% (104/225) had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. As PowerED gained experience through interactions over a period of 142 weeks, it delivered fewer live counseling sessions than brief IVR sessions (P=.006) and extended IVR sessions (P<.001). Live counseling sessions were selected 33.5\% of the time in the first 5 weeks of interactions (95\% CI 27.4\%-39.7\%) but only for 16.4\% of sessions (95\% CI 12.7\%-20\%) after 125 weeks. Controlling for each patient's changes during the course of treatment, this adaptation of treatment-type allocation led to progressively greater improvements in self-reported OA risk scores (P<.001) over calendar time, as measured by the number of weeks since enrollment began. Improvement in risk behaviors over time was especially pronounced among patients with the highest risk at baseline (P=.02). Conclusions: The RL-supported program learned which treatment modalities worked best to improve self-reported OA risk behaviors while conserving counselors' time. RL-supported interventions represent a scalable solution for patients with pain receiving OA prescriptions. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02990377; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02990377 ", doi="10.2196/44165", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e44165", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37432726" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/39576, author="Wynn, S. Chelsea and Fiks, G. Alexander and Localio, Russell and Shults, Justine and Nekrasova, Ekaterina and Shone, P. Laura and Torres, Alessandra and Griffith, Miranda and Unger, Rebecca and Ware, Ann Leigh and Kelly, Kate Mary and Stockwell, S. Melissa", title="Examination of Text Message Plans and Baseline Usage of Families Enrolled in a Text Message Influenza Vaccine Reminder Trial: Survey Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Jun", day="30", volume="7", pages="e39576", keywords="influenza vaccine", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="pediatric", keywords="primary care", keywords="PROS", keywords="reminders", keywords="text message", abstract="Background: Mobile health (mHealth) is quickly expanding as a method of health promotion, but some interventions may not be familiar or comfortable for potential users. SMS text messaging has been investigated as a low-cost, accessible way to provide vaccine reminders. Most (97\%) US adults own a cellphone and of those adults most use SMS text messaging. However, understanding patterns of SMS text message plan type and use in diverse primary care populations needs more investigation. Objective: We sought to use a survey to examine baseline SMS text messaging and data plan patterns among families willing to accept SMS text message vaccine reminders. Methods: As part of a National Institutes of Health (NIH)--funded national study (Flu2Text) conducted during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 influenza seasons, families of children needing a second seasonal influenza vaccine dose were recruited in pediatric primary care offices at the time of their first dose. Practices were from the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) Pediatric Research in Office Settings (PROS) research network, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Columbia University. A survey was administered via telephone (Season 1) or electronically (Season 2) at enrollment. Standardized (adjusted) proportions for SMS text message plan type and texting frequency were calculated using logistic regression that was adjusted for child and caregiver demographics. Results: Responses were collected from 1439 participants (69\% of enrolled). The mean caregiver age was 32 (SD 6) years, and most children (n=1355, 94.2\%) were aged 6-23 months. Most (n=1357, 94.3\%) families were English-speaking. Most (n=1331, 92.8\%) but not all participants had an unlimited SMS text messaging plan and sent or received texts at least once daily (n=1313, 91.5\%). SMS text messaging plan type and use at baseline was uniform across most but not all subgroups. However, there were some differences in the study population's SMS text messaging plan type and usage. Caregivers who wanted Spanish SMS text messages were less likely than those who chose English to have an unlimited SMS text messaging plan (n=61, 86.7\% vs n=1270, 94\%; risk difference --7.2\%, 95\% CI --27.1 to --1.8). There were no significant differences in having an unlimited plan associated with child's race, ethnicity, age, health status, insurance type, or caregiver education level. SMS text messaging use at baseline was not uniform across all subgroups. Nearly three-quarters (n=1030, 71.9\%) of participants had received some form of SMS text message from their doctor's office; most common were appointment reminders (n=1014, 98.4\%), prescription (n=300, 29.1\%), and laboratory notifications (n=117, 11.4\%). Even the majority (n=64, 61.5\%) of those who did not have unlimited plans and who texted less than daily (n=72, 59\%) reported receipt of these SMS text messages. Conclusions: In this study, most participants had access to unlimited SMS text messaging plans and texted at least once daily. However, infrequent texting and lack of access to an unlimited SMS text messaging plan did not preclude enrolling to receive SMS text message reminders in pediatric primary care settings. ", doi="10.2196/39576", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e39576", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37389945" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/48923, author="Bui, Cong Thanh and Hoogland, E. Charles and Chhea, Chhorvann and Sopheab, Heng and Ouk, Vichea and Samreth, Sovannarith and Hor, Bunleng and Vidrine, I. Jennifer and Businelle, S. Michael and Shih, Tina Ya Chen and Sutton, K. Steven and Jones, R. Sarah and Shorey Fennell, Bethany and Cottrell-Daniels, Cherell and Frank-Pearce, G. Summer and Ngor, Chamnab and Kulkarni, Shweta and Vidrine, J. Damon", title="Ending Tobacco Use Through Interactive Tailored Messaging for Cambodian People With HIV (Project EndIT): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Jun", day="29", volume="12", pages="e48923", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="HIV/AIDS", keywords="cost-effectiveness", keywords="low- and middle-income countries", keywords="Cambodia", keywords="Phase-Based Model", keywords="RCT", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="mHealth", abstract="Background: The prevalence of smoking remains high in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including the Southeast Asian nation of Cambodia. Smoking is especially hazardous for people with HIV. In Cambodia, approximately 43\%-65\% of men with HIV and 3\%-5\% of women with HIV smoke cigarettes. Thus, there is a critical need for cost-effective smoking cessation interventions for Cambodian people with HIV. This paper describes the design, methods, and data analysis plans for a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of a theory-based mobile health smoking cessation intervention in Cambodian people with HIV. Objective: This 2-group randomized controlled trial compares the efficacy of a mobile health--based automated messaging (AM) intervention versus standard care (SC) in facilitating smoking cessation among Cambodian people with HIV. Methods: Cambodian people with HIV who currently smoke and are receiving antiretroviral treatment (target, N=800) will be randomized to (1) SC or (2) the AM intervention. SC participants will receive brief advice to quit smoking, written self-help materials, nicotine patches, and will complete weekly app-delivered dietary assessments for 26 weeks. AM participants will receive all SC components (but will complete smoking-related weekly assessments instead of dietary assessments), in addition to a fully automated tailored messaging program driven by the weekly assessments to facilitate smoking cessation. In the Phase-Based Model of smoking cessation, the cessation process is partitioned into 4 phases: motivation, preparation (precessation), cessation (quit date to 2 weeks post quit), and maintenance (up to 6 months post quit). Our AM program targets processes within these phases, including increasing motivation to quit, enhancing self-efficacy, obtaining social support, skills to cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and stress, and skills to maintain abstinence. All participants will complete baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-month in-person follow-up assessments. The primary outcome is biochemically confirmed abstinence at 12 months, with 3- and 6-month abstinence as secondary outcomes. Potential mediators and moderators underlying treatment effects will be explored, and cost-effectiveness will be assessed. Results: This study was approved by all relevant domestic and international institutional and ethical review boards. Participant recruitment commenced in January 2023. Data collection is expected to conclude by the end of 2025. Conclusions: By demonstrating the greater efficacy and cost-effectiveness of AM relative to SC, this study has the potential to transform HIV care in Cambodia and prevent tobacco-related diseases. Furthermore, it may be adapted for use in other Cambodian populations and in other low- and middle-income countries. Ultimately, the AM approach to smoking cessation could greatly improve public health in the developing world and beyond. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05746442; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05746442 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/48923 ", doi="10.2196/48923", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e48923", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37384390" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46431, author="Obuobi-Donkor, Gloria and Eboreime, Ejemai and Shalaby, Reham and Agyapong, Belinda and Phung, Natalie and Eyben, Scarlett and Wells, Kristopher and Dias, Luz Raquel da and Hilario, Carla and Jones, Chelsea and Br{\'e}mault-Phillips, Suzette and Zhang, Yanbo and Greenshaw, J. Andrew and Agyapong, Opoku Vincent Israel", title="User Satisfaction With a Daily Supportive Text Message Program (Text4PTSI) for Public Safety Personnel: Longitudinal Cross-Sectional Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Jun", day="23", volume="7", pages="e46431", keywords="public safety personnel", keywords="Text4PTSI", keywords="text messaging", keywords="satisfaction", keywords="occupational health", keywords="work safety", keywords="public safety", keywords="digital health intervention", keywords="mental health service", keywords="user satisfaction", abstract="Background: Public safety personnel (PSP) are exposed to traumatic events due to their work environments, which increases the risk of mental health challenges. Providing effective and evidence-based interventions, such as SMS text messaging programs, can improve PSP's overall mental well-being with high user satisfaction rates. Objective: This study aims to evaluate users' satisfaction, receptiveness, and perceptions of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)--based supportive SMS text messaging intervention (Text4PTSI). Methods: Participants self-subscribed to Text4PTSI and received unidirectional cognitive behavioral--based supportive text messages for 6 months. Participants completed a web-based survey delivered via SMS text message at enrollment, and 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post enrollment. Respondents' perception and receptivity of the program were assessed using a questionnaire measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were collected as categorical variables, and overall satisfaction with the Text4PTSI program was measured on a scale from 0 to 100. Results: There were 131 subscribers to the Text4PTSI program; however, only 81 subscribers responded to the survey, producing 100 survey responses across the 3 follow-up time points. The overall mean score of satisfaction was 85.12 (SD 13.35). More than half of the survey responses agreed or strongly agreed that Text4PTSI helped participants cope with anxiety (79/100 responses, 79\%), depressive symptoms (72/100 responses, 72\%), and loneliness (54/100 responses, 54\%). Similarly, most of the survey responses agreed or strongly agreed that the Text4PTSI program made respondents feel connected to a support system, improved their overall mental well-being (84/100 responses, 84\%), felt more hopeful about managing concerns about their mental health or substance use (82 out of responses, 82\%), and helped enhance their overall quality of life (77/100 responses, 77\%). The available survey responses suggest that the majority always read the supportive text messages (84/100 responses, 84\%), took time to reflect on each message (75/100 responses, 75\%), and returned to read the text messages more than once (76/100 responses, 76\%). Conclusions: PSP who responded to the follow-up surveys reported high user satisfaction and appreciation for receiving the Text4PTSI intervention during the 6-month program. The reported satisfaction with the service provided could pave the way to ensuring a better uptake of the service with potential effectiveness to end users. ", doi="10.2196/46431", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e46431", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37351940" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/38275, author="Cheung, Wah Ngai and Redfern, Julie and Thiagalingam, Aravinda and Hng, Tien-Ming and Marschner, Simone and Haider, Rabbia and Faruquie, Sonia and Von Huben, Amy and She, Shelley and McIntyre, Daniel and Cho, Jin-Gun and Chow, K. Clara and ", title="Effect of Mobile Phone Text Messaging Self-Management Support for Patients With Diabetes or Coronary Heart Disease in a Chronic Disease Management Program (SupportMe) on Blood Pressure: Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Jun", day="16", volume="25", pages="e38275", keywords="diabetes mellitus", keywords="type 2", keywords="coronary disease", keywords="chronic disease", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="delivery of health care", keywords="integrated", keywords="self-management", abstract="Background: Maintaining engagement and support for patients with chronic diseases is challenging. SMS text messaging programs have complemented patient care in a variety of situations. However, such programs have not been widely translated into routine care. Objective: We aimed to examine the implementation and utility of a customized SMS text message--based support program for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), coronary heart disease, or both within a chronic disease integrated care program. Methods: We conducted a 6-month pragmatic parallel-group, single-blind randomized controlled trial that recruited people with T2D or coronary heart disease. Intervention participants received 4 semipersonalized SMS text messages per week providing self-management support to supplement standard care. Preprogrammed algorithms customized content based on participant characteristics, and the messages were sent at random times of the day and in random order by a fully automated SMS text messaging engine. Control participants received standard care and only administrative SMS text messages. The primary outcome was systolic blood pressure. Evaluations were conducted face to face whenever possible by researchers blinded to randomization. Participants with T2D were evaluated for glycated hemoglobin level. Participant-reported experience measures were evaluated using questionnaires and focus groups and summarized using proportions and thematic analysis. Results: A total of 902 participants were randomized (n=448, 49.7\% to the intervention group and n=454, 50.3\% to the control group). Primary outcome data were available for 89.5\% (807/902) of the participants. At 6 months, there was no difference in systolic blood pressure between the intervention and control arms (adjusted mean difference=0.9 mm?Hg, 95\% CI ?1.1 to 2.1; P=.38). Of 642 participants with T2D, there was no difference in glycated hemoglobin (adjusted mean difference=0.1\%, 95\% CI ?0.1\% to 0.3\%; P=.35). Self-reported medication adherence was better in the intervention group (relative risk=0.82, 95\% CI 0.68-1.00; P=.045). Participants reported that the SMS text messages were useful (298/344, 86.6\%) and easily understood (336/344, 97.7\%) and motivated change (217/344, 63.1\%). The lack of bidirectional messaging was identified as a barrier. Conclusions: The intervention did not improve blood pressure in this cohort, possibly because of high clinician commitment to improved routine patient care as part of the chronic disease management program as well as favorable baseline metrics. There was high program engagement, acceptability, and perceived value. Feasibility as part of an integrated care program was demonstrated. SMS text messaging programs may supplement chronic disease management and support self-care. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616001689460; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=371769\&isReview=true International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025923 ", doi="10.2196/38275", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e38275", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37327024" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/46793, author="Li, Ju-Shuang and Gu, Yu-Zhou and Hou, Feng-Su and Lu, Yong-Heng and Fan, Xiao-Ru and Qiu, Jia-Ling and Yang, Qing-Ling and Gu, Jing and Li, Jing-Hua and Xu, Roman Dong and Hao, Chun", title="Delivery of WeChat-Based HIV Result e-Reports in Social Networks for Recruitment of High-Risk Population: Baseline Data From a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Jun", day="15", volume="25", pages="e46793", keywords="social network strategy", keywords="HIV result e-report", keywords="recruitment", keywords="MSM", abstract="Background: Disclosure of infectious disease status to social network peers can facilitate reaching and early detection among high-risk populations. In this era of social media, globally, HIV/AIDS represents a high burden of infectious disease. Thus, delivery of an HIV result e-report via social media presents a new approach that has the potential to improve contact with and enrollment of the high-risk population in research studies and routine practice. Objective: This study explores the effectiveness and associated factors of a recruitment strategy (ie, WeChat-based HIV e-report delivery in social networks) on the enrollment of men who have sex with men (MSM) for an HIV testing intervention study. Methods: This was an enrollment result analysis of an ongoing cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) aiming to promote HIV testing among MSM. Recruitment of potential participants was based on the unit of an egocentric social network, which includes 1 core member (an offline tested ego as the recruiter) and several network members (online alters as network associates). Alters' enrollment and alters' transformation to ego-recruiters (alter-ego) were measured as outcomes. Recruitment outcomes were compared between the exchangeable and regular e-report groups of the RCT. Associated factors of both outcomes were also investigated, including sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, social network characteristics, e-report types, and online delivery information. Binary outcomes were modeled using logistic models, with Firth correction for rare events. Qualitative interviews were conducted to understand facilitators and barriers in detail for alter-ego as the subsequent wave's recruiter. Results: The e-report of 1157 egos who tested offline were delivered to 5165 alters in 3 recruitment waves; eventually, 1162 eligible alters enrolled in this RCT (response rate: 22.5\%). In the exchangeable e-report group, 544 egos recruited 467 alters, of which 35 alters transformed to alter-egos (7.5\%), whereas in the regular e-report group, 613 egos recruited 695 alters, of which 40 alters transformed to alter-egos (5.8\%). Alters' enrollment at first wave was associated with a higher number of e-reports being forwarded by the egos. Alters' transformation to alter-egos for the subsequent wave was associated with the exchangeable e-report, higher income, being a Guangzhou resident, unprotected anal intercourse, preferring self-testing, and viewing senders' e-reports frequently. Qualitative interviews revealed that the lack of awareness of e-reports' function and inadequate access to e-reports at offline testing facilities were major barriers to alters' transformation to offline ego-recruiters. Conclusions: The delivery of e-report was feasible in MSM social network, and the success and sustainability of online recruitment depended on high levels of familiarity among MSM with the digital tool. The HIV e-report exchange mechanism might promote MSM to test HIV offline to get their own e-report for exchange in the community. The e-report provides an innovative recruitment method with great potential to trace direct contacts for infectious diseases studies. ", doi="10.2196/46793", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e46793", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37318850" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45102, author="Goldhaber, H. Nicole and Chea, Annie and Hekler, B. Eric and Zhou, Wenjia and Fergerson, Byron", title="Evaluating the Mental Health of Physician-Trainees Using an SMS Text Message--Based Assessment Tool: Longitudinal Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Jun", day="2", volume="7", pages="e45102", keywords="physician burnout", keywords="mental health", keywords="text-message assessment", keywords="text", keywords="mobile text", keywords="stress assessment", keywords="text message", keywords="pilot study", keywords="physician", keywords="burnout", keywords="United States", keywords="survey", keywords="trainee", keywords="stress", keywords="engagement", keywords="users", keywords="tracking", abstract="Background: Physician burnout is a multibillion-dollar issue in the United States. Despite its prevalence, burnout is difficult to accurately measure. Institutions generally rely on periodic surveys that are subject to recall bias. SMS text message--based surveys or assessments have been used in health care and have the advantage of easy accessibility and high response rates. Objective: In this pilot project, we evaluated the utility of and participant engagement with a simple, longitudinal, and SMS text message--based mental health assessment system for physician-trainees at the study institution. The goal of the SMS text message--based assessment system was to track stress, burnout, empathy, engagement, and work satisfaction levels faced by users in their normal working conditions. Methods: Three SMS text message-based questions per week for 5 weeks were sent to each participant. All data received were deidentified. Additionally, each participant had a deidentified personal web page to follow their scores as well as the aggregated scores of all participants over time. A 13-question optional survey was sent at the conclusion of the study to evaluate the usability of the platform. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: In all, 81 participants were recruited and answered at least six (mean 14; median 14; range 6-16) questions for a total of 1113 responses. Overall, 10 (17\%) out of 59 participants responded ``Yes'' to having experienced a traumatic experience during the study period. Only 3 participants ever answered being ``Not at all satisfied'' with their job. The highest number of responses indicating that participants were stressed or burnt out came on day 25 in the 34-day study period. There were mixed levels of concern for the privacy of responses. No substantial correlations were noted between responses and having experienced a traumatic experience during the study period. Furthermore, 12 participants responded to the optional feedback survey, and all either agreed or strongly agreed that the SMS text message--based assessment system was easy to use and the number of texts received was reasonable. None of the 12 respondents indicated that using the SMS text message--based assessment system caused stress. Conclusions: Responses demonstrated that SMS text message--based mental health assessments are potentially useful for recording physician-trainee mental health levels in real time with minimal burden, but further study of SMS text message--based mental health assessments should address limitations such as improving response rates and clarifying participants' sense of privacy when using the SMS text message--based assessment system. The findings of this pilot study can inform the development of institution-wide tools for assessing physician burnout and protecting physicians from occupational stress. ", doi="10.2196/45102", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e45102", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37266985" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42983, author="Braddock, Traylor William Richard and Ocasio, A. Manuel and Comulada, Scott W. and Mandani, Jan and Fernandez, Isabel M.", title="Increasing Participation in a TelePrEP Program for Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents and Young Adults in Louisiana: Protocol for an SMS Text Messaging--Based Chatbot", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="May", day="31", volume="12", pages="e42983", keywords="chatbot", keywords="conversational agent", keywords="develop", keywords="iterative", keywords="messaging", keywords="text message", keywords="HIV", keywords="PrEP", keywords="pre-exposure prophylaxis", keywords="user testing", keywords="rule-based", keywords="prevention", keywords="eHealth", keywords="telehealth", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="sexual minority youth", keywords="gender minority youth", keywords="young adult", keywords="youth", keywords="adolescent", keywords="sexual minority", keywords="gender minority", keywords="gender diverse", keywords="gender diversity", keywords="SMS", keywords="artificial intelligence", keywords="patient education", keywords="health information", keywords="web-based information", keywords="user experience", abstract="Background: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are at increased risk of HIV infection, particularly in the Southern United States. Despite the availability of effective biomedical prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), access and uptake remain low among SGM AYAs. In response, the Louisiana Department of Health initiated the LA TelePrEP Program, which leverages the power of telemedicine to connect Louisiana residents to PrEP. A virtual TelePrEP Navigator guides users through the enrollment process, answers questions, schedules appointments, and facilitates lab testing and medication delivery. To increase the participation of SGM AYAs in the program, the TelePrEP program partnered with researchers to develop a chatbot that would facilitate access to the program and support navigator functions. Chatbots are capable of carrying out many functions that reduce employee workload, and despite their successful use in health care and public health, they are relatively new to HIV prevention. Objective: In this paper, we describe the iterative and community-engaged process that we used to develop an SMS text messaging--based chatbot tailored to SGM AYAs that would support navigator functions and disseminate PrEP-related information. Methods: Our process was comprised of 2 phases: conceptualization and development. In the conceptualization phase, aspects of navigator responsibilities, program logistics, and user interactions to prioritize in chatbot programming (eg, scheduling appointments and answering questions) were identified. We also selected a commercially available chatbot platform that could execute these functions and could be programmed with minimal coding experience. In the development phase, we engaged Department of Health staff and SGM AYAs within our professional and personal networks. Five different rounds of testing were conducted with various groups to evaluate each iteration of the chatbot. After each iteration of the testing process, the research team met to discuss feedback, guide the programmer on incorporating modifications, and re-evaluate the chatbot's functionality. Results: Through our highly collaborative and community-engaged process, a rule-based chatbot with artificial intelligence components was successfully created. We gained important knowledge that could advance future chatbot development efforts for HIV prevention. Key to the PrEPBot's success was resolving issues that hampered the user experience, like asking unnecessary questions, responding too quickly, and misunderstanding user input. Conclusions: HIV prevention researchers can feasibly and efficiently program a rule-based chatbot with the assistance of commercially available tools. Our iterative process of engaging researchers, program personnel, and different subgroups of SGM AYAs to obtain input was key to successful chatbot development. If the results of this pilot trial show that the chatbot is feasible and acceptable to SGM AYAs, future HIV researchers and practitioners could consider incorporating chatbots as part of their programs. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/42983 ", doi="10.2196/42983", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e42983", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37256669" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/43673, author="Perkes, Jane Sarah and Huntriss, Belinda and Skinner, Noelene and Leece, Bernise and Dobson, Rosie and Mattes, Joerg and Hall, Kerry and Bonevski, Billie", title="Evaluation of an mHealth Intervention (Growin' Up Healthy Jarjums) Designed With and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mothers: Engagement and Acceptability Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="May", day="26", volume="6", pages="e43673", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="co-design", keywords="Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander", keywords="mother", keywords="baby", keywords="young children", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have access to and interest in mobile health (mHealth), although few culturally relevant, evidence-based mHealth programs are available. We codeveloped an mHealth program in New South Wales with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, focusing on women's and children's health and well-being. Objective: This study aims to assess the engagement with and acceptability of the Growin' Up Healthy Jarjums program among mothers caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged <5 years and assess the acceptability of the program among professionals. Methods: Women were given access to Growin' Up Healthy Jarjums---a web-based application, a Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc) page, and SMS text messages---for 4 weeks. Short videos of health professionals presenting health information were tested within the application and on the Facebook page. Engagement with the application was examined through the number of log-ins, page views, and links used on the application. Engagement with the Facebook page was examined through likes, follows, comments, and the reach of posts. Engagement with the SMS text messages was examined through the number of mothers who opted out, and engagement with the videos was examined through the number of plays and videos watched and duration of the video watched. The acceptability of the program was examined through posttest interviews with mothers and focus groups with professionals. Results: A total of 47 participants joined the study (n=41, 87\%, mothers and n=6, 13\%, health professionals). Interviews were completed by 78\% (32/41) of the women and 100\% (6/6) health professionals. Of the 41 mothers, 31 (76\%) women accessed the application, 13 (42\%) scrolled the main page only, and 18 (58\%) clicked on other pages. There were 48 plays and 6 completions of the 12 videos. The Facebook page received 49 page likes and 51 followers. The post with the most reach was a supportive and affirming cultural post. No participants opted out of the SMS text messages. Almost all mothers (30/32, 94\%) reported that Growin' Up Healthy Jarjums was useful, and all mothers reported that the program was culturally appropriate and easy to use. Of the 32 mothers, 6 (19\%) mothers reported technical problems with accessing the application. Moreover, 44\% (14/32) of mothers suggested improvements to the application. All the women reported that they would recommend the program to other families. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the Growin' Up Healthy Jarjums program was perceived useful and culturally appropriate. SMS text messages had the highest engagement, followed by the Facebook page and then the application. This study identified areas for technical and engagement-related improvements to the application. A trial is needed to assess the effectiveness of the Growin' Up Healthy Jarjums program at improving health outcomes. ", doi="10.2196/43673", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e43673", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37234043" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/38073, author="Green, C. Sophie M. and French, P. David and Hall, H. Louise and Bartlett, Kiera Yvonne and Rousseau, Nikki and Raine, Erin and Parbutt, Catherine and Gardner, Benjamin and and Smith, G. Samuel", title="Codevelopment of a Text Messaging Intervention to Support Adherence to Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Women With Breast Cancer: Mixed Methods Approach", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="May", day="24", volume="25", pages="e38073", keywords="breast cancer", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="habit formation", keywords="behavior change techniques", keywords="SMS text messages", keywords="intervention development", abstract="Background: Adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) reduces breast cancer recurrence and mortality in women with early-stage breast cancer. Unintentional nonadherence to AET is common (eg, forgetting to take medication). Forming habits surrounding medication taking could reduce reliance on memory and improve AET adherence. SMS text messaging interventions may offer a low-cost approach for promoting medication-taking habits. To optimize the likely effectiveness of such SMS text messages, the content should be developed using a transparent approach to ensure fidelity to relevant psychological theory and with user input to increase acceptability. Objective: This study aimed to develop a pool of brief SMS text messages promoting habit formation to support AET adherence, which are acceptable to women with breast cancer and show fidelity to theory-based behavior change techniques (BCTs). Methods: According to published literature, we selected 6 BCTs derived from the habit formation model: action planning, habit formation, restructuring the physical environment, adding objects to the environment, prompts/cues, and self-monitoring of behavior. In study 1, behavior change experts (n=10) created messages, each based on 1 of the 6 BCTs, in a web-based workshop and rated the fidelity of the messages to the intended BCT. In study 2, women with experience of taking AET discussed the acceptability of the messages in a focus group (n=5), and the messages were refined following this. In study 3, women with breast cancer rated the acceptability of each message in a web-based survey (n=60). In study 4, additional behavior change experts rated the fidelity of the remaining messages to the intended BCT in a web-based survey (n=12). Finally, a consultant pharmacist reviewed a selection of messages to ensure that they did not contradict general medical advice. Results: In study 1, 189 messages were created targeting the 6 BCTs. In total, 92 messages were removed because they were repetitious, unsuitable, or >160 characters, and 3 were removed because of low fidelity (scoring <5.5/10 on a fidelity rating scale). Following study 2, we removed 13 messages considered unacceptable to our target population. In study 3, all remaining messages scored above the midpoint on an acceptability scale (1-5); therefore, no messages were removed (mean 3.9/5, SD 0.9). Following study 4, we removed 13 messages owing to low fidelity (scoring <5.5/10 on a fidelity rating scale). All the remaining messages showed fidelity to the intended BCTs (mean 7.9/10, SD 1.3). Following the pharmacist review, 2 messages were removed, and 3 were amended. Conclusions: We developed a pool of 66 brief SMS text messages targeting habit formation BCTs to support AET adherence. These showed acceptability to women with breast cancer and fidelity to the intended BCTs. The delivery of the messages will be further evaluated to assess their effect on medication adherence. ", doi="10.2196/38073", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e38073", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37223964" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40709, author="Fridman, Ilona and Smalls, Ahmaya and Fleming, Patrice and Elston Lafata, Jennifer", title="Preferences for Electronic Modes of Communication Among Older Primary Care Patients: Cross-sectional Survey", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="May", day="24", volume="7", pages="e40709", keywords="electronic communication", keywords="patient preferences", keywords="digital health", keywords="patient portals", keywords="physician-patient communication", keywords="communication", keywords="text", keywords="phone", keywords="test", keywords="treatment", keywords="clinical", keywords="vaccination", keywords="survey", keywords="intervention", keywords="screening", keywords="social media", keywords="information", abstract="Background: Health information delivered via daily modes of communication such as email, text, or telephone reportedly supports improved health behavior and outcomes. While different modes of communication beyond clinical visits have proven successful for patient outcomes, preferences for communication modes have not been comprehensively studied among older primary care patients. We addressed this gap by assessing patient preferences for receiving cancer screening and other information from their doctors' offices. Objective: We explored stated preferences by communication modes through the lens of social determinants of health (SDOH) to gauge acceptability and equity implications for future interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was mailed to primary care patients aged 45-75 years, in 2020-2021, which assessed respondents' use of telephones, computers, or tablets in daily life and their preferred modes of communication for different types of health information, including educational materials about cancer screening, tips for taking prescription medication, and protection from respiratory diseases from their doctors' offices. Respondents indicated their willingness to receive messages from their doctors' offices via each of the provided modes of communication, including telephone, text, email, patient portals, websites, and social media, on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from ``unwilling'' to ``willing.'' We present the percentage of respondents who indicated that they were ``willing'' to receive information via specific electronic mode. Chi-square tests were used to compare participants' willingness by social characteristics. Results: In total, 133 people completed the survey (response rate 27\%). The average respondent age was 64 years, 82 (63\%) respondents were female, 106 (83\%) were White, 20 (16\%) were Black, and 1 (1\%) was Asian. In total, 75 (58\%) respondents had a bachelor's degree or higher; 26 (20\%) resided in rural areas, 37 (29\%) in suburban areas, 50 (39\%) in a town, and 15 (12\%) in a city. The majority, 73 (57\%), reported being comfortable with their income. Preferences of respondents for electronic communication about cancer screening were distributed as follows: 100 (75\%) respondents were willing to receive information from their doctor's office via their patient portal, 98 (74\%) via email, 75 (56\%) via text, 60 (45\%) via the hospital website, 50 (38\%) via telephone, and 14 (11\%) via social media. About 6 (5\%) respondents were unwilling to receive any communication via electronic modes. Preferences were distributed similarly for other types of information. Respondents reporting lesser income and education consistently preferred receiving telephone calls relative to other communication modes. Conclusions: To optimize health communication and reach a socioeconomically diverse population, telephone calls should be added to electronic communication, especially for people with less income and education. Further research needs to identify the underlying reasons for the observed differences and how best to ensure that socioeconomically diverse groups of older adults can access reliable health information and health care services. ", doi="10.2196/40709", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e40709", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37223979" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40561, author="Haricharan, Jensen Hanne and Hacking, Damian and Lau, Kwan Yan and Heap, Marion", title="Improving Knowledge About Pregnancy for Deaf South African Women of Reproductive Age Through a Text Messaging--Based Information Campaign: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="May", day="22", volume="6", pages="e40561", keywords="SMS text messages", keywords="cell phones", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="health information", keywords="health literacy", keywords="healthy behavior", keywords="maternal health", keywords="antenatal care", keywords="Deaf", keywords="South Africa", abstract="Background: Signing Deaf South Africans have limited access to health information and, consequently, limited knowledge about health. Maternal and neonatal mortality rates are high. Cell phone use is high, making it a potentially effective way of communicating about maternal and child health. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to assess whether an SMS text messaging--based health information campaign could improve knowledge about pregnancy, antenatal care, and healthy living during pregnancy for signing Deaf South African women of reproductive age. The secondary aim was to evaluate the acceptability of such an intervention. Methods: This study was designed as a pretest-posttest study. A baseline questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge about pregnancy, antenatal care, and healthy living during pregnancy before an SMS text messaging--based information campaign was conducted. After the campaign, an exit questionnaire was administered containing the same questions as the baseline questionnaire with additional questions on general acceptability and communication preferences. The results were compared between baseline and exit using the McNemar and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. A focus group aimed to obtain further information on the impact and acceptability of SMS text messages. The focus group was analyzed inductively. Results: The study showed a statistically significant improvement in overall health knowledge among participants. Despite this, some participants found the medical terminology challenging to understand. Several ways of improving SMS text messaging campaigns for the Deaf were identified, including using Multimedia Messaging Services with a person signing messages and linking information campaigns to a communication service that would enable Deaf people to pose questions. The focus group also suggested that SMS text messages might play a role in motivating healthy behaviors during pregnancy. Conclusions: The SMS text messaging campaign effectively improved Deaf women's knowledge about pregnancy, antenatal care, and healthy living during pregnancy and has the potential to affect health behavior. This contrasts with a similar study on hearing pregnant women. This suggests that SMS text messages may be particularly effective in improving Deaf people's health knowledge. However, attention should be paid to Deaf participants' specific needs and communication preferences to optimize impact. The potential of using SMS text messaging campaigns to affect behavior should be studied. Trial Registration: Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) PACTR201512001352180; https://tinyurl.com/3rxvsrbe ", doi="10.2196/40561", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e40561", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37213174" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42590, author="Alyahya, S. Mohammad and Al-Sheyab, A. Nihaya and Khader, S. Yousef and Alqudah, A. Jumana", title="Impact of Multimedia Messaging Service Education and Exercise Social Support on Physical Activity Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Quasi-Experimental Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="May", day="22", volume="7", pages="e42590", keywords="diabetes mellitus", keywords="educational interventions", keywords="multimedia messaging service", keywords="physical activity", keywords="social support", abstract="Background: Social support is one of the interpersonal stimuli that define an individual's predisposition to engage in health-promoting behaviors and is considered a facilitator in improving health habits. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can benefit from educating supportive families and friends on self-care management including exercise behavior. Multimedia messaging service (MMS) could also be an effective method for delivering targeted educational interventions that focus on physical activity (PA). Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of MMS educational interventions and perceived social support for exercise on level of PA of patients with T2DM. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted to recruit 98 patients with T2DM. The intervention group received MMS education aiming to improve exercise social support and PA level for 2 months, and their counterparts in the control group received the usual routine care. We sent 2 to 3 messages daily for 2 weeks from Saturday to Thursday (12 days total). These messages were a combination of videos and texts, and the evidence-based content of these messages was reviewed and approved by the advisory committee. We randomly assigned eligible patients in a 1:1 ratio into the intervention or the control groups. Participants completed a survey in 3 periods. Results: There were no significant differences in friends' support, family verbal, practical, or emotional support over time in the intervention group (P>.05). Yet, there was a small effect size (Cohen d) in friends' social support (0.389), family practical support (0.271), and moderate activities (0.386). A medium effect size was found in family verbal (0.463) and emotional (0.468) support. Being married increased the likelihood of friends' support by 2.3 times after intervention (P=.04), whereas rarely doing exercise decreased the likelihood of friends' support by 28\% (P=.03) and family practical support by 28\% (P=.01). Being female and married increased the likelihood of doing moderate activities by 1.6 times (P=.002) and 1.5 times (P=.049) in the intervention group. Being a housewife decreased the likelihood of doing moderate activities by 20\% (P=.001). Finally, being a female with a higher educational level decreased the likelihood of doing hard activities by 20\% (P=.04) and 15\% (P=.002), respectively. Conclusions: A theoretically based MMS health education targeting PA levels and social support of family and friends to perform PA seems promising in promoting family and friends' social support and improving PA levels among patients with T2DM. Actively involving family and friends in educational interventions that target PA can have an impact on health-promoting behaviors in patients with diabetes. ", doi="10.2196/42590", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e42590", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37213171" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/45440, author="Sbaffi, Laura and Zamani, Efpraxia and Kalua, Khumbo", title="Promoting Well-being Among Informal Caregivers of People With HIV/AIDS in Rural Malawi: Community-Based Participatory Research Approach", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="May", day="11", volume="25", pages="e45440", keywords="informal caregivers", keywords="HIV/AIDS", keywords="rural Malawi", keywords="health advisory messages", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: People living with HIV/AIDS and their informal caregivers (usually family members) in Malawi do not have adequate access to patient-centered care, particularly in remote rural areas of the country because of the high burden of HIV/AIDS, coupled with a fragmented and patchy health care system. Chronic conditions require self-care strategies, which are now promoted in both developed and developing contexts but are still only emerging in sub-Saharan African countries. Objective: This study aims to explore the effects of the implementation of a short-term intervention aimed at supporting informal caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS in Malawi in their caring role and improving their well-being. The intervention includes the dissemination of 6 health advisory messages on topics related to the management of HIV/AIDS over a period of 6 months, via the WhatsApp audio function to 94 caregivers attending peer support groups in the rural area of Namwera. Methods: We adopted a community-based participatory research approach, whereby the health advisory messages were designed and formulated in collaboration with informal caregivers, local medical physicians, social care workers, and community chiefs and informed by prior discussions with informal caregivers. Feedback on the quality, relevance, and applicability of the messages was gathered via individual interviews with the caregivers. Results: The results showed that the messages were widely disseminated beyond the support groups via word of mouth and highlighted a very high level of adoption of the advice contained in the messages by caregivers, who reported immediate (short-term) and long-term self-assessed benefits for themselves, their families, and their local communities. Conclusions: This study offers a novel perspective on how to combine community-based participatory research with a cost-effective, health-oriented informational intervention that can be implemented to support effective HIV/AIDS self-care and facilitate informal caregivers' role. ", doi="10.2196/45440", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e45440", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37166971" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44513, author="Sun, Hai-Tong and Fan, Xiao-Ru and Gu, Yu-Zhou and Lu, Yong-Heng and Qiu, Jia-Ling and Yang, Qing-Ling and Li, Jing-Hua and Gu, Jing and Hao, Chun", title="WeChat-Based HIV e-Report, a New Approach for HIV Serostatus Requests and Disclosures Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Prospective Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2023", month="May", day="8", volume="11", pages="e44513", keywords="behavioral intervention", keywords="HIV serostatus disclosure", keywords="HIV testing", keywords="men who have sex with men", keywords="mHealth", abstract="Background: Requesting and disclosing HIV serostatus is associated with a reduction in HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the reliability of common methods for HIVserostatus request and disclosure is inadequate. Validated approaches for requesting and disclosing HIV serostatus are necessary. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the use of the HIV e-report as authentic evidence of HIV serostatus among the MSM community in Guangzhou, China. Additionally, the study aimed to explore its correlation with HIV serostatus requesting and disclosure receiving behavior. Methods: This study is a subgroup analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) that enrolled 357 participants during the first year. Participants in this RCT were recruited from the WeChat-based HIV testing service miniprogram developed by Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China. Participants completed web-based questionnaires at baseline and at the month 3 follow-up, which covered sociodemographic characteristics, HIV-related, HIV serostatus requests, receiving HIV serostatus disclosures, and HIV e-report usage. Results: The WeChat-based HIV e-report was available in Guangzhou when the RCT project started. At the month 3 follow-up, 32.2\% (115/357) of participants had their own HIV e-reports, and 37.8\% (135/357) of them had received others' HIV e-reports. In all, 13.1\% (27/205) and 10.5\% (16/153) of participants started to use HIV e-reports to request the HIV serostatus from regular and casual male sex partners, respectively. Moreover, 27.3\% (42/154) and 16.5\% (18/109) of the regular and casual male sex partners, respectively, chose HIV e-reports to disclose their HIV serostatus. Compared to MSM who did not have HIV e-reports, those who had HIV e-reports and stated, ``I had had my own HIV e-report(s) but hadn't sent to others'' (multivariate odds ratio 2.71, 95\% CI 1.19-6.86; P=.02) and ``I had had my own HIV e-reports and had sent to others'' (multivariate odds ratio 2.67, 95\% CI 1.07-7.73; P=.048) were more likely to request HIV serostatus from their partners. However, no factor was associated with receiving an HIV serostatus disclosure from partners. Conclusions: The HIV e-report has been accepted by the MSM community in Guangzhou and could be applied as a new optional approach for HIV serostatus requests and disclosures. This innovative intervention could be effective in promoting infectious disease serostatus disclosure among the related high-risk population. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03984136; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03984136 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s12879-021-06484-y ", doi="10.2196/44513", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e44513", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37155223" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42952, author="Campbell, I. Jeffrey and Aturinda, Isaac and Mwesigwa, Evans and Habinka, Annabella and Kanyesigye, Michael and Holden, J. Richard and Siedner, J. Mark and Kraemer, D. John", title="Behavioral Predictors of Intention to Use a Text Messaging Reminder System Among People Living With HIV in Rural Uganda: Survey Study", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2023", month="May", day="5", volume="10", pages="e42952", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="HIV", keywords="intention", keywords="SMS", keywords="cellular phone", keywords="cell phone", keywords="Africa", keywords="reminder", keywords="alert", keywords="notification", keywords="prompt", abstract="Background: The expansion of cellular phones in sub-Saharan Africa spurred the development of SMS text message--based mobile health (mHealth) technology. Numerous SMS text message--based interventions have attempted to increase retention in care for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Many of these interventions have failed to scale. Understanding theory-grounded factors leading to mHealth acceptability is needed to create scalable, contextually appropriate, and user-focused interventions to improve longitudinal HIV care for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: In this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), constructs identified in previous qualitative research, and behavioral intention to use a novel SMS text message--based mHealth intervention designed to improve care retention among people living with HIV initiating treatment in rural Uganda. Methods: We conducted a survey of people living with HIV who were newly initiating HIV care in Mbarara, Uganda, and had agreed to use a novel SMS text message--based system that notified them of abnormal laboratory results and reminded them to return to the clinic. Survey items assessed behavioral intention to use the SMS text messaging system; constructs from UTAUT; and demographics, literacy, SMS text messaging experience, HIV status disclosure, and social support. We used factor analysis and logistic regression to estimate the relationships between UTAUT constructs and the behavioral intention to use the SMS text messaging system. Results: A total of 249 participants completed the surveys, of whom 115 (46.2\%) expressed high behavioral intention to use the SMS text messaging intervention. In a multivariable analysis, we found that performance expectancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] of the scaled factor score 5.69, 95\% CI 2.64-12.25; P<.001), effort expectancy (aOR of the scaled factor score 4.87, 95\% CI 1.75-13.51; P=.002), and social influence (measured as a 1-unit Likert score increase in the perception that clinical staff have been helpful in the use of the SMS text messaging program; aOR 3.03, 95\% CI 1.21-7.54; P=.02) were significantly associated with high behavioral intention to use the SMS text messaging program. SMS text messaging experience (aOR/1-unit increase 1.48, 95\% CI 1.11-1.96; P=.008) and age (aOR/1-year increase 1.07, 95\% CI 1.03-1.13; P=.003) were also significantly associated with increased odds of high intention to use the system. Conclusions: Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence, as well as age and SMS experience, were drivers of high behavioral intention to use an SMS text messaging reminder system among people living with HIV initiating treatment in rural Uganda. These findings highlight salient factors associated with SMS intervention acceptability in this population and indicate attributes that are likely to be key to the successful development and scaling of novel mHealth interventions. ", doi="10.2196/42952", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2023/1/e42952", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37145834" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40917, author="Hwang, Soohyun and Lazard, J. Allison and Reffner Collins, K. Meredith and Brenner, T. Alison and Heiling, M. Hillary and Deal, M. Allison and Crockett, D. Seth and Reuland, S. Daniel and Elston Lafata, Jennifer", title="Exploring the Acceptability of Text Messages to Inform and Support Shared Decision-making for Colorectal Cancer Screening: Online Panel Survey", journal="JMIR Cancer", year="2023", month="May", day="5", volume="9", pages="e40917", keywords="text messages", keywords="shared decision-making", keywords="colorectal cancer", keywords="cancer screening", keywords="mHealth", keywords="cancer", keywords="health care", keywords="marginalized groups", abstract="Background: While online portals may be helpful to engage patients in shared decision-making at the time of cancer screening, because of known disparities in patient portal use, sole reliance on portals to support cancer screening decision-making could exacerbate well-known disparities in this health care area. Innovative approaches are needed to engage patients in health care decision-making and to support equitable shared decision-making. Objective: We assessed the acceptability of text messages to engage sociodemographically diverse individuals in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening decisions and support shared decision-making in practice. Methods: We developed a brief text message program offering educational information consisting of components of shared decision-making regarding CRC screening (eg, for whom screening is recommended, screening test options, and pros/cons of options). The program and postprogram survey were offered to members of an online panel. The outcome of interest was program acceptability measured by observed program engagement, participant-reported acceptability, and willingness to use similar programs (behavioral intent). We evaluated acceptability among historically marginalized categories of people defined by income, literacy, and race. Results: Of the 289 participants, 115 reported having a low income, 146 were Black/African American, and 102 had less than extreme confidence in their health literacy. With one exception, we found equal or greater acceptability, regardless of measure, within each of the marginalized categories of people compared to their counterparts. The exception was that participants reporting an income below US \$50,000 were less likely to engage with sufficient content of the program to learn that there was a choice among different CRC screening tests (difference --10.4\%, 95\% CI --20.1 to --0.8). Of note, Black/African American participants reported being more likely to sign up to receive text messages from their doctor's office compared to white participants (difference 18.7\%, 95\% CI 7.0-30.3). Conclusions: Study findings demonstrate general acceptance of text messages to inform and support CRC screening shared decision-making. ", doi="10.2196/40917", url="https://cancer.jmir.org/2023/1/e40917", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37145859" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44840, author="Su, Zheng and Wei, Xiaowen and Cheng, Anqi and Zhou, Xinmei and Li, Jinxuan and Qin, Rui and Liu, Yi and Xia, Xin and Song, Qingqing and Liu, Zhao and Zhao, Liang and Xiao, Dan and Wang, Chen", title="Utilization and Effectiveness of a Message-Based Tobacco Cessation Program (mCessation) in the Chinese General Population: Longitudinal, Real-world Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="May", day="2", volume="25", pages="e44840", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="real-world evidence", keywords="text message", keywords="general population", abstract="Background: Randomized controlled trials on text message interventions for smoking cessation have shown they are effective and recommended for tobacco control. However, the effectiveness in real-world settings is largely unknown, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: This study aimed to provide real-world evidence about the utilization and effectiveness of a message-based tobacco cessation program (mCessation) in China. Methods: From May 2021 to September 2022, 16,746 people from the general population participated in the mCessation program provided by the World Health Organization. All participants received text messages on smoking cessation via instant messaging for 6 months, and they were also required to report smoking status. We randomly selected 2500 participants and interviewed them by telephone to determine the 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate at 6 months. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze population characteristics and abstinence rate. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore risk factors for the abstinence rate. Results: Among the 2500 participants, the mean age was 35 years, and most (2407/2500, 96.20\%) were male. The prevalence of tobacco dependence and light degree of tobacco dependence were 85.70\% (2142/2500) and 89.10\% (2228/2500), respectively. For respondents (953/2500, 38.10\%), the 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate at 6 months was 21.90\% (209/953). Participants older than 40 years or with tobacco dependence had significantly higher abstinence rates than those who were younger than 30 years old (odds ratio [OR] 1.77, 95\% CI 1.06-3.29) or without dependence (OR 1.64, 95\% CI 1.08-2.51), respectively. However, married people or heavily dependent smokers tended to find it more difficult to successfully quit smoking compared with unmarried people (OR 0.57, 95\% CI 0.34-0.93) or lightly dependent smokers (OR 0.16, 95\% CI 0.02-0.98), respectively. Conclusions: In a real-world setting, mCessation China was generally acceptable to men and lightly dependent smokers, and it could help 1 in 5 smokers aged 18 years to 67 years quit smoking. However, strategies to increase awareness of young and married adults may improve implementation and abstinence rates. ", doi="10.2196/44840", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e44840", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37129934" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42339, author="Lawal, Abdul and Menon, Devidas and Affleck, Ewan and Stafinski, Tania", title="The Impact of Secure Messaging in the Treatment of Patients With Diabetes Within a Primary Care Setting: Protocol for a Scoping Review", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="May", day="2", volume="12", pages="e42339", keywords="secure messaging", keywords="secure message", keywords="text messaging", keywords="security", keywords="privacy", keywords="chronic disease", keywords="chronic condition", keywords="primary care", keywords="health outcome", keywords="diabetic", keywords="diabetes", keywords="virtual care", keywords="scoping review", keywords="review methodology", keywords="health care system", abstract="Background: Diabetes---a high-burden chronic disease---requires lifetime active management involving the use of different tools and health care resources to improve patient health outcomes. Recent studies have demonstrated promising results regarding the impact of the use of virtual care technology on the treatment of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. However, it is unclear whether the use of technologies, such as secure messaging, improves the quality of care and reduces diabetes-related costs to the health care system. Objective: The purpose of our scoping review is to explore what is known about the use of secure messaging in the treatment of diabetes within the primary care setting and how its impact has been assessed from the patient and health system perspectives. Our review aims to understand to what extent secure messaging improves the quality of diabetes care. Methods: Our scoping review will follow the 6-step Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework, as well as the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and their recommended tools. The tools to guide the development and reporting of the review in a structured way will include the Population, Concept, and Context framework and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines and checklist. The search strategy was developed iteratively in collaboration with a professional information specialist. Furthermore, a peer review of electronic search strategies was also conducted by an independent, third-party, professional information specialist. A systematic literature search will be conducted against databases, including Ovid MEDLINE ALL, Embase, APA PsycINFO, Cochrane Library on Wiley, CINAHL on EBSCO, and PubMed. Grey literature sources will also be searched for relevant literature. Literature on the use of secure messaging in the treatment of diabetes (types 1 and 2) within a primary care setting will be included. Two reviewers will review the literature based on the inclusion criteria in the following two steps: (1) title and abstract review and (2) full-text review. Discrepancies will be discussed to reach consensus where possible; otherwise, a third reviewer will resolve the dispute. Results: The results and a final report are expected to be completed and submitted to a peer-reviewed journal in 6 months. Conclusions: The review will examine existing literature to identify the impact of secure messaging in diabetes treatment within primary care settings. Research gaps will also be identified to determine if there is a need for further studies. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/42339 ", doi="10.2196/42339", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e42339", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37129935" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37359, author="Mwenda, Valerian and Makena, Ireen and Ogweno, Vincent and Obonyo, James and Were, Vincent", title="The Effectiveness of Interactive Text Messaging and Structured Psychosocial Support Groups on Developmental Milestones of Children From Adolescent Pregnancies in Kenya: Quasi-Experimental Study", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2023", month="May", day="1", volume="6", pages="e37359", keywords="text messages", keywords="adolescent pregnancy", keywords="milestones", keywords="mHealth", keywords="psychosocial support", keywords="Kenya", keywords="nurturing care", abstract="Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, one-quarter of all pregnancies occur in adolescents. Children born to adolescent mothers have poorer physical and socio-cognitive development. One reason may be inadequate knowledge on childcare and psychosocial support during pregnancy and post partum, since adolescent mothers have less antenatal care attendance and overall interaction with the health care system. Mobile health technology has been used to relay health information to special groups; however, psychosocial support commonly requires physical interaction. Objective: We aimed to assess the efficacy of an interactive mobile text messaging platform and support groups in improving adolescent mothers' knowledge and practices as well as infant growth and development. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study, conducted among adolescent mothers with infants younger than 3 months, in Homa Bay County, Kenya. Five of the 8 subcounties in Homa Bay County were purposively selected as study clusters. Four subcounties were assigned as intervention clusters and 1 as a control cluster. Adolescent mothers from 2 intervention subcounties received interactive text messaging only (limited package), whereas those from the other 2 subcounties received text messaging and weekly support groups, moderated by a community health extension worker and a counselor (full package); the control cluster only received the end-line evaluation (posttest-only control). The follow-up period was 9 months. Key outcomes were maternal knowledge on childcare and infant development milestones assessed using the Developmental Milestones Checklist (DMC III). Knowledge and DMC III scores were compared between the intervention and control groups, as well as between the 2 intervention groups. Results: We recruited 791 mother-infant pairs into the intervention groups (full package: n=375; limited package: n=416) at baseline and 220 controls at end line. Attrition from the intervention groups was 15.8\% (125/791). Compared with the control group, adolescent mothers receiving the full package had a higher knowledge score on infant care and development (9.02 vs 8.01; P<.001) and higher exclusive breastfeeding rates (238/375, 63.5\% vs 112/220, 50.9\%; P=.004), and their infants had higher average DMC III scores (53.09 vs 48.59; P=.01). The limited package group also had higher knowledge score than the control group (8.73 vs 8.01; P<.001); this group performed better than the full package group on exclusive breastfeeding (297/416, 71.4\% vs 112/220, 50.9\%; P<.001) and DMC III scores (58.29 vs 48.59; P<.001) when compared with the control group. We found a marginal difference in knowledge scores between full and limited package groups (9.02 vs 8.73; P=.048) but no difference in DMC III scores between the 2 groups (53.09 vs 58.29; P>.99). Conclusions: An interactive text messaging platform improved adolescent mothers' knowledge on nurturing infant care and the development of their children, even without physical support groups. Such platforms offer a convenient avenue for providing reproductive health information to adolescents. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201806003369302; https://tinyurl.com/kkxvzjse ", doi="10.2196/37359", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2023/1/e37359", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37126373" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44108, author="Alshagrawi, Salah and Abidi, Taha Syed", title="Efficacy of an mHealth Behavior Change Intervention for Promoting Physical Activity in the Workplace: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Apr", day="27", volume="25", pages="e44108", keywords="text messaging", keywords="mobile phones", keywords="physical activity", keywords="eHealth", keywords="pedometer", keywords="smartphone", keywords="activity tracker", keywords="accelerometer", keywords="behavioral", keywords="workplace", keywords="risk factor", keywords="noncommunicable disease", keywords="BMI", keywords="wellness", abstract="Background: Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a well-established risk factor for several noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, depression, and dementia. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that individuals engage in 150 minutes of moderate PA per week or 75 minutes of intense PA per week. According to the WHO's latest report, 23\% of adults fail to meet the minimum recommended level of PA. The percentage was even higher in a recent global study that showed 27\% of adults were insufficiently active and reported a 5\% increase in the prevalence trend of insufficient PA between 2001 and 2016. The study also showed the rate of insufficient PA among countries varied significantly. For instance, it was estimated that 40\% were insufficiently active in the United States, and the percentage was even higher in Saudi Arabia (more than 50\%). Governments are actively developing policies and methods to successfully establish a PA-inducing environment that encourages a healthy lifestyle in order to address the global steady decline in PA. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) interventions, particularly SMS text messaging interventions, to improve PA and decrease BMI in healthy adults in the workplace. Methods: In this parallel, 2-arm randomized controlled trial, healthy adults (N=327) were randomized to receive an mHealth intervention (tailored text messages combined with self-monitoring (intervention; n=166) or no intervention (control; n=161). Adults who were fully employed in an academic institution and had limited PA during working hours were recruited for the study. Outcomes, such as PA and BMI, were assessed at baseline and 3 months later. Results: Results showed significant improvement in PA levels (weekly step counts) in the intervention group ($\beta$=1097, 95\% CI 922-1272, P<.001). There was also a significant reduction in BMI ($\beta$=0.60, 95\% CI 0.50-0.69, P<.001). Conclusions: Combining tailored text messages and self-monitoring interventions to improve PA and lower BMI was significantly effective and has the potential to leverage current methods to improve wellness among the public. ", doi="10.2196/44108", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e44108", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37103981" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41911, author="Lin, Haoxiang and Wang, Ying and Xing, Yanling and Han, Yinglian and Zhang, Chengqian and Luo, Ting and Chang, Chun", title="A Personalized Mobile Cessation Intervention to Promote Smokers From the Preparation Stage to the Action Stage: Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Apr", day="26", volume="25", pages="e41911", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="mobile health", keywords="health education", keywords="smoking", keywords="behavior intervention", keywords="behavior change", keywords="support", keywords="text message", keywords="personalized", keywords="smoking abstinence", keywords="health behavior", keywords="health promotion", abstract="Background: Most mobile cessation studies have found that such interventions have a higher quitting rate than interventions providing minimal smoking cessation support. However, why such interventions are effective has been almost unstudied by researchers. Objective: This paper describes the principles of the personalized mobile cessation intervention-based WeChat app and used generalized estimated equations to assess why a personalized mobile cessation intervention was more likely to promote smokers from the preparation stage to the action stage than a nonpersonalized intervention. Methods: This is a 2-arm, double-blind, randomized controlled trial in five cities in China. The intervention group received a personalized mobile cessation intervention. The control group received a nonpersonalized SMS text message smoking cessation intervention. All information was sent by the WeChat app. The outcomes were the change in protection motivation theory construct scores and the change in transtheoretical model stages. Results: A total of 722 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Compared with those who received the nonpersonalized SMS text message intervention, smokers who received the personalized intervention presented lower intrinsic rewards, extrinsic rewards, and response costs. Intrinsic rewards were determinants of stage change, thus explaining why the intervention group was more likely to promote smokers from the preparation stage to the action stage (odds ratio 2.65, 95\% CI 1.41-4.98). Conclusions: This study identified the psychological determinants at different stages to facilitate smokers moving forward to the next stage of quitting behavior and provides a framework to explore why a smoking cessation intervention is effective. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100041942; https://tinyurl.com/2hhx4m7f ", doi="10.2196/41911", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e41911", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37099360" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41414, author="Lee, M. Alexandra and Hojjatinia, Sahar and Courtney, B. Jimikaye and Brunke-Reese, Deborah and Hojjatinia, Sarah and Lagoa, M. Constantino and Conroy, E. David", title="Motivational Message Framing Effects on Physical Activity Dynamics in a Digital Messaging Intervention: Secondary Analysis", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Apr", day="21", volume="7", pages="e41414", keywords="physical activity", keywords="exercise", keywords="fitness", keywords="Fitbit", keywords="tracking", keywords="patient-specific modeling", keywords="dynamical model", keywords="patient specific", keywords="fitness tracker", keywords="psychological theory", keywords="messaging", keywords="motivation", keywords="behavior change", abstract="Background: Digital smartphone messaging can be used to promote physical activity to large populations with limited cost. It is not clear which psychological constructs should be targeted by digital messages to promote physical activity. This gap presents a challenge for developing optimal content for digital messaging interventions. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare affectively framed and social cognitively framed messages on subsequent changes in physical activity using dynamical modeling techniques. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from a digital messaging intervention in insufficiently active young adults (18-29 years) recruited between April 2019 and July 2020 who wore a Fitbit smartwatch for 6 months. Participants received 0 to 6 messages at random per day across the intervention period. Messages were drawn from 3 content libraries: affectively framed, social cognitively framed, or inspirational quotes. Person-specific dynamical models were identified, and model features of impulse response and cumulative step response were extracted for comparison. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVAs evaluated the main effects and interaction of message type and day type on model features. This early-phase work with novel dynamic features may have been underpowered to detect differences between message types so results were interpreted descriptively. Results: Messages (n=20,689) were paired with valid physical activity monitoring data from 45 participants for analysis. Received messages were distributed as 40\% affective (8299/20,689 messages), 39\% social-cognitive (8187/20,689 messages), and 20\% inspirational quotes (4219/20,689 messages). There were no statistically significant main effects for message type when evaluating the steady state of step responses. Participants demonstrated heterogeneity in intervention response: some had their strongest responses to affectively framed messages, some had their strongest responses to social cognitively framed messages, and some had their strongest responses to the inspirational quote messages. Conclusions: No single type of digital message content universally promotes physical activity. Future work should evaluate the effects of multiple message types so that content can be continuously tuned based on person-specific responses to each message type. ", doi="10.2196/41414", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e41414", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37083710" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41021, author="Gosliner, Wendi and Felix, Celeste and Strochlic, Ron and Wright, Shana and Yates-Berg, Allison and Thompson, R. Hannah and Tang, Hao and Melendrez, Blanca", title="Feasibility and Response to the San Diego County, California, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Agency Sending Food and Nutrition Text Messages to All Participants: Quasi-Experimental Web-Based Survey Pilot Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Apr", day="19", volume="25", pages="e41021", keywords="SNAP", keywords="CalFresh", keywords="text", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="nutrition", keywords="fruits", keywords="vegetables", keywords="mHealth", abstract="Background: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides over 40 million Americans with money for food without typically providing participants with food or nutrition information. Educational SMS text messages can reach large numbers of people, and studies suggest SNAP participants appreciate nutrition education and have access to mobile phones. Objective: Using a pre-post intervention design, we assessed the feasibility of, and program satisfaction and outcomes resulting from, the San Diego County, California SNAP agency sending monthly food and nutrition education SMS text messages to all SNAP participants to increase fruit and vegetable purchasing and consumption. Methods: We developed and sent 5 behavioral science--informed SMS text messages with links to a project website in English and Spanish with information about selecting, storing, and preparing seasonal fruits and vegetables. The San Diego County SNAP agency sent monthly texts to {\textasciitilde}170,000 SNAP households from October 2020 to February 2021. SNAP participants completed web-based surveys in response to a text invitation from the SNAP agency in September 2020 (baseline, n=12,036) and April 2021 (follow-up, n=4927). Descriptive frequencies were generated, and adjusted multiple linear mixed models were run on a matched data set of participants that completed both baseline and follow-up surveys (n=875) assessing pre- or postattitudes, behaviors, knowledge, and self-efficacy. We used adjusted logistic regression models to assess differences between the matched (n=875) and nonmatched (n=4052) participants related to experiences with the intervention (questions asked only at follow-up). Results: After the intervention, matched participants reported significant increase in knowing where to get information about selecting, storing, and preparing fruits and vegetables (3.76 vs 4.02 on a 5-point Likert scale with 5=strongly agree, P<.001); feeling good about participating in SNAP (4.35 vs 4.43, P=.03); and thinking the CalFresh program helps them eat healthy (4.38 vs 4.48, P=.006). No significant pre- or postdifferences were found in fruit or vegetable consumption, though most participants at follow-up (n=1556, 64\%) reported their consumption had increased. Among the sample that completed the follow-up survey only (n=4052, not including 875 participants who completed follow-up and baseline), 1583 (65\%) and 1556 (64\%) reported purchasing and eating more California-grown fruits and vegetables, respectively. Nearly all respondents appreciated the intervention (n=2203, 90\%) and wanted it to continue (n=2037, 83\%). Conclusions: SNAP can feasibly provide food and nutrition messages via text to participants. A monthly text campaign was well received by responding participants and improved some measures of their self-reported knowledge, self-efficacy, produce consumption, and perceptions of SNAP participation. Participants expressed interest in continuing to receive texts. While educational messages will not solve the complex food and nutrition challenges confronting SNAP participants, further work should employ rigorous methods to expand and test this intervention in other SNAP programs before considering to implement it at scale. ", doi="10.2196/41021", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e41021", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37074786" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44661, author="Murray, B. Jennifer and Sharp, Alexander and Munro, Sarah and Janssen, A. Patricia", title="Expectant Parents' Preferences for Teaching by Texting: Development and Usability Study of SmartMom", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Apr", day="18", volume="7", pages="e44661", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="pregnant", keywords="prenatal", keywords="patient education", keywords="text message", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="prenatal education", keywords="mHealth", keywords="evidence-based health care", keywords="mobile app", keywords="Canada", keywords="mobile health", keywords="preference", keywords="focus group", keywords="information need", keywords="user need", abstract="Background: Prenatal education encourages healthy behavioral choices and reduces rates of adverse birth outcomes. The use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies during pregnancy is increasing and changing how pregnant people acquire prenatal education. SmartMom is an evidence-based prenatal education SMS text messaging program that overcomes barriers to prenatal class attendance, including rural or remote location, cost, stigma among participants, lack of instructors, and cessation of classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: We sought to explore perceived information needs and preferences for the content and structure of prenatal education mHealth programs among persons enrolled in or eligible to enroll in SmartMom. Methods: This was a qualitative focus group study conducted as part of a development and usability study of the SmartMom program. Participants were older than 19 years of age, Canadian residents, fluent in English, and either currently pregnant or pregnant within the last year. We asked open-ended questions about information-seeking behaviors during pregnancy, the nature of the information that participants were seeking, how they wanted to receive information, and if SmartMom was meeting these needs. Focus groups took place via videoconference technology (Zoom) between August and December 2020. We used reflexive thematic analysis to identify themes that emerged from the data and the constant comparison method to compare initial coding to emerging themes. Results: We conducted 6 semistructured focus groups with 16 participants. All participants reported living with a partner and owning a cell phone. The majority (n=13, 81\%) used at least 1 app for prenatal education. Our analysis revealed that ``having reliable information is the most important thing'' (theme 1); pregnant people value inclusive, local, and strength-based information (theme 2); and SMS text messages are a simple, easy, and timely modality (``It was nice to have that [information] fed to you''; theme 3). Participants perceived that SmartMom SMS text messages met their needs for prenatal education and were more convenient than using apps. SmartMom's opt-in supplemental message streams, which allowed users to tailor the program to their needs, were viewed favorably. Participants also identified that prenatal education programs were not meeting the needs of diverse populations, such as Indigenous people and LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit plus) communities. Conclusions: The shift toward digital prenatal education, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in a plethora of web- or mobile technology--based programs, but few of these have been evaluated. Participants in our focus groups revealed concerns about the reliability and comprehensiveness of digital resources for prenatal education. The SmartMom SMS text messaging program was viewed as being evidence-based, providing comprehensive content without searching, and permitting tailoring to individual needs through opt-in message streams. Prenatal education must also meet the needs of diverse populations. ", doi="10.2196/44661", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e44661", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37071451" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44503, author="Heffner, L. Jaimee and Kelly, M. Megan and Reilly, D. Erin and Reece, G. Scott and Claudio, Tracy and Serfozo, Edit and Baker, Kelsey and Watson, L. Noreen and Karekla, Maria", title="An Avatar-Led Web-Based and SMS Text Message Smoking Cessation Program for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Veterans: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Apr", day="14", volume="7", pages="e44503", keywords="embodied agent", keywords="tobacco cessation", keywords="nicotine dependence", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", abstract="Background: Despite the declining prevalence of cigarette smoking in the United States, socioeconomically disadvantaged veterans receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration have a high prevalence of smoking. Currently, available treatment options for these veterans focus on tobacco users who are ready to quit and have limited reach. Consequently, there is a great need for accessible, effective smoking cessation interventions for veterans at all levels of readiness to quit smoking. Objective: To address these needs, we developed Vet Flexiquit, a web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program for veterans, and evaluated its acceptability (primary aim), efficacy, and impact on theory-based change processes relative to the National Cancer Institute's SmokefreeVET program in a pilot randomized controlled trial. Methods: Participants (N=49) were randomized 1:1 to receive either the Vet Flexiquit (n=25) or SmokefreeVET (n=24) web program. Both groups received SMS text messages as part of the intervention for 6 weeks. Both interventions are fully automated and self-guided. Primary outcome data were collected at 3 months after the randomization. Self-reported smoking abstinence was biochemically verified using saliva cotinine. Multivariable logistic regression, negative binomial regression, and linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between the treatment arm and outcomes of interest. Results: Acceptability, as measured by overall treatment satisfaction, was high and similar across treatment arms: 100\% (17/17) for Vet Flexiquit and 95\% (18/19) for SmokefreeVET. Acceptability, as measured by utilization, was more modest (log-ins: M=3.7 for Vet Flexiquit and M=3.2 for SmokefreeVET). There were no statistically significant differences between treatment arms for any acceptability measures. Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences between treatment arms in the secondary outcomes of smoking cessation or change in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy's theory-based processes. In open-ended survey responses, some veterans in both treatment arms expressed interest in having support from a professional or peer to enhance their experience, as well as an expanded SMS text messaging program. Conclusions: Both programs had high ratings of acceptability, limited utilization, and a similar impact on cessation and cessation processes. Taken together with the qualitative data suggesting that additional support may enhance participants' experience of both programs, these preliminary findings suggest that the programs may have similar outcomes among veterans who are looking for a digital cessation treatment option and that integrating provider or peer support and enhancing the SMS text messaging program holds promise as a means of boosting engagement and outcomes for both programs. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04502524; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04502524 ", doi="10.2196/44503", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e44503", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37058346" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40272, author="Robinson, A. Stephanie and Zocchi, Mark and Purington, Carolyn and Am, Linda and DeLaughter, Kathryn and Vimalananda, G. Varsha and Netherton, Dane and Ash, S. Arlene and Hogan, P. Timothy and Shimada, L. Stephanie", title="Secure Messaging for Diabetes Management: Content Analysis", journal="JMIR Diabetes", year="2023", month="Mar", day="23", volume="8", pages="e40272", keywords="secure messaging", keywords="patient-provider communication", keywords="veterans", keywords="message content", keywords="diabetes", keywords="patient portal", keywords="T2D", keywords="management", keywords="support", keywords="messaging", keywords="glycemic control", keywords="communication", keywords="engagement", keywords="health information", keywords="diabetic control", keywords="disease outcomes", abstract="Background: Secure messaging use is associated with improved diabetes-related outcomes. However, it is less clear how secure messaging supports diabetes management. Objective: We examined secure message topics between patients and clinical team members in a national sample of veterans with type 2 diabetes to understand use of secure messaging for diabetes management and potential associations with glycemic control. Methods: We surveyed and analyzed the content of secure messages between 448 US Veterans Health Administration patients with type 2 diabetes and their clinical teams. We also explored the relationship between secure messaging content and glycemic control. Results: Explicit diabetes-related content was the most frequent topic (72.1\% of participants), followed by blood pressure (31.7\% of participants). Among diabetes-related conversations, 90.7\% of patients discussed medication renewals or refills. More patients with good glycemic control engaged in 1 or more threads about blood pressure compared to those with poor control (37.5\% vs 27.2\%, P=.02). More patients with good glycemic control engaged in 1 more threads intended to share information with their clinical team about an aspect of their diabetes management compared to those with poor control (23.7\% vs 12.4\%, P=.009). Conclusions: There were few differences in secure messaging topics between patients in good versus poor glycemic control. Those in good control were more likely to engage in informational messages to their team and send messages related to blood pressure. It may be that the specific topic content of the secure messages may not be that important for glycemic control. Simply making it easier for patients to communicate with their clinical teams may be the driving influence between associations previously reported in the literature between secure messaging and positive clinical outcomes in diabetes. ", doi="10.2196/40272", url="https://diabetes.jmir.org/2023/1/e40272", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36951903" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40420, author="Feng, Yuheng and Zhao, Yuxi and Mao, Linqi and Gu, Minmin and Yuan, Hong and Lu, Jun and Zhang, Qi and Zhao, Qian and Li, Xiaohong", title="The Effectiveness of an eHealth Family-Based Intervention Program in Patients With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in the Community Via WeChat: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2023", month="Mar", day="20", volume="11", pages="e40420", keywords="public health", keywords="type 2 diabetes mellitus", keywords="intervention", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="community health center", abstract="Background: Intervention based on family support and risk perception can enhance type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients' self-care activities. In addition, eHealth education is considered to improve family members' support for patients with T2DM. However, there is little evidence from rigorously designed studies on the effectiveness of an intervention combining these approaches. Objective: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the effectiveness of an eHealth family-based health education intervention for patients with T2DM to improve their glucose control, risk perception, and self-care behaviors. Methods: This single-center, 2-parallel-group RCT was conducted between 2019 and 2020. Overall, 228 patients were recruited from Jiading District, Shanghai, and randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received an eHealth family intervention based on community management via WeChat, whereas the control group received usual care. The primary outcome was the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of the patients with T2DM, and the secondary outcomes were self-management behavior (general and specific diet, exercise, blood sugar testing, foot care, and smoking), risk perception (risk knowledge, personal control, worry, optimism bias, and personal risk), and family support (supportive and nonsupportive behaviors). A 2-tailed paired-sample t test was used to compare the participants at baseline and follow-up within the control and intervention groups. An analysis of covariance was used to measure the intervention effect. Results: In total, 225 patients with T2DM were followed up for 1 year. After intervention, they had significantly lower HbA1c values ($\beta$=--.69, 95\% CI --0.99 to --0.39; P<.001). They also had improved general diet ($\beta$=.60, 95\% CI 0.20 to 1.00; P=.003), special diet ($\beta$=.71, 95\% CI 0.34 to 1.09; P<.001), blood sugar testing ($\beta$=.50, 95\% CI 0.02 to 0.98; P=.04), foot care ($\beta$=1.82, 95\% CI 1.23 to 2.42; P<.001), risk knowledge ($\beta$=.89, 95\% CI 0.55 to 1.24; P<.001), personal control ($\beta$=.22, 95\% CI 0.12 to 0.32; P<.001), worry ($\beta$=.24, 95\% CI 0.10 to 0.39; P=.001), optimism bias ($\beta$=.26, 95\% CI 0.09 to 0.43; P=.003), and supportive behaviors ($\beta$=5.52, 95\% CI 4.03 to 7.01; P<.001). Conclusions: The eHealth family-based intervention improved glucose control and self-care activities among patients with T2DM by aiding the implementation of interventions to improve T2DM risk perceptions among family members. The intervention is generalizable for patients with T2DM using health management systems in community health centers. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900020736; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=31214 ", doi="10.2196/40420", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e40420", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36939825" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37351, author="Ranjit, S. Yerina and Davis, M. Warren and Fentem, Andrea and Riordan, Raven and Roscoe, Rikki and Cavazos-Rehg, Patricia", title="Text Messages Exchanged Between Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder and Their mHealth e-Coaches: Content Analysis Study", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2023", month="Mar", day="10", volume="10", pages="e37351", keywords="opioid use disorder", keywords="opioid", keywords="opium", keywords="overdose", keywords="drug", keywords="substance use", keywords="content analysis", keywords="text message intervention", keywords="text message", keywords="text messaging", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="social support", keywords="e-coach", keywords="counseling", keywords="mental health", keywords="depression", keywords="recovery support", keywords="eHealth", keywords="digital health", abstract="Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) has affected 2.2 million people in the United States. About 7.2 million people reported using illicit drugs in 2019, which contributed to over 70,000 overdose deaths. SMS text messaging interventions have been shown to be effective in OUD recovery. However, the interpersonal communication between individuals in OUD treatment and a support team on digital platforms has not been well examined. Objective: This study aims to understand the communication between participants undergoing OUD recovery and their e-coaches by examining the SMS text messages exchanged from the lens of social support and the issues related to OUD treatment. Methods: A content analysis of messages exchanged between individuals recovering from OUD and members of a support team was conducted. Participants were enrolled in a mobile health intervention titled ``uMAT-R,'' a primary feature of which is the ability for patients to instantly connect with a recovery support staff or an ``e-coach'' via in-app messaging. Our team analyzed dyadic text-based messages of over 12 months. In total, 70 participants' messages and 1196 unique messages were analyzed using a social support framework and OUD recovery topics. Results: Out of 70 participants, 44 (63\%) were between the ages of 31 and 50 years, 47 (67\%) were female, 41 (59\%) were Caucasian, and 42 (60\%) reported living in unstable housing conditions. An average of 17 (SD 16.05) messages were exchanged between each participant and their e-coach. Out of 1196 messages, 64\% (n=766) messages were sent by e-coaches and 36\% (n=430) by participants. Messages of emotional support occurred the most, with 196 occurrences (n=9, 0.8\%) and e-coaches (n=187, 15.6\%). Messages of material support had 110 occurrences (participants: n=8, 0.7\%; e-coaches: n=102, 8.5\%). With OUD recovery topics, opioid use risk factors appeared in most (n=72) occurrences (patient: n=66, 5.5\%; e-coach: n=6, 0.5\%), followed by a message of avoidance of drug use 3.9\% (n=47), which occurred mainly from participants. Depression was correlated with messages of social support (r=0.27; P=.02). Conclusions: Individuals with OUD who had mobile health needs tended to engage in instant messaging with the recovery support staff. Participants who are engaged in messaging often engage in conversations around risk factors and avoidance of drug use. Instant messaging services can be instrumental in providing the social and educational support needs of individuals recovering from OUD. ", doi="10.2196/37351", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2023/1/e37351", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36897632" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/39645, author="Levitz, E. Carly and Kuo, Elena and Guo, Monica and Ruiz, Esmeralda and Torres-Ozadali, Evelyn and Brar Prayaga, Rena and Escaron, Anne", title="Using Text Messages and Fotonovelas to Increase Return of Home-Mailed Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests: Mixed Methods Evaluation", journal="JMIR Cancer", year="2023", month="Mar", day="7", volume="9", pages="e39645", keywords="colorectal cancer screening", keywords="texting campaign", keywords="patient navigation", keywords="fotonovela", keywords="fecal immunochemical test kit", keywords="FIT kit", keywords="screening", keywords="cancer", keywords="colorectal cancer", keywords="CRC", keywords="bidirectional texting", keywords="health text messaging", keywords="health promotion", keywords="participation", keywords="comics", abstract="Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States; however, it is mostly preventable with appropriate screening and is often treatable when detected at early stages. Many patients enrolled in an urban Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinic were found to be past due for CRC screening. Objective: This study described a quality improvement (QI) project to improve CRC screening rates. This project used bidirectional texting with fotonovela comics and natural language understanding (NLU) to encourage patients to mail fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits back to the FQHC. Methods: The FQHC mailed FIT kits to 11,000 unscreened patients in July 2021. Consistent with the usual care, all patients received 2 text messages and a patient navigator call within the first month of mailing. As part of a QI project, 5241 patients who did not return their FIT kit within 3 months, aged 50-75 years, and spoke either English or Spanish were randomized to either usual care (no further intervention) or intervention (4-week texting campaign with a fotonovela comic and remailing kits if requested) groups. The fotonovela was developed to address known barriers to CRC screening. The texting campaign used NLU to respond to patients' texts. A mixed methods evaluation used data from SMS text messages and electronic medical records to understand the impact of the QI project on CRC screening rates. Open-ended text messages were analyzed for themes, and interviews were completed with a convenience sample of patients to understand barriers to screening and impact of the fotonovela. Results: Of the 2597 participants, 1026 (39.5\%) in the intervention group engaged with bidirectional texting. Participating in bidirectional texting was related to language preference ($\chi$22=11.0; P=.004) and age group ($\chi$22=19.0; P<.001). Of the 1026 participants who engaged bidirectionally, 318 (31\%) clicked on the fotonovela. Furthermore, 54\% (32/59) of the patients clicked on the fotonovela and responded that they loved it, and 36\% (21/59) of patients responded that they liked it. The intervention group was more likely to get screened (487/2597, 18.75\%) than those in usual care (308/2644, 11.65\%; P<.001), and this pattern held, regardless of demographic subgroup (sex, age, screening history, preferred language, and payer type). Interview data (n=16) indicated that the text messages, navigator calls, and fotonovelas were well received and not unduly invasive. Interviewees noted several important barriers to CRC screening and offered suggestions for reducing barriers and increasing screening. Conclusions: Texting using NLU and fotonovela is valuable in increasing CRC screening as observed by the FIT return rate for patients in the intervention group. There were patterns in which patients did not engage bidirectionally; future work should investigate how to ensure that populations are not left out of screening campaigns. ", doi="10.2196/39645", url="https://cancer.jmir.org/2023/1/e39645", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36881466" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44370, author="Agyapong, Belinda and Chishimba, Charles and Wei, Yifeng and da Luz Dias, Raquel and Eboreime, Ejemai and Msidi, Eleanor and Abidi, Raza Syed Sibte and Mutaka-Loongo, Maryn and Mwansa, James and Orji, Rita and Zulu, Mathias John and Agyapong, Opoku Vincent Israel", title="Improving Mental Health Literacy and Reducing Psychological Problems Among Teachers in Zambia: Protocol for Implementation and Evaluation of a Wellness4Teachers Email Messaging Program", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Mar", day="6", volume="12", pages="e44370", keywords="burnout", keywords="stress", keywords="Zambia", keywords="Africa", keywords="teacher", keywords="educator", keywords="school", keywords="anxiety", keywords="wellness", keywords="depression", keywords="e-mental health", keywords="intervention", keywords="health literacy", keywords="mental health", keywords="depressive", keywords="psychological issue", keywords="psychological problem", keywords="text message", keywords="messaging", keywords="decision-making", abstract="Background: Primary, basic, secondary, and high school teachers are constantly faced with increased work stressors that can result in psychological health challenges such as burnout, anxiety, and depression, and in some cases, physical health problems. It is presently unknown what the mental health literacy levels are or the prevalence and correlates of psychological issues among teachers in Zambia. It is also unknown if an email mental messaging program (Wellness4Teachers) would effectively reduce burnout and associated psychological problems and improve mental health literacy among teachers. Objective: The primary objectives of this study are to determine if daily supportive email messages plus weekly mental health literacy information delivered via email can help improve mental health literacy and reduce the prevalence of moderate to high stress symptoms, burnout, moderate to high anxiety symptoms, moderate to high depression symptoms, and low resilience among school teachers in Zambia. The secondary objectives of this study are to evaluate the baseline prevalence and correlates of moderate to high stress, burnout, moderate to high anxiety, moderate to high depression, and low resilience among school teachers in Zambia. Methods: This is a quantitative longitudinal and cross-sessional study. Data will be collected at the baseline (the onset of the program), 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months (the program midpoint), and 12 months (the end point) using web-based surveys. Individual teachers will subscribe by accepting an invitation to do so from the Lusaka Apex Medical University organizational account on the ResilienceNHope web-based application. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 25 with descriptive and inferential statistics. Outcome measures will be evaluated using standardized rating scales. Results: The Wellness4Teachers email program is expected to improve the participating teachers' mental health literacy and well-being. It is anticipated that the prevalence of stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and low resilience among teachers in Zambia will be similar to those reported in other jurisdictions. In addition, it is expected that demographic, socioeconomic, and organizational factors, class size, and grade teaching will be associated with burnout and other psychological disorders among teachers, as indicated in the literature. Results are expected 2 years after the program's launch. Conclusions: The Wellness4Teachers email program will provide essential insight into the prevalence and correlates of psychological problems among teachers in Zambia and the program's impact on subscribers' mental health literacy and well-being. The outcome of this study will help inform policy and decision-making regarding psychological interventions for teachers in Zambia. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/44370 ", doi="10.2196/44370", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e44370", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36877571" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40440, author="Obuobi-Donkor, Gloria and Shalaby, Reham and Vuong, Wesley and Agyapong, Belinda and Hrabok, Marianne and Gusnowski, April and Surood, Shireen and Greenshaw, J. Andrew and Agyapong, IO Vincent", title="Effects of Text4Hope-Addiction Support Program on Cravings and Mental Health Symptoms: Results of a Longitudinal Cross-sectional Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Mar", day="1", volume="7", pages="e40440", keywords="addiction", keywords="substance craving", keywords="depression", keywords="anxiety", keywords="Text4Hope", keywords="satisfaction", abstract="Background: Drug misuse is complex, and various treatment modalities are emerging. Providing supportive text messages to individuals with substance use disorder offers the prospect of managing and improving symptoms of drug misuse and associated comorbidities. Objective: This study evaluated the impact of the daily supportive text message program (Text4Hope-Addiction Support) in mitigating cravings and mental health symptoms in subscribers and quantify user satisfaction with the Text4Hope-Addiction Support program. Methods: Subscribers to the Text4Hope-Addiction Support program received daily supportive text messages for 3 months; the messages were crafted based on addiction counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy principles. Participants completed an anonymous web-based questionnaire to assess cravings, anxiety, and depressive symptoms using the Brief Substance Craving Scale (BSCS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale at enrollment (baseline), after 6 weeks, and after 3 months. Likert scale satisfaction responses were used to assess various aspects of the Text4Hope-Addiction program. Results: In total, 408 people subscribed to the program, and 110 of 408 (26.9\%) subscribers completed the surveys at least at one time point. There were significant differences between the mean baseline and 3-month BSCS scores P=.01 (?2.17, 95\% CI --0.62 to 3.72), PHQ-9 scores, P=.004 (?5.08, 95\% CI ?1.65 to ?8.51), and GAD-7 scores, P=.02 (?3.02, 95\% CI ?0.48 to ?5.56). Participants who received the supportive text messages reported a reduced desire to use drugs and a longer time interval between substance use, which are reflected in 41.1\% and 32.5\% decrease, respectively, from baseline score. Approximately 89\% (23/26) of the participants agreed that Text4Hope-Addiction program helped them cope with addiction-related stress, and 81\% (21/25) of the participants reported that the messages assisted them in dealing with anxiety. Overall, 69\% (18/26) of the participants agreed that it helped them cope with depression related to addiction; 85\% (22/26) of the participants felt connected to a support system; 77\% (20/26) of the participants were hopeful of their ability to manage addiction issues; and 73\% (19/26) of the participants felt that their overall mental well-being was improved. Most of the participants agreed that the interventions were always positive and affirmative (19/26, 73\%), and succinct (17/26, 65\%). Furthermore, 88\% (21/24) of the participants always read the messages; 83\% (20/24) of the participants took positive or beneficial actions after reading; and no participant took a negative action after reading the messages. In addition, most participants agreed to recommend other diverse technology-based services as an adjunctive treatment for their mental and physical health disorders. Conclusions: Subscribers of Text4Hope-Addiction Support program experienced improved mental health and addiction symptoms. Addiction care practitioners and policy makers can implement supportive text-based strategies to complement conventional treatments for addiction, given that mobile devices are widely used. ", doi="10.2196/40440", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e40440", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36857114" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40207, author="Chau, Long Siu and Wong, Cheong Yiu and Zeng, Pei Ying and Lee, Jae Jung and Wang, Ping Man", title="Perceptions of Using Instant Messaging Apps for Alcohol Reduction Intervention Among University Student Drinkers: Semistructured Interview Study With Chinese University Students in Hong Kong", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Feb", day="27", volume="7", pages="e40207", keywords="instant messaging apps", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="WhatsApp", keywords="alcohol reduction intervention", keywords="alcohol use", keywords="university students", keywords="young adults", keywords="instant messaging", keywords="alcohol reduction", keywords="adverse lifestyle", keywords="intervention", keywords="health promotion", keywords="text messages", keywords="health behaviours", keywords="health behaviors", keywords="apps", abstract="Background: Mobile instant messaging (IM) apps (eg, WhatsApp and WeChat) have been widely used by the general population and are more interactive than text-based programs (SMS text messaging) to modify unhealthy lifestyles. Little is known about IM app use for health promotion, including alcohol reduction for university students. Objective: This study aims to explore university student drinkers' perceptions of using IM apps for alcohol reduction as they had high alcohol exposure (eg, drinking invitations from peers and alcohol promotion on campus) and the proportion of IM app use in Hong Kong. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with 20 Hong Kong Chinese university students (current drinkers) with Alcohol Use Disorder Identification test scores of ?8 recruited using purposive sampling. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted from September to October 2019. Interview questions focused on drinking behaviors, quitting history, opinions toward IM app use as an intervention tool, perceived usefulness of IM apps for alcohol reduction, and opinions on the content and design of IM apps for alcohol reduction. Each interview lasted approximately 1 hour. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers independently analyzed the transcripts using thematic analysis with an additional investigator to verify the consistency of the coding. Results: Participants considered IM apps a feasible and acceptable platform for alcohol reduction intervention. They preferred to receive IMs based on personalized problem-solving and drinking consequences with credible sources. Other perceived important components of instant messages included providing psychosocial support in time and setting goals with participants to reduce drinking. They further provided suggestions on the designs of IM interventions, in which they preferred simple and concise messages, chat styles based on participants' preferences (eg, adding personalized emojis and stickers in the chat), and peers as counselors. Conclusions: Qualitative interviews with Chinese university student drinkers showed high acceptability, engagement, and perceived utility of IM apps for alcohol reduction intervention. IM intervention can be an alternative for alcohol reduction intervention apart from traditional text-based programs. The study has implications for developing the IM intervention for other unhealthy behaviors and highlights important topics that warrant future research, including substance use and physical inactivity. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04025151; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04025151?term=NCT04025151 ", doi="10.2196/40207", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e40207", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36848207" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40934, author="Eppes, V. Elisabet and Augustyn, Marycatherine and Gross, M. Susan and Vernon, Paris and Caulfield, E. Laura and Paige, M. David", title="Engagement With and Acceptability of Digital Media Platforms for Use in Improving Health Behaviors Among Vulnerable Families: Systematic Review", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Feb", day="3", volume="25", pages="e40934", keywords="text messaging", keywords="social media", keywords="mobile app", keywords="low-income", keywords="engagement", keywords="health promotion", keywords="community", keywords="nutrition and physical activity", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="breastfeeding", keywords="maternal and child health", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: The use of digital communication platforms to improve health behaviors has increased dramatically over the last decade. Public health practitioners have adopted digital communication technologies such as text messages, mobile apps, and social media to reach diverse populations. However, the effectiveness of digital communication platforms used by community-serving agencies remains unclear, and patterns of engagement and acceptability of different platforms have not been studied. Objective: This review aimed to identify the types of digital communication strategies used by community-serving organizations to promote healthy behaviors, assess the strength of evidence for health behavioral change, and describe the degree of consumer engagement with and acceptability of these strategies. The study population included low-income pregnant women, parents of young children, and adolescents. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and APA PsycInfo, covering research conducted from 2009 to 2022. Studies were included if they examined the use of digital communication (ie, texting, mobile apps, or social media) to promote healthy behaviors in the target population. Risk of bias and strength of evidence were assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Risk of Bias tool and criteria from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, respectively. Results: Twenty-three peer-reviewed research studies published between 2012 and 2022, conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, were included in the review. The sample comprised studies exploring the use of texting (n=12), apps (n=6), social media (n=3), and multiple platforms (n=2; eg, texting and mobile apps). Targeted health behaviors included healthy diet, physical activity, obesity prevention, healthy pregnancy, breastfeeding, vaccine use, smoking cessation, and nutrition benefit redemption. The sample included 8 randomized controlled trials, 6 pretest-posttest design, 3 mixed methods studies, 2 pilot studies, 1 feasibility study, 1 prospective cohort study, 1 descriptive study, and 1 cross-sectional study. The median sample size was 77.5. There was no strong evidence to suggest the effectiveness of digital media campaigns in improving health behaviors; however, there were moderate to high levels of engagement and high levels of acceptability across digital platforms. Conclusions: Low-income pregnant women, parents of young children, and adolescents demonstrated moderate levels of engagement with and high levels of acceptability of digital media health campaigns conducted by community-serving agencies. The effectiveness of these strategies in improving health behaviors was inconclusive. Additional rigorous studies with larger sample sizes are required. In addition, more research is required to consistently measure and report participants' engagement with each platform. Digital communication platforms are critical tools for public health practitioners, and future investigations of the effectiveness of these platforms in engaging clients and improving health behaviors will maximize client services. ", doi="10.2196/40934", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e40934", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36735286" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41193, author="Holtz, Bree and Mitchell, Katharine", title="Supporting Parents of Children With Type 1 Diabetes: Experiment Comparing Message and Delivery Types", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Feb", day="3", volume="7", pages="e41193", keywords="caregiving", keywords="children", keywords="development", keywords="diabetes", keywords="diagnosis", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="email", keywords="intervention", keywords="management", keywords="social support", keywords="stress", keywords="support", keywords="type 1 diabetes", abstract="Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition that typically affects young age group people and is estimated to afflict approximately 154,000 people younger than 20 years in the United States. Since T1D typically impacts children, parents must play an active role in helping their child manage the condition. This creates a substantial burden and responsibility for the parents. Objective: This pilot study sought to find ways to help parents with children with T1D in coping with stresses related to managing and monitoring their child's disease by providing informational support, either about parenting a child with T1D or general parenting messages through different channels. Methods: Parents (N=120) of children with T1D were recruited through an email listserv through local T1D Facebook groups. A total of 102 participants were included in the analysis. We conducted a 2{\texttimes}2 experimental study over an 8-week period to test 2 types of messages (diabetes specific vs general parenting) and the medium in which the messages were delivered (Facebook vs SMS text message). Diabetes behavior, informational support, emotional support, and quality of life were the main outcomes of interest. Results: The results suggested that the participants in the diabetes message groups showed improvement in diabetes behaviors (F1,99=3.69; P=.05) and were more satisfied with the intervention (F3,98=4.59; P=.005). There were no differences between message and medium groups on informational support, emotional support, or quality of life. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrate that the medium---Facebook or SMS text messaging---does not matter for parents' perceptions of social support or quality of life. The diabetes message group reported higher levels of disease management. Finally, the groups with the diabetes support messages were more satisfied than those who received general parenting messages. The findings provide starting guidance for the development of social support interventions for this population. ", doi="10.2196/41193", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e41193", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36735338" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/44138, author="Owusu, T. Jocelynn and Wang, Pam and Wickham, E. Robert and Smith, F. Sarah and Lee, L. Jennifer and Chen, Connie and Lungu, Anita", title="Outcomes of a Live Messaging, Blended Care Coaching Program Among Adults With Symptoms of Anxiety: Pragmatic Retrospective Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Feb", day="1", volume="7", pages="e44138", keywords="text-based coaching", keywords="anxiety", keywords="blended care", abstract="Background: Anxiety disorders are common and can be debilitating. In addition, various barriers exist that can hinder access to adequate care. Coaching that is grounded in evidence-based interventions and delivered via synchronous (ie, live) text-based messaging could potentially increase the reach of mental health services among populations who select this modality instead of other services (eg, face-to-face coaching and psychotherapy). In addition, the delivery of live messaging coaching within a blended care model has the potential to combine the benefits of coaching with those of evidence-based digital mental health tools. Objective: This real-world study evaluates the anxiety and satisfaction outcomes of live messaging coaching blended with digital tools (ie, digital exercises and activities). Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 121 adults with moderate levels of anxiety symptoms at the beginning of coaching (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7] scores: range 8-14). Participants received an employer-offered blended messaging coaching (BMC) program, and those who opted to receive all live coaching sessions via text-based messaging were included. Anxiety symptom severity was regularly measured by using the GAD-7 scale. Using growth curve models, the change in GAD-7 scores over the course of BMC was evaluated, as were the effects of text-based coaching sessions on GAD-7 scores. The proportion of participants that had a reliable improvement in anxiety symptom severity (GAD-7 score reduction of ?4) or subclinical symptom severity (GAD-7 score of <8) at the end of care was also estimated. Participants also self-reported their likelihood of recommending their live messaging coach to someone with similar needs. Results: At baseline, the average GAD-7 score was 9.88 (SD 1.80). Anxiety symptom severity significantly decreased with each week in the BMC program (week: b=?1.04; P<.001), and the rate of decline in anxiety symptom severity decreased over time (week2: b=0.06; P<.001). Each live messaging coaching session was associated with significantly lower anxiety symptom severity during the week of the coaching session (b=?1.56; P<.001) and the week immediately following the session (b=?1.03; P<.001). Overall, 86\% (104/121) of participants had subclinical symptom severity or a reliable reduction in anxiety symptom severity by the end of care. Further, 33.1\% (40/121) of participants reported coaching satisfaction levels; of the 40 participants in this subset, 37 (92.5\%) were likely or extremely likely to recommend their live messaging coach. Conclusions: BMC that provides coaching sessions via live messaging can be beneficial for adults with moderate symptoms of anxiety who qualify for and self-select this care modality. Large-scale studies with longer follow-ups are needed. ", doi="10.2196/44138", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e44138", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36724014" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41170, author="Mogaka, Nyabiage Jerusha and Otieno, Abuna Felix and Akim, Eunita and Beima-Sofie, Kristin and Dettinger, Julia and Gomez, Lauren and Marwa, Mary and Odhiambo, Ben and Ngure, Kenneth and Ronen, Keshet and Sharma, Monisha and John-Stewart, Grace and Richardson, Barbra and Stern, Joshua and Unger, Jennifer and Udren, Jenna and Watoyi, Salphine and Pintye, Jillian and Kinuthia, John", title="A Text Messaging--Based Support Intervention to Enhance Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention Adherence During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2023", month="Jan", day="30", volume="12", pages="e41170", keywords="pre-exposure prophylaxis", keywords="text messaging", keywords="text message", keywords="mobile technology", keywords="PrEP adherence", keywords="adherence", keywords="prevention", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="pregnant", keywords="breastfeeding", keywords="maternal", keywords="randomized", keywords="RCT", keywords="peripartum", keywords="patient-provider", keywords="postpartum", keywords="HIV prevention", keywords="SMS", keywords="HIV", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", abstract="Background: Cisgender women in Kenya are at elevated risk of HIV acquisition during pregnancy and post partum. Acute HIV infection during pregnancy and breastfeeding accounts for approximately one-third of all vertical HIV transmissions. The World Health Organization recommends offering oral tenofovir-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to pregnant and postpartum women who are HIV negative but at substantial and ongoing risk for HIV acquisition. PrEP delivery for pregnant and postpartum women is expanding within routine maternal child health clinics in Kenya. However, approximately half of pregnant women discontinue PrEP within 30 days of initiation. Therefore, it is crucial to develop PrEP adherence strategies that enhance support for adherence when peripartum events and health issues pose challenges to sustaining PrEP adherence. Objective: We are conducting a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of a bidirectional communication platform named Mobile Solutions for Women's and Children's Health (mWACh), which utilizes two-way SMS text messaging between patients and remote nurses to support PrEP adherence and address maternal health concerns in real time during the peripartum period. Methods: The mWACh-PrEP study is a randomized trial designed to support PrEP adherence during the peripartum period by comparing mWACh-PrEP to the standard of care (ie, in-clinic adherence counseling) among women who are HIV negative and initiating PrEP. Purposive sampling was used to select 5 facilities offering PrEP in antenatal clinics in Kisumu and Siaya Counties, and block randomization will be used to divide participants into groups. Participants in the intervention arm will receive a customized messaging curriculum via SMS text messages targeted toward their particular perinatal stage. The primary outcome, PrEP adherence at 6 months post partum, will be evaluated using a log-binomial regression model, adjusting for imbalanced baseline characteristics. Based on a previous study of directly observed dosing conditions, we will use a hair tenofovir concentration cutoff of 0.038 ng/mg (corresponding to 7 doses/week) as the primary adherence outcome measured at 6 months post partum (binary outcome). Qualitative interviews and cost-effective analyses will be conducted to understand the feasibility, acceptability, and economic impact of the intervention. Results: Enrollment began in March 2022 and is projected to continue until July 2023, with follow-up through March 2024. The study results are expected to be reported in 2025. Conclusions: This trial will provide insights into using mobile health to enhance PrEP adherence among pregnant and postpartum mothers. Additionally, the findings will have implications for the use of mobile health technology to improve adherence to other daily medications during the peripartum period. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04472884; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04472884 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/41170 ", doi="10.2196/41170", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2023/1/e41170", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36716092" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/34474, author="Kim, Young Ah and Jang, Hye Eun and Lee, Seung-Hwan and Choi, Kwang-Yeon and Park, Gue Jeon and Shin, Hyun-Chool", title="Automatic Depression Detection Using Smartphone-Based Text-Dependent Speech Signals: Deep Convolutional Neural Network Approach", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Jan", day="25", volume="25", pages="e34474", keywords="depression", keywords="major depressive disorder", keywords="MDD", keywords="automatic depression detection", keywords="ADD", keywords="mobile health", keywords="deep learning", keywords="speech analysis", keywords="acoustic", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="smartphone", abstract="Background: Automatic diagnosis of depression based on speech can complement mental health treatment methods in the future. Previous studies have reported that acoustic properties can be used to identify depression. However, few studies have attempted a large-scale differential diagnosis of patients with depressive disorders using acoustic characteristics of non-English speakers. Objective: This study proposes a framework for automatic depression detection using large-scale acoustic characteristics based on the Korean language. Methods: We recruited 153 patients who met the criteria for major depressive disorder and 165 healthy controls without current or past mental illness. Participants' voices were recorded on a smartphone while performing the task of reading predefined text-based sentences. Three approaches were evaluated and compared to detect depression using data sets with text-dependent read speech tasks: conventional machine learning models based on acoustic features, a proposed model that trains and classifies log-Mel spectrograms by applying a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) with a relatively small number of parameters, and models that train and classify log-Mel spectrograms by applying well-known pretrained networks. Results: The acoustic characteristics of the predefined text-based sentence reading automatically detected depression using the proposed CNN model. The highest accuracy achieved with the proposed CNN on the speech data was 78.14\%. Our results show that the deep-learned acoustic characteristics lead to better performance than those obtained using the conventional approach and pretrained models. Conclusions: Checking the mood of patients with major depressive disorder and detecting the consistency of objective descriptions are very important research topics. This study suggests that the analysis of speech data recorded while reading text-dependent sentences could help predict depression status automatically by capturing the characteristics of depression. Our method is smartphone based, is easily accessible, and can contribute to the automatic identification of depressive states. ", doi="10.2196/34474", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e34474", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36696160" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42799, author="Sun, Liang and Qu, Mengbing and Chen, Bing and Li, Chuancang and Fan, Haohao and Zhao, Yang", title="Effectiveness of mHealth on Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Patients Living With HIV: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2023", month="Jan", day="23", volume="11", pages="e42799", keywords="HIV", keywords="mHealth", keywords="antiretroviral therapy", keywords="meta-analysis", abstract="Background: The World Health Organization recommends that all adults with HIV adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Good adherence to ART is beneficial to patients and the public. Furthermore, mHealth has shown promise in improving HIV medication adherence globally. Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis is to analyze the effectiveness of mHealth on adherence to antiretroviral therapy in patients living with HIV. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the association between mHealth and adherence to ART published until December 2021 were searched in electronic databases. Odds ratios (ORs), weighted mean differences, and 95\% CIs were calculated. This meta-analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel method or the inverse variance test. We evaluated heterogeneity with the I2 statistic. If I2 was ?50\%, heterogeneity was absent, and a fixed effect model was used. If I2 was >50\%, heterogeneity was present, and a random effects model was used. Results: A total of 2163 participants in 8 studies were included in this meta-analysis. All included studies were RCTs. The random effects model was used for a meta-analysis of the effects of various intervention measures compared to routine nursing; the outcome was not statistically significant (OR 1.54, 95\% CI 0.99-2.38; P=.05). In the subgroups, only short messaging service (SMS)-based interventions significantly increased adherence to ART (OR 1.76, 95\% CI 1.07-2.89; P=.03). Further analysis showed that only interactive or bidirectional SMS could significantly increase ART adherence (OR 1.69, 95\% CI 1.22-2.34; P=.001). After combining the difference in CD4 cell count before and after the interventions, we concluded that there was no statistical heterogeneity among the studies (I2=0\%; tau2=0.37; P=.95). Conclusions: Interactive or bidirectional SMS can enhance intervention effects. However, whether mHealth can improve adherence to ART in patients with HIV needs further study. Owing to a lack of the required significant staff time, training, and ongoing supervision, there is still much more to do to apply mHealth to the clinical use of ART for patients living with HIV. Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022358774; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display\_record.php?RecordID=358774 ", doi="10.2196/42799", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e42799", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36689267" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41011, author="Lenoir, M. Kristin and Sandberg, C. Joanne and Miller, P. David and Wells, J. Brian", title="Patient Perspectives on a Targeted Text Messaging Campaign to Encourage Screening for Diabetes: Qualitative Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2023", month="Jan", day="17", volume="7", pages="e41011", keywords="mobile health", keywords="diabetes screening", keywords="electronic health records", keywords="text messaging", keywords="clinical decision support", keywords="mHealth", keywords="diabetes", keywords="mHealth intervention", abstract="Background: A sizeable proportion of prediabetes and diabetes cases among adults in the United States remain undiagnosed. Patient-facing clinical decision support (CDS) tools that leverage electronic health records (EHRs) have the potential to increase diabetes screening. Given the widespread mobile phone ownership across diverse groups, text messages present a viable mode for delivering alerts directly to patients. The use of unsolicited text messages to offer hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) screening has not yet been studied. It is imperative to gauge perceptions of ``cold texts'' to ensure that information and language are optimized to promote engagement with text messages that affect follow-through with health behaviors. Objective: This study aims to gauge the perceptions of and receptiveness to text messages to inform content that would facilitate engagement with text messages intended to initiate a mobile health (mHealth) intervention for targeted screening. Messages were designed to invite those not already diagnosed with diabetes to make a decision to take part in HbA1c screening and walk them through the steps required to perform the behavior based solely on an automated text exchange. Methods: In total, 6 focus groups were conducted at Wake Forest Baptist Health (WFBH) between September 2019 and February 2020. The participants were adult patients without diabetes who had completed an in-person visit at the Family and Community Medicine Clinic within the previous year. We displayed a series of text messages and asked the participants to react to the message content and suggest improvements. Content was deductively coded with respect to the Health Belief Model (HBM) and inductively coded to identify other emergent themes that could potentially impact engagement with text messages. Results: Participants (N=36) were generally receptive to the idea of receiving a text-based alert for HbA1c screening. Plain language, personalization, and content, which highlighted perceived benefits over perceived susceptibility and perceived severity, were important to participants' understanding of and receptiveness to messages. The patient-physician relationship emerged as a recurring theme in which patients either had a desire or held an assumption that their provider would be working behind the scenes throughout each step of the process. Participants needed further clarification to understand the steps involved in following through with HbA1c screening and receiving results. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients may be receptive to text messages that alert them to a risk of having an elevated HbA1c in direct-to-patient alerts that use cold texting. Using plain and positive language, integrating elements of personalization, and defining new processes clearly were identified by participants as modifiable content elements that could act as facilitators that would help overcome barriers to engagement with these messages. A patient's relationship with their provider and the financial costs associated with texts and screening may affect receptiveness and engagement in this process. ", doi="10.2196/41011", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2023/1/e41011", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36649056" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37867, author="Stamenova, Vess and Nguyen, Megan and Onabajo, Nike and Merritt, Rebecca and Sutakovic, Olivera and Mossman, Kathryn and Wong, Ivy and Ives-Baine, Lori and Bhatia, Sacha R. and Brent, H. Michael and Bhattacharyya, Onil", title="Mailed Letter Versus Phone Call to Increase Diabetic-Related Retinopathy Screening Engagement by Patients in a Team-Based Primary Care Practice: Prospective, Single-Masked, Randomized Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2023", month="Jan", day="11", volume="25", pages="e37867", keywords="teleophthalmology", keywords="diabetes", keywords="diabetic-related retinopathy", keywords="screening", keywords="primary care", keywords="patient", keywords="vision loss", keywords="Canada", abstract="Background: Vision loss from diabetic-related retinopathy (DR) is preventable through regular screening. Objective: The purpose of this study was to test different patient engagement approaches to expand a teleophthalmology program at a primary care clinic in the city of Toronto, Canada. Methods: A teleophthalmology program was set up in a large, urban, academic, team-based primary care practice. Patients older than 18 years with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were randomized to one of the following 4 engagement strategies: phone call, mail, mail plus phone call, or usual care. Outreach was conducted by administrative staff within the clinic. The primary outcome was booking an appointment for DR screening. Results: A total of 23 patients in the phone, 28 in the mail, 32 in the mail plus phone call, and 27 in the control (usual care) group were included in the analysis. After the intervention and after excluding patients who said they were screened, 88\% (15/17) of patients in the phone, 11\% (2/18) in the mail, and 100\% (21/21) in the mail and phone group booked an appointment with the teleophthalmology program compared to 0\% (0/12) in the control group. Phoning patients positively predicted patients booking a teleophthalmology appointment (P<.001), whereas mailing a letter had no effect. Conclusions: Patient engagement to book DR screening via teleophthalmology in an urban, academic, team-based primary care practice using telephone calls was much more effective than patient engagement using letters or usual care. Practices that have access to a local DR screening program and have resources for such engagement strategies should consider using them as a means to improve their DR screening rates. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03927859; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03927859 ", doi="10.2196/37867", url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e37867", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36630160" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/38607, author="Sharma, E. Anjana and Khosla, Kiran and Potharaju, Kameswari and Mukherjea, Arnab and Sarkar, Urmimala", title="COVID-19--Associated Misinformation Across the South Asian Diaspora: Qualitative Study of WhatsApp Messages", journal="JMIR Infodemiology", year="2023", month="Jan", day="5", volume="3", pages="e38607", keywords="misinformation", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="South Asians", keywords="disparities", keywords="social media", keywords="infodemiology", keywords="WhatsApp", keywords="messages", keywords="apps", keywords="health information", keywords="reliability", keywords="communication", keywords="Asian", keywords="English", keywords="community", keywords="health", keywords="organization", keywords="public health", keywords="pandemic", abstract="Background: South Asians, inclusive of individuals originating in India, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Nepal, comprise the largest diaspora in the world, with large South Asian communities residing in the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and elsewhere. There is evidence that South Asian communities have disproportionately experienced COVID-19 infections and mortality. WhatsApp, a free messaging app, is widely used in transnational communication within the South Asian diaspora. Limited studies exist on COVID-19--related misinformation specific to the South Asian community on WhatsApp. Understanding communication on WhatsApp may improve public health messaging to address COVID-19 disparities among South Asian communities worldwide. Objective: We developed the COVID-19--Associated misinfoRmation On Messaging apps (CAROM) study to identify messages containing misinformation about COVID-19 shared via WhatsApp. Methods: We collected messages forwarded globally through WhatsApp from self-identified South Asian community members between March 23 and June 3, 2021. We excluded messages that were in languages other than English, did not contain misinformation, or were not relevant to COVID-19. We deidentified each message and coded them for one or more content categories, media types (eg, video, image, text, web link, or a combination of these elements), and tone (eg, fearful, well intentioned, or pleading). We then performed a qualitative content analysis to arrive at key themes of COVID-19 misinformation. Results: We received 108 messages; 55 messages met the inclusion criteria for the final analytic sample; 32 (58\%) contained text, 15 (27\%) contained images, and 13 (24\%) contained video. Content analysis revealed the following themes: ``community transmission'' relating to misinformation on how COVID-19 spreads in the community; ``prevention'' and ``treatment,'' including Ayurvedic and traditional remedies for how to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection; and messaging attempting to sell ``products or services'' to prevent or cure COVID-19. Messages varied in audience from the general public to South Asians specifically; the latter included messages alluding to South Asian pride and solidarity. Scientific jargon and references to major organizations and leaders in health care were included to provide credibility. Messages with a pleading tone encouraged users to forward them to friends or family. Conclusions: Misinformation in the South Asian community on WhatsApp spreads erroneous ideas regarding disease transmission, prevention, and treatment. Content evoking solidarity, ``trustworthy'' sources, and encouragement to forward messages may increase the spread of misinformation. Public health outlets and social media companies must actively combat misinformation to address health disparities among the South Asian diaspora during the COVID-19 pandemic and in future public health emergencies. ", doi="10.2196/38607", url="https://infodemiology.jmir.org/2023/1/e38607", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37113380" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42301, author="Kruse, Scott Clemens and Betancourt, A. Jose and Gonzales, Matthew and Dickerson, Kennedy and Neer, Miah", title="Leveraging Mobile Health to Manage Mental Health/Behavioral Health Disorders: Systematic Literature Review", journal="JMIR Ment Health", year="2022", month="Dec", day="27", volume="9", number="12", pages="e42301", keywords="mHealth", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="mental health", keywords="behavioral health", keywords="anxiety", keywords="mobile device", keywords="smartphone", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="RCT", abstract="Background: Mental health is a complex condition, highly related to emotion. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant spike in depression (from isolation) and anxiety (event related). Mobile Health (mHealth) and telemedicine offer solutions to augment patient care, provide education, improve symptoms of depression, and assuage fears and anxiety. Objective: This review aims to assess the effectiveness of mHealth to provide mental health care by analyzing articles published in the last year in peer-reviewed, academic journals using strong methodology (randomized controlled trial). Methods: We queried 4 databases (PubMed, CINAHL [Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature], Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) using a standard Boolean search string. We conducted this systematic literature review in accordance with the Kruse protocol and reported it in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) 2020 checklist (n=33). Results: A total of 4 interventions (mostly mHealth) from 14 countries identified improvements in primary outcomes of depression and anxiety as well as in several secondary outcomes, namely, quality of life, mental well-being, cognitive flexibility, distress, sleep, self-efficacy, anger, decision conflict, decision regret, digestive disturbance, pain, and medication adherence. Conclusions: mHealth interventions can provide education, treatment augmentation, and serve as the primary modality in mental health care. The mHealth modality should be carefully considered when evaluating modes of care. Trial Registration: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42022343489; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display\_record.php?RecordID=343489 ", doi="10.2196/42301", url="https://mental.jmir.org/2022/12/e42301", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36194896" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37467, author="Hu, Qiuyue and Hu, Wei and Han, Wenjuan and Pan, Lingling", title="Web-Based Short Video Intervention and Short Message Comparison of Repeat Blood Donation Behavior Based on an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior: Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2022", month="Dec", day="23", volume="24", number="12", pages="e37467", keywords="extended theory of planned behavior", keywords="repeated blood donation intervention", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Although blood is an indispensable and important resource for clinical treatment, an imbalance between supply and demand may occur as the population ages and diversifies. Studies indicate that repeat blood donors are safe blood sources because of their voluntary blood donation education and frequent blood screening. However, the high rate of reduction in the number of first-time voluntary blood donors and low rate of repeated blood donation are common problems worldwide. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an intervention in nonregular blood donors using web-based videos and SMS text messages, in which the former was guided by the extended theory of planned behavior, to discover effective intervention methods to improve repeat blood donation rates among nonregular blood donors. Methods: A total of 692 nonregular blood donors in Zhejiang province were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The control group received regular, short reminder messages for a 6-month period, whereas the intervention group received web-based videos on the WeChat platform. The intervention group was guided by an extended theory of planned behavior, which included 9 factors: the respondents' attitude, subjective behavioral norms, perceived behavioral control, the willingness to donate blood, outcome expectations, self-identity, blood donation--related anxiety, cognition of the blood donation environment, and previous blood donation experience. The intervention group was divided into 2 stages: those with an intervention at 3 months and those with a follow-up 3 months later. After 6 months, the redonation rate was evaluated for the 2 groups, and the scale in the intervention group was determined both before and after the intervention. A t test, chi-square test, logistic stepwise regression, and ANOVA were performed. Results: The intervention group's redonation rate was 16.14\%, which was significantly higher than the control group's redonation rate of 5.16\%; P<.001. Men who were aged 31 to 45 years and had donated blood twice had a higher redonation rate after the web-based video intervention than after the SMS text messages; P<.05. The repeat donors' improved blood donation anxiety (P=.01), outcome expectations (P=.008), and cognition of the blood donation environment (P=.005) after the intervention were significantly higher than those of the nonrepeat donors. Conclusions: The web-based short video intervention based on the extended theory of planned behavior can effectively improve redonation rates. Outcome expectations, blood donation anxiety, and cognition of the blood donation environment can directly influence irregular blood donors to redonate blood. ", doi="10.2196/37467", url="https://www.jmir.org/2022/12/e37467", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36379691" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41735, author="Donovan, Gemma and Hall, Nicola and Smith, Felicity and Ling, Jonathan and Wilkes, Scott", title="Two-way Automated Text Messaging Support From Community Pharmacies for Medication Taking in Multiple Long-term Conditions: Human-Centered Design With Nominal Group Technique Development Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Dec", day="21", volume="6", number="12", pages="e41735", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="text messaging", keywords="human-centered design", keywords="complex interventions", keywords="community pharmacy", abstract="Background: Reviews of digital communication technologies suggest that they can be effective in supporting medication use; however, their use alongside nondigital components is unclear. We also explored the delivery of a digital communication intervention in a relatively novel setting of community pharmacies and how such an intervention might be delivered to patients with multiple long-term conditions. This meant that despite the large number of intervention examples available in the literature, design questions remained, which we wanted to explore with key stakeholders. Examples of how to involve stakeholders in the design of complex health care interventions are lacking; however, human-centered design (HCD) has been suggested as a potential approach. Objective: This study aimed to design a new community pharmacy text messaging intervention to support medication use for multiple long-term conditions, with patient and health care professional stakeholders in primary care. Methods: HCD was used to map the intervention ``journey'' and identify design questions to explore with patients and health care professionals. Six prototypes were developed to communicate the intervention concept, and a modified version of the Nominal Group Technique was used to gather feedback. Nominal group meetings generated qualitative data using questions about the aspects that participants liked for each prototype and any suggested changes. The discussion was analyzed using a framework approach to transform feedback into statements. These statements were then ranked using a web-based questionnaire to establish a consensus about what elements of the design were valued by stakeholders and what changes to the design were most important. Results: A total of 30 participants provided feedback on the intervention design concept over 5 nominal group meetings (21 health care professionals and 9 patients) with a 57\% (17/30) response rate to the ranking questionnaire. Furthermore, 51 proposed changes in the intervention were generated from the framework analysis. Of these 51 changes, 27 (53\%) were incorporated into the next design stage, focusing on changes that were ranked highest. These included suggestions for how text message content might be tailored, patient information materials, and the structure for pharmacist consultation. All aspects that the participants liked were retained in the future design and provided evidence that the proposed intervention concept had good acceptability. Conclusions: HCD incorporating the Nominal Group Technique is an appropriate and successful approach for obtaining feedback from key stakeholders as part of an iterative design process. This was particularly helpful for our intervention, which combined digital and nondigital components for delivery in the novel setting of a community pharmacy. This approach enabled the collection and prioritization of useful multiperspective feedback to inform further development and testing of our intervention. This model has the potential to minimize research waste by gathering feedback early in the complex intervention design process. ", doi="10.2196/41735", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/12/e41735", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36542458" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40166, author="Morgan, A. Kerri and Wong, K. Alex W. and Walker, Kim and Desai, Heeb Rachel and Knepper, M. Tina and Newland, K. Pamela", title="A Mobile Phone Text Messaging Intervention to Manage Fatigue for People With Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, and Stroke: Development and Usability Testing", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Dec", day="21", volume="6", number="12", pages="e40166", keywords="fatigue", keywords="disability", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="patient activation", abstract="Background: Fatigue significantly affects daily functioning in persons with disabilities. Fatigue management can be challenging, and the information provided during routine physician visits to manage fatigue can be overwhelming. One way to address fatigue is to increase knowledge, skills, and confidence for self-management (ie, patient activation). Self-management programs have shown promising effects in targeting fatigue in persons with disabilities. However, satisfaction with self-management programs is low for persons with disabilities, and tailoring interventions to personalized needs has been recommended. SMS text messaging is increasingly being used to implement health behavior change interventions in a person's natural environment. Little has been done to link mobile health approaches with patient activation and self-management to address fatigue in persons with disabilities. Objective: This study aimed to develop and test a mobile phone--based fatigue self-management SMS text messaging intervention targeting patient activation in 3 groups of persons with disabilities: persons with multiple sclerosis, persons who had a stroke, and persons with a spinal cord injury. Methods: We used evidence-based resources and input from a consumer advisory board (CAB; composed of 2 participants from each of the 3 disability groups) and a neurologist to develop the intervention. The study was conducted using a 4-step process: development of the initial SMS text messaging library and categorization of the content into 9 content areas, review and modification of the SMS text messages by the neurologist and CAB, integration of the content library into a digital platform, and utility testing by CAB members. Results: A total of 6 CAB participants rated SMS text messages covering 9 domain areas of fatigue self-management with good clarity (mean ratings=3.5-5.0 out of 5) and relevance (mean ratings=3.2-5.0 out of 5). Overall, SMS text messaging content was reported by CAB participants as helpful, clear, and well suited for a mobile health intervention. The CAB reached consensus on the time of day that SMS text messages should be sent (morning) and their frequency (once per day). This feedback led the research team to narrow down the program to deliver 48 SMS text messages, 1 per day, Monday through Thursday only, a total of 4 SMS text messages per week, over a 12-week period. The final set of SMS text messages was programmed into a digital platform with a predefined delivery schedule. The usability of the intervention was high, with 55 (83\%) out of 66 responses endorsing the highest rating. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a step-by-step process for developing a fatigue self-management SMS text messaging intervention for persons with disabilities. For this population, whose access to health services is often limited, this intervention provides an alternative delivery model to increase access to fatigue information and deliver content that aligns with the person's needs. ", doi="10.2196/40166", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/12/e40166", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36542466" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40139, author="Anderson, A. Molly and Budney, J. Alan and Jacobson, C. Nicholas and Nahum-Shani, Inbal and Stanger, Catherine", title="End User Participation in the Development of an Ecological Momentary Intervention to Improve Coping With Cannabis Cravings: Formative Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Dec", day="15", volume="6", number="12", pages="e40139", keywords="cannabis", keywords="formative", keywords="distraction", keywords="mindfulness", keywords="coping", keywords="youth", keywords="public health", keywords="mental health", keywords="health intervention", keywords="ecological momentary intervention", abstract="Background: Cannabis misuse in young adults is a major public health concern. An important predictor of continued use is cannabis craving. Due to the time-varying nature of cravings, brief momentary interventions delivered while cravings are elevated may improve the use of strategies to cope with cravings and reduce cannabis use. Objective: The goal of this manuscript is to describe a formative study to develop coping strategy messages for use in a subsequent intervention. Methods: Young adults (aged 19-25 years; n=20) who reported using cannabis >10 of the past 30 days recruited via social media participated in this formative study. Participants rated an initial set of 15 mindfulness and 15 distraction coping strategies on a scale from 1 to 4 (very low degree to very high degree) for clarity, usefulness, and tone. They also provided comments about the content. Results: Participants found the initial distraction messages slightly clearer than mindfulness (mean 3.5, SD 0.4 and mean 3.4, SD 0.4, respectively), both were comparable in tone (mean 3.2, SD 0.5 and mean 3.2, SD 0.4, respectively), and mindfulness messages were more useful than distraction (mean 3.0, SD 0.5 and mean 2.8, SD 0.6, respectively). Of the 30 messages, 29 received a rating of very low or low (<2) on any domain by >3 participants or received a comment suggesting a change. We revised all these messages based on this feedback, and the participants rated the revised messages approximately 2 weeks later. Participants earned US \$10 for completing the first and US \$20 for the second survey. The ratings improved on usefulness (especially the distraction items) with very little change in clarity and tone. The top 10 messages of each coping type (mindfulness and distraction) were identified by overall average rating (collapsed across all 3 dimensions: all rated >3.0). The final items were comparable in clarity (distraction mean 3.6, SD 0.4; mindfulness mean 3.6, SD 0.4), tone (distraction mean 3.4, SD 0.4; mindfulness mean 3.4, SD 0.4), and usefulness (distraction mean 3.1, SD 0.5; mindfulness mean 3.2, SD 0.5). Conclusions: The inclusion of end users in the formative process of developing these messages was valuable and resulted in improvements to the content of the messages. The majority of the messages were changed in some way including the removal of potentially triggering language. These messages were subsequently used in an ecological momentary intervention. ", doi="10.2196/40139", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/12/e40139", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36520509" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/38496, author="Nicol, Ginger and Jansen, Madeline and Haddad, Rita and Ricchio, Amanda and Yingling, D. Michael and Schweiger, A. Julia and Keenoy, Katie and Evanoff, A. Bradley and Newcomer, W. John", title="Use of an Interactive Obesity Treatment Approach in Individuals With Severe Mental Illness: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Proposed Engagement Criteria", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Dec", day="13", volume="6", number="12", pages="e38496", keywords="obesity", keywords="mentally ill people/persons", keywords="health services", keywords="mobile health", abstract="Background: Digital and mobile health interventions are increasingly being used to support healthy lifestyle change, including in certain high-risk populations such as those with severe mental illnesses (SMIs). Life expectancy in this population lags 15 years behind counterparts in the general population, primarily due to obesity-related health conditions. Objective: We tested the feasibility and usability of a 12-week interactive obesity treatment approach (iOTA) to adults with chronic SMIs (depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorder) receiving treatment in community settings. The iOTA incorporates short message service (SMS) text messages to supplement monthly in-person health coaching. Methods: Factors hypothesized to be associated with weight change were illness severity and treatment engagement. Severe psychiatric symptoms were defined as baseline Clinical Global Impression severity score of >5. Criterion engagement was defined as a text messaging response rate >80\% during the first 4 weeks of treatment. Disordered eating, assessed with the Loss of Control Over Eating Scores, was also evaluated. Participants provided qualitative data, further informing assessment of intervention feasibility, usability, and acceptability. Results: A total of 26 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 48.5 (SD 15.67) years; 40\% (10/26) were Black and 60\% (15/26) female. Participants with lower symptom severity and adequate engagement demonstrated significantly decreased weight (F1,16=22.54, P<.001). Conversely, high symptom severity and lower text message response rates were associated with trend-level increases in weight (F1,7=4.33, P=.08). Loss-of-control eating was not observed to impact treatment outcome. Participants voiced preference for combination of live health coaching and text messaging, expressing desire for personalized message content. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the feasibility of delivering an adapted iOTA to SMI patients receiving care in community settings and suggest testable criteria for defining sufficient treatment engagement and psychiatric symptom severity, two factors known to impact weight loss outcomes. These important findings suggest specific adaptations may be needed for optimal treatment outcomes in individuals with SMI. ", doi="10.2196/38496", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/12/e38496", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36512399" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40837, author="Sherman, Anne Kerry and Pehlivan, Jade Melissa and Singleton, Anna and Hawkey, Alexandra and Redfern, Julie and Armour, Mike and Dear, Blake and Duckworth, Jane Tanya and Ciccia, Donna and Cooper, Michael and Parry, Ann Kelly and Gandhi, Esther and Imani, A. Sara", title="Co-design and Development of EndoSMS, a Supportive Text Message Intervention for Individuals Living With Endometriosis: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Dec", day="9", volume="6", number="12", pages="e40837", keywords="text message", keywords="intervention", keywords="co-design", keywords="development", keywords="endometriosis", keywords="SMS", keywords="mHealth", keywords="self-management", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Endometriosis, which affects 1 in 10 people assigned female at birth, is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease with a high symptom burden and adverse socioemotional impacts. There is a need for an accessible, cost-effective, and low-burden intervention to support individuals in managing their endometriosis condition. Objective: This study aimed to co-design and evaluate the acceptability, readability, and quality of a bank of supportive SMS text messages (EndoSMS) for individuals with endometriosis. Methods: In phase 1 of this mixed method design, 17 consumer representatives (individuals with endometriosis) participated across three 3-hour web-based (Zoom, Zoom Video Communications, Inc) focus groups. The transcripts were encoded and analyzed thematically. In phase 2, consumer representatives (n=14) and health care professionals (n=9) quantitatively rated the acceptability, readability, and appropriateness of the developed text messages in a web-based survey. All the participants initially completed a background survey assessing sociodemographic and medical factors. Results: Consumer representatives demonstrated diverse sociodemographic characteristics (Mage=33.29), varying in location (metropolitan vs rural or regional), employment, and relationship and educational statuses. Participants reached a consensus regarding the delivery of 4 SMS text messages per week, delivered randomly throughout the week and in one direction (ie, no reply), with customization for the time of day and use of personal names. Seven main areas of unmet need for which participants required assistance were identified, which subsequently became the topic areas for the developed SMS text messages: emotional health, social support, looking after and caring for your body, patient empowerment, interpersonal issues, general endometriosis information, and physical health. Through a web-based survey, 371 co-designed SMS text messages were highly rated by consumers and health care professionals as clear, useful, and appropriate for individuals with endometriosis. Readability indices (Flesch-Kincaid scale) indicated that the SMS text messages were accessible to individuals with a minimum of 7th grade high school education. Conclusions: On the basis of the needs and preferences of a diverse consumer representative group, we co-designed EndoSMS, a supportive SMS text message program for individuals with endometriosis. The initial evaluation of the SMS text messages by consumer representatives and health professionals suggested the high acceptability and suitability of the developed SMS text messages. Future studies should further evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of EndoSMS in a broader population of individuals with endometriosis. ", doi="10.2196/40837", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/12/e40837", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36485029" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42553, author="Tami-Maury, Irene and Klaff, Rebecca and Hussin, Allison and Smith, Grant Nathan and Chang, Shine and McNeill, Lorna and Reitzel, R. Lorraine and Shete, Sanjay and Abroms, C. Lorien", title="A Text-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Sexual and Gender Minority Groups: Protocol for a Feasibility Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Dec", day="9", volume="11", number="12", pages="e42553", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="sexual and gender minorities", keywords="LGBTQ+", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", abstract="Background: Smoking among sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups, which include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, has been reported to be highly prevalent. This is attributed to several factors, including minority-specific stress and targeted tobacco marketing. Therefore, this population is at an increased risk for tobacco-related diseases. SMS text messaging programs have been found to be effective for smoking cessation and appeal to traditionally hard-to-reach populations over other interventions. It has also been suggested that targeted and tailored interventions could be more effective among SGM smokers because they can be designed to assure a safe, validating health care environment that enhances receptivity to cessation. Objective: The aim of this study is to develop SmokefreeSGM, a text-based smoking cessation program tailored to and tested among SGM smokers. Methods: The study consists of three phases, culminating in a feasibility trial. In Phase 1, our research team will collaborate with a Community Advisory Board to develop and pretest the design of SmokefreeSGM. In Phase 2, the tailored text messaging program will be beta tested among 16 SGM smokers. Our research team will use a mixed-methods approach to collect and analyze data from participants who will inform the refinement of SmokefreeSGM. In Phase 3, a feasibility trial will be conducted among 80 SGM smokers either enrolled in SmokefreeSGM or SmokefreeTXT, the original text-based program developed by the National Cancer Institute for the general population. Our research team will examine recruitment, retention, and smoking abstinence rates at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Additionally, a qualitative interview will be conducted among 32 participants to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the programs (SmokefreeSGM and SmokefreeTXT). Results: This study received approval from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects to begin research on August 21, 2020. Recruitment for the beta testing of SmokefreeSGM (Phase 2) began in January 2022. We estimate that the feasibility trial (Phase 3) will begin in September 2022 and that results will be available in December 2023. Conclusions: Findings from this research effort will help reduce tobacco-related health disparities among SGM smokers by determining the feasibility and acceptability of SmokefreeSGM, an SGM-tailored smoking cessation intervention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05029362; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05029362 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/42553 ", doi="10.2196/42553", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/12/e42553", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36485022" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/41140, author="Mandal, Soumik and Belli, M. Hayley and Cruz, Jocelyn and Mann, Devin and Schoenthaler, Antoinette", title="Analyzing User Engagement Within a Patient-Reported Outcomes Texting Tool for Diabetes Management: Engagement Phenotype Study", journal="JMIR Diabetes", year="2022", month="Nov", day="14", volume="7", number="4", pages="e41140", keywords="user engagement", keywords="patient-reported outcomes", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="digital health", keywords="SMS", keywords="type 2 diabetes", keywords="health behavior", keywords="digital phenotyping", abstract="Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) capture patients' views on their health conditions and its management, and are increasingly used in clinical trials, including those targeting type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mobile health (mHealth) tools offer novel solutions for collecting PRO data in real time. Although patients are at the center of any PRO-based intervention, few studies have examined user engagement with PRO mHealth tools. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate user engagement with a PRO mHealth tool for T2D management, identify patterns of user engagement and similarities and differences between the patients, and identify the characteristics of patients who are likely to drop out or be less engaged with a PRO mHealth tool. Methods: We extracted user engagement data from an ongoing clinical trial that tested the efficacy of a PRO mHealth tool designed to improve hemoglobin A1c levels in patients with uncontrolled T2D. To date, 61 patients have been randomized to the intervention, where they are sent 6 PRO text messages a day that are relevant to T2D self-management (healthy eating and medication adherence) over the 12-month study. To analyze user engagement, we first compared the response rate (RR) and response time between patients who completed the 12-month intervention and those who dropped out early (noncompleters). Next, we leveraged latent class trajectory modeling to classify patients from the completer group into 3 subgroups based on similarity in the longitudinal engagement data. Finally, we investigated the differences between the subgroups of completers from various cross-sections (time of the day and day of the week) and PRO types. We also explored the patient demographics and their distribution among the subgroups. Results: Overall, 19 noncompleters had a lower RR to PRO questions and took longer to respond to PRO questions than 42 completers. Among completers, the longitudinal RRs demonstrated differences in engagement patterns over time. The completers with the lowest engagement showed peak engagement during month 5, almost at the midstage of the program. The remaining subgroups showed peak engagement at the beginning of the intervention, followed by either a steady decline or sustained high engagement. Comparisons of the demographic characteristics showed significant differences between the high engaged and low engaged subgroups. The high engaged completers were predominantly older, of Hispanic descent, bilingual, and had a graduate degree. In comparison, the low engaged subgroup was composed mostly of African American patients who reported the lowest annual income, with one of every 3 patients earning less than US \$20,000 annually. Conclusions: There are discernible engagement phenotypes based on individual PRO responses, and their patterns vary in the timing of peak engagement and demographics. Future studies could use these findings to predict engagement categories and tailor interventions to promote longitudinal engagement. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03652389; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03652389 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/18554 ", doi="10.2196/41140", url="https://diabetes.jmir.org/2022/4/e41140", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36374531" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40507, author="Magee, R. Michael and Gholamrezaei, Ali and McNeilage, G. Amy and Sim, Alison and Dwyer, Leah and Ferreira, L. Manuela and Darnall, D. Beth and Glare, Paul and Ashton-James, E. Claire", title="A Digital Video and Text Messaging Intervention to Support People With Chronic Pain During Opioid Tapering: Content Development Using Co-design", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Nov", day="10", volume="6", number="11", pages="e40507", keywords="chronic pain", keywords="deprescribing", keywords="tapering", keywords="dose reduction", keywords="opioids", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="SMS", keywords="text messaging", keywords="digital health", keywords="behavior change", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="consumer engagement", keywords="co-design", keywords="coproduction", abstract="Background: People living with chronic pain report that tapering prescribed opioids is challenging and more support is needed. In our formative research, consumers indicated that mobile health (mHealth) technology could be an acceptable form of support for opioid tapering and may improve tapering self-efficacy. Objective: We aimed to evaluate and improve the content of an mHealth intervention before pilot-testing, based on consumer and clinician feedback. Methods: Participants were 12 consumers and 12 clinicians who evaluated an initial draft of a video script and 90 SMS text messages. Consumers and clinicians rated the appropriateness and likely usefulness (consumers) or likely effectiveness (clinicians) of a video script and a random selection of 15 SMS text messages using a 5-point Likert-type scale (1=totally disagree; 5=totally agree). Each draft SMS text message was reviewed by 2 consumers and 2 clinicians. Texts were deemed acceptable for inclusion in the pilot intervention only if the summed participant ratings of text appropriateness and usefulness or effectiveness were ?8. Participants were also invited to provide open-text feedback on the draft script and SMS text messages. Results: Consumers generally agreed that the draft video script and text content were likely to be appropriate (video: mean 4.4, SD 0.52; text: mean 4.3, SD 0.79) and useful (video: mean 4.3, SD 0.65; text: mean 4.2, SD 0.84). Similarly, clinicians generally agreed that the draft video script and text content were likely to be appropriate (video: mean 4.5, SD 0.67; text: mean 4.4, SD 0.81) and effective (video: mean 4.0, SD 0.43; text: mean 4.3, SD 0.76). Overall, 77\% (69/90) of the draft texts met the threshold rating for acceptability for inclusion in the pilot test of mHealth intervention by consumers, and 82\% (74/90) met the threshold for acceptability by clinicians. Consumers' and clinicians' ratings were used to rank order the texts. The top 56 draft texts (all meeting the threshold levels of acceptability) were selected for inclusion in the pilot intervention. When consumer or clinician feedback was provided, the texts meeting the criteria for inclusion in the pilot were further revised and improved. Feedback on the video script was also used to further improve the acceptability of the video script before pilot-testing the intervention. Conclusions: This study describes the process by which a 28-day mHealth intervention to support patients with chronic pain to taper opioid medications was evaluated and improved before pilot-testing. The mHealth intervention consisted of a 10-minute psychoeducational video about pain and opioid tapering and 56 unique SMS text messages providing information and reassurance (texts delivered twice per day for 28 days). Having established that the content of the mHealth intervention is acceptable to both consumer and clinician groups, the mHealth intervention will be piloted in future research. ", doi="10.2196/40507", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/11/e40507", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36355415" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/38911, author="Myll{\"a}ri, Sanna and Saarni, Eeva Suoma and Ritola, Ville and Joffe, Grigori and Stenberg, Jan-Henry and Solbakken, Andr{\'e} Ole and Czajkowski, Olavi Nikolai and Rosenstr{\"o}m, Tom", title="Text Topics and Treatment Response in Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Text Mining Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2022", month="Nov", day="9", volume="24", number="11", pages="e38911", keywords="iCBT", keywords="CBT", keywords="psychotherapy", keywords="internet therapy", keywords="anxiety", keywords="topic modeling", keywords="natural language processing", abstract="Background: Text mining methods such as topic modeling can offer valuable information on how and to whom internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapies (iCBT) work. Although iCBT treatments provide convenient data for topic modeling, it has rarely been used in this context. Objective: Our aims were to apply topic modeling to written assignment texts from iCBT for generalized anxiety disorder and explore the resulting topics' associations with treatment response. As predetermining the number of topics presents a considerable challenge in topic modeling, we also aimed to explore a novel method for topic number selection. Methods: We defined 2 latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) topic models using a novel data-driven and a more commonly used interpretability-based topic number selection approaches. We used multilevel models to associate the topics with continuous-valued treatment response, defined as the rate of per-session change in GAD-7 sum scores throughout the treatment. Results: Our analyses included 1686 patients. We observed 2 topics that were associated with better than average treatment response: ``well-being of family, pets, and loved ones'' from the data-driven LDA model (B=--0.10 SD/session/?topic; 95\% CI --016 to --0.03) and ``children, family issues'' from the interpretability-based model (B=--0.18 SD/session/?topic; 95\% CI --0.31 to --0.05). Two topics were associated with worse treatment response: ``monitoring of thoughts and worries'' from the data-driven model (B=0.06 SD/session/?topic; 95\% CI 0.01 to 0.11) and ``internet therapy'' from the interpretability-based model (B=0.27 SD/session/?topic; 95\% CI 0.07 to 0.46). Conclusions: The 2 LDA models were different in terms of their interpretability and broadness of topics but both contained topics that were associated with treatment response in an interpretable manner. Our work demonstrates that topic modeling is well suited for iCBT research and has potential to expose clinically relevant information in vast text data. ", doi="10.2196/38911", url="https://www.jmir.org/2022/11/e38911", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36350678" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37579, author="MacDonald, E. Shannon and Marfo, Emmanuel and Sell, Hannah and Assi, Ali and Frank-Wilson, Andrew and Atkinson, Katherine and Kellner, D. James and McNeil, Deborah and Klein, Kristin and Svenson, W. Lawrence", title="Text Message Reminders to Improve Immunization Appointment Attendance in Alberta, Canada: The Childhood Immunization Reminder Project Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2022", month="Nov", day="8", volume="10", number="11", pages="e37579", keywords="text message", keywords="SMS", keywords="immunization reminder", keywords="reminder-recall", keywords="routine immunization", keywords="childhood", keywords="immunization", keywords="reminder", keywords="children", keywords="language barrier", keywords="Canada", keywords="vaccine", keywords="vaccination", keywords="coverage", abstract="Background: Vaccine coverage for 18-month-old children in Canada is often below the recommended level, which may be partially because of parental forgetfulness. SMS text message reminders have been shown to potentially improve childhood immunization uptake but have not been widely used in Alberta, Canada. In addition, it has been noted that language barriers may impede immunization service delivery but continue to remain unaddressed in many existing reminder and recall systems. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of using SMS text messages containing a link to web-based immunization information in different languages to remind parents of their child's 18-month immunization appointment. Methods: The Childhood Immunization Reminder Project was a pilot intervention at 2 public health centers, one each in Lethbridge and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Two SMS text message reminders were sent to parents: a booking reminder 3 months before their child turned 18 months old and an appointment reminder 3 days before their scheduled appointment. Booking reminders included a link to the study website hosting immunization information in 9 languages. To evaluate intervention effectiveness, we compared the absolute attendance no-show rates before the intervention and after the intervention. The acceptability of the intervention was evaluated through web-based surveys completed by parents and public health center staff. Google Analytics was used to determine how often web-based immunization information was accessed, from where, and in which languages. Results: Following the intervention, the health center in Edmonton had a reduction of 6.4\% (95\% CI 3\%-9.8\%) in appointment no-shows, with no change at the Lethbridge Health Center (0.8\%, 95\% CI ?1.4\% to 3\%). The acceptability surveys were completed by 222 parents (response rate: 23.9\%) and 22 staff members. Almost all (>95\%) respondents indicated that the reminders were helpful and provided useful suggestions for improvement. All surveyed parents (222/222, 100\%) found it helpful to read web-based immunization information in their language of choice. Google Analytics data showed that immunization information was most often read in English (118/207, 57\%), Punjabi (52/207, 25.1\%), Arabic (13/207, 6.3\%), Spanish (12/207, 5.8\%), Italian (4/207, 1.9\%), Chinese (4/207, 1.9\%), French (2/207, 0.9\%), Tagalog (1/207, 0.5\%), and Vietnamese (1/207, 0.5\%). Conclusions: The study's findings support the use of SMS text message reminders as a convenient and acceptable method to minimize parental forgetfulness and potentially reduce appointment no-shows. The diverse languages accessed in web-based immunization information suggest the need to provide appropriate translated immunization information. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of SMS text message reminders on childhood immunization coverage in different settings. ", doi="10.2196/37579", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2022/11/e37579", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36346666" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/40907, author="Nagawa, S. Catherine and Lane, A. Ian and McKay, E. Colleen and Kamberi, Ariana and Shenette, L. Lisa and Kelly, M. Megan and Davis, Maryann and Sadasivam, S. Rajani", title="Use of a Rapid Qualitative Method to Inform the Development of a Text Messaging Intervention for People With Serious Mental Illness Who Smoke: Formative Research Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Nov", day="7", volume="6", number="11", pages="e40907", keywords="serious mental illness", keywords="mental disorder", keywords="psychiatric disorder", keywords="tobacco use", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="text messaging", keywords="intervention", keywords="smoking", keywords="mental health", keywords="virtual", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="pandemic", keywords="symptom", abstract="Background: People with serious mental illness are disproportionately affected by smoking and face barriers to accessing smoking cessation treatments in mental health treatment settings. Text-based interventions are cost-effective and represent a widely accessible approach to providing smoking cessation support. Objective: We aimed to identify key factors for adapting text-based cessation interventions for people with serious mental illness who smoke. Methods: We recruited 24 adults from mental health programs who had a serious mental illness and currently smoked cigarettes or had quit smoking within the past 5 years. We then conducted virtual qualitative interviews between November 2020 and August 2021. Data were analyzed using the rapid thematic analytic approach. Results: We identified the following 3 major themes: (1) interplay between smoking and having a serious mental illness, (2) social contextual factors of smoking in adults with serious mental illness, and (3) smoking and quitting behaviors similar to the general population. Participants reported barriers and facilitators to quitting across the 3 themes. Within the ``interplay between smoking and having a serious mental illness'' theme, barriers included smoking to manage stress and mental health symptoms, and facilitators to quitting included the awareness of the harm of smoking on mental health and patient-provider discussions on smoking and mental health. In the ``social contextual factors of smoking in adults with serious mental illness'' theme, barriers included high social acceptability of smoking among peers. Positive support and the combined social stigma of smoking and having a mental health condition outside of peer groups motivated individuals to quit. Some participants indicated that low exposure to other smokers during the COVID-19 pandemic helped them to engage in cessation efforts. In the ``smoking and quitting behaviors similar to the general population'' theme, barriers included smoking after eating, having coffee, drinking alcohol, and experiencing negative social support, and facilitators included health concerns, improvement in the general quality of life, and use of evidence-based tobacco treatments when available. Conclusions: People with serious mental illness often smoke to cope with intense emotional states, manage mental health symptoms, or maintain social bonds. Text message content emphasizing equally effective and less harmful ways for stress reduction and mental health symptom management may improve quit rates in individuals with serious mental illness. ", doi="10.2196/40907", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/11/e40907", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36342765" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/42216, author="Stecher, Chad and Ghai, Ishita and Lunkuse, Lillian and Wabukala, Peter and Odiit, Mary and Nakanwagi, Agnes and Linnemayr, Sebastian", title="Incentives and Reminders to Improve Long-term Medication Adherence (INMIND): Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Oct", day="31", volume="11", number="10", pages="e42216", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="HIV", keywords="antiretroviral therapy", keywords="habit formation", keywords="routines", keywords="behavioral economics", abstract="Background: Nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV is a crucial barrier to attaining viral suppression globally. Existing behavioral interventions have successfully increased ART adherence, but typically show only short-term impact that dissipates after the interventions are withdrawn. Objective: This study aims to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a novel intervention that uses SMS text messages and conditional incentives to support ART initiators in establishing pill-taking habits. Methods: A sample of 150 participants aged ?18 years who have initiated ART in the preceding 3 months will be recruited from Mildmay Uganda in Kampala, Uganda. All (150/150, 100\%) participants will be educated on the anchoring strategy and will choose an existing routine to pair with their daily ART adherence from a set of 3 suggested routines: getting dressed in the morning, eating breakfast, or eating dinner. Then, participants will be randomized to receive either usual care (control group: 50/150, 33.3\%) or 1 of the 2 interventions delivered over 3 months: daily SMS text message reminders to follow their chosen anchoring plan (messages group; treatment group 1: 50/150, 33.3\%) or daily SMS text messages and incentives conditional on taking their ART medication around the time of their chosen anchor (incentives group; treatment group 2: 50/150, 33.3\%). Long-term ART adherence will be evaluated for 6 months after the intervention, and survey assessments will be conducted at baseline, 3 months, and 9 months. Outcomes include feasibility and acceptability measures and intervention efficacy outcomes defined by electronically measured mean medication adherence during the intervention and during the 6 months after the intervention, along with a measure of routine ART adherence based on taking medications around the time of participants' anchor during the intervention and during the 6 months after intervention. Results: As of February 18, 2022, recruitment was completed. A total of 150 participants were recruited, and data collection is expected to end in December of 2022. Final results are expected to be submitted for publication by April 2023. Conclusions: This study is the first to use behavioral economics--based interventions in combination with the anchoring strategy to improve long-term ART adherence among treatment initiators. We hypothesize that the combination of SMS text message reminders and incentives will increase participants' use of their anchoring strategy, and thus medication adherence will be better maintained after the intervention ends in our intervention groups relative to the control group that uses only the anchoring strategy. Results of this pilot study will help to refine this combined intervention approach for testing at scale and broaden our understanding of the habit formation process. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05131165; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05131165 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/42216 ", doi="10.2196/42216", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/10/e42216", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36315224" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/33276, author="Comp{\`e}re, Vincent and Mauger, Alban and Allard, Etienne and Clavier, Thomas and Selim, Jean and Besnier, Emmanuel", title="Incidence of Postoperative Pain at 7 Days After Day Surgery Reported Using a Text Messaging Platform: Retrospective Observational Study", journal="JMIR Perioper Med", year="2022", month="Oct", day="25", volume="5", number="1", pages="e33276", keywords="day surgery", keywords="postoperative pain", keywords="emergency consultation", keywords="rehospitalization", keywords="ambulatory management", keywords="pain management", keywords="postsurgery", keywords="postoperative", keywords="ambulatory surgery", keywords="hospitalization", keywords="health care", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mobile platform", abstract="Background: The most frequent complication observed after ambulatory surgery is acute postoperative pain. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the late incidence of postoperative pain at 7 days after day surgery. Methods: We retrospectively included patients who underwent day surgery under general or regional anesthesia and those who underwent local anesthesia in Rouen University Hospital from January 2018 to February 2020. Data collected were moderate-to-severe pain reports defined as numeric rating scale (NRS)>3/10 at 1 day (secondary end point) and 7 days (primary end point) after surgery. These data were collected using a semi-intelligent SMS text messaging platform to follow up with the patient at home after ambulatory surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the risk factors for pain. Results: We analyzed 6099 patients. On the day after the surgery, 5.2\% (318/6099) of the patients presented with moderate-to-severe pain: 5.9\% (248/4187) in the general or regional anesthesia group and 3.7\% (70/1912) in the local anesthesia group. At 7 days after the surgery, 18.6\% (1135/6099) of the patients presented with moderate-to-severe pain, including 21.3\% (892/4187) of the patients in the general or regional anesthesia group and 12.7\% (243/1912) of the patients in the local anesthesia group. General surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95\% CI 1.23-1.92; P<.01) and orthopedic surgery (OR 1.66, 95\% CI 1.42-1.94; P<.01) were associated with more late postoperative pain risk. Male gender (OR 0.66, 95\% CI 0.57-0.76; P<.01), ophthalmology surgery (OR 0.51, 95\% CI 0.42-0.62; P<.01), and gynecologic surgery (OR 0.67, 95\% CI 0.50-0.88; P=.01) were associated with less late postoperative pain risk. The rate of emergency consultation or rehospitalization at 7 days after the surgery was 11.1\% (679/6099). Late postoperative pain (OR 2.54, 95\% CI 1.98-3.32; P<.001), general surgery (OR 2.15, 95\% CI 1.65-2.81; P<.001), and urology surgery (OR 1.62, 95\% CI 1.06-2.43; P=.02) increased the risk of emergency consultation or rehospitalization. Orthopedic surgery (OR 0.79, 95\% CI 0.63-0.99; P=.04) and electroconvulsive therapy (OR 0.43, 95\% CI 0.27-0.65; P<.001) were associated with less rates of emergency consultation or rehospitalization. Conclusions: Our study shows that postoperative pain at 7 days after ambulatory surgery was reported in more than 18\% of the cases, which was also associated with an increase in the emergency consultation or rehospitalization rates. ", doi="10.2196/33276", url="https://periop.jmir.org/2022/1/e33276", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36282551" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/35318, author="Martindale-Adams, Lynn Jennifer and Clark, Davis Carolyn and Martin, Roxy Jessica and Henderson, Richard Charles and Nichols, Olivia Linda", title="Text Messages to Support Caregivers in a Health Care System: Development and Pilot and National Rollout Evaluation", journal="J Particip Med", year="2022", month="Oct", day="17", volume="14", number="1", pages="e35318", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="self-care", keywords="veterans", keywords="family caregivers", keywords="emotional stress", keywords="burden of illness", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Although there are many interventions to support caregivers, SMS text messaging has not been used widely. Objective: In this paper, we aimed to describe development of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Annie Stress Management SMS text messaging protocol for caregivers of veterans, its pilot test, and subsequent national rollout. Methods: The stress management protocol was developed with text messages focusing on education, motivation, and stress-alleviating activities based on the Resources for Enhancing All Caregivers Health (REACH) VA caregiver intervention. This protocol was then tested in a pilot study. On the basis of the pilot study results, a national rollout of the protocol was executed and evaluated. Caregivers were referred from VA facilities nationally for the pilot and national rollout. Pilot caregivers were interviewed by telephone; national rollout caregivers were sent a web-based evaluation link at 6 months. For both evaluations, questions were scored on a Likert scale ranging from completely disagree to completely agree. For both the pilot and national rollout, quantitative data were analyzed with frequencies and means; themes were identified from open-ended qualitative responses. Results: Of the 22 caregivers in the pilot study, 18 (82\%) provided follow-up data. On a 5-point scale, they reported text messages had been useful in managing stress (mean score 3.8, SD 1.1), helping them take care of themselves (mean score 3.7, SD 1.3), and making them feel cared for (mean score 4.1, SD 1.7). Texts were easy to read (mean score 4.5, SD 1.2), did not come at awkward times (mean score 2.2, SD 1.4), were not confusing (mean score 1.1, SD 0.2), and did not cause problems in responding (mean score 1.9, 1.1); however, 83\% (15/18) of caregivers did not want to request an activity when stressed. Consequently, the national protocol did not require caregivers to respond. In the national rollout, 22.17\% (781/3522) of the eligible caregivers answered the web-based survey and reported that the messages had been useful in managing stress (mean score 4.3, SD 0.8), helping them take care of themselves (mean score 4.3, SD 0.8) and loved ones (mean score 4.2, SD 0.8), and making them feel cared for (mean score 4.5, SD 0.8). Almost two-thirds (509/778, 65.4\%) of the participants tried all or most of the strategies. A total of 5 themes were identified. The messages were appreciated, helped with self-care, and made them feel less alone, looking on Annie as a friend. The caregivers reported that the messages were on target and came when they were most needed and did not want them to stop. This success has led to four additional caregiver texting protocols: bereavement, dementia behaviors and stress management, (posttraumatic stress disorder) PTSD behaviors, and taking care of you, with 7274 caregivers enrolled as of February 2022. Conclusions: Caregivers reported the messages made them feel cared for and more confident. SMS text messaging, which is incorporated into clinical settings and health care systems, may represent a low-cost way to provide useful and meaningful support to caregivers. ", doi="10.2196/35318", url="https://jopm.jmir.org/2022/1/e35318", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36251368" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/35923, author="Yang, Shanyin and Huang, Jiegang and Ye, Li and Lin, Jianyan and Xie, Zhiman and Guo, Baodong and Li, Yanjun and Liang, Bingyu and Zheng, Zhigang and Lunze, Karsten and Abdullah, S. Abu and Liang, Hao and Quintiliani, M. Lisa", title="Factors Related to Smoking and Perceptions of a Behavioral Counseling and Messenger Service--Delivered Smoking Cessation Intervention for People With HIV in China: Qualitative Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Oct", day="12", volume="6", number="10", pages="e35923", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="China", keywords="smoking", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="HIV", keywords="qualitative research", keywords="SMS text messages", keywords="WeChat", abstract="Background: China, where half of the adult male population smoke tobacco, has one of the highest global burdens of smoking. Smoking rates are even higher among people with HIV. People with HIV can be affected by smoking in multiple ways, including more severe HIV-related symptoms and worse antiretroviral therapy treatment outcomes. However, smoking cessation services targeted for people with HIV are not routinely integrated into HIV care in China. Given the widespread mobile phone ownership, an exploration of factors related to smoking among people with HIV in China who smoke could inform the design and implementation of mobile smoking cessation interventions that target the needs of this vulnerable population. Objective: This study aims to explore the perspectives of smoking, barriers and facilitators to quitting, and perceptions related to a smoking cessation intervention delivered through behavioral counseling sessions and brief daily messenger service (WeChat)--delivered messages. Methods: We recruited people with HIV from the People's 4th Hospital of Nanning, Guangxi, China, and conducted semistructured face-to-face interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim in Chinese, and translated into English for data analysis. We conducted a thematic analysis using a codebook, which was guided by a team-based consensus approach to identify 5 main themes. We also explored themes according to the demographic groups. Results: A total of 24 participants were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 37.2 (SD=13.5) years. The participants had lived with HIV for a mean of 2.4 years. The majority were male (18/24, 75\%) and lived in urban or metropolitan settings (19/24, 79\%). We identified five main themes: variable knowledge of the harms of smoking, both related and unrelated to HIV; willpower perceived as the primary quitting strategy; a duality of the effect of social factors on quitting; perceptions about optimal features of the smoking cessation intervention (eg, messages should be brief and most frequent during the first few weeks); and the largely negative impact of their HIV diagnosis on smoking behaviors. In addition, some themes differed according to participant demographic characteristics such as age, sex, and education level. Conclusions: We identified barriers to and facilitators of smoking cessation among people with HIV in China by conducting semistructured qualitative interviews. Owing to the adverse impact of smoking on HIV outcomes, targeting cessation interventions to the unique needs and preferences of people with HIV in China may be needed to increase the effectiveness of future interventions. A pilot clinical trial will be conducted in the future to evaluate this behavioral counseling and brief daily messenger service (WeChat)--delivered messages approach among people with HIV who smoke in China. ", doi="10.2196/35923", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/10/e35923", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36222795" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37316, author="Lian, Tyler and Reid, Hadley and Rader, Abigail and Dewitt-Feldman, Sarah and Hezarkhani, Elmira and Gu, Elizabeth and Scott, Malik and Kutzer, Kate and Sandhu, Sahil and Crowder, Carolyn and Ito, Kristin and Eisenson, Howard and Bettger, Prvu Janet and Shaw, J. Ryan and Lewinski, A. Allison and Ming, Y. David and Bosworth, B. Hayden and Zullig, L. Leah and Batch, C. Bryan and Drake, Connor", title="A Tailored SMS Text Message--Based Intervention to Facilitate Patient Access to Referred Community-Based Social Needs Resources: Protocol for a Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Oct", day="11", volume="11", number="10", pages="e37316", keywords="text messaging", keywords="primary health care", keywords="social determinants of health", keywords="needs assessment", keywords="community health centers", keywords="vulnerable populations", abstract="Background: Health care providers are increasingly screening patients for unmet social needs (eg, food, housing, transportation, and social isolation) and referring patients to relevant community-based resources and social services. Patients' connection to referred services is often low, however, suggesting the need for additional support to facilitate engagement with resources. SMS text messaging presents an opportunity to address barriers related to contacting resources in an accessible, scalable, and low-cost manner. Objective: In this multi-methods pilot study, we aim to develop an automated SMS text message--based intervention to promote patient connection to referred social needs resources within 2 weeks of the initial referral and to evaluate its feasibility and patient acceptability. This protocol describes the intervention, conceptual underpinnings, study design, and evaluation plan to provide a detailed illustration of how SMS technology can complement current social needs screening and referral practice patterns without disrupting care. Methods: For this pilot prospective cohort study, this SMS text message--based intervention augments an existing social needs screening, referral, and navigation program at a federally qualified health center. Patients who received at least one referral for any identified unmet social need are sent 2 rounds of SMS messages over 2 weeks. The first round consists of 5-10 messages that deliver descriptions of and contact information for the referred resources. The second round consists of 2 messages that offer a brief reminder to contact the resources. Participants will evaluate the intervention via a survey and a semistructured interview, informed by an adapted technology acceptance model. Rapid qualitative and thematic analysis will be used to extract themes from the responses. Primary outcomes are implementation feasibility and patient acceptability. Secondary outcomes relate to intervention effectiveness: self-reported attempt to connect and successful connection to referred resources 2 weeks after the initial referral encounter. Results: The study received regulatory approval in May 2021, and we anticipate enrolling 15-20 participants for this initial pilot. Conclusions: This protocol presents detailed implementation methods about a novel automated SMS intervention for social care integration within primary care. By sharing the study protocol early, we intend to facilitate the development and adoption of similar tools across different clinical settings, as more health care providers seek to address the unmet social needs of patients. Study findings will provide practical insights into the design and implementation of SMS text message--based interventions to improve social and medical care coordination. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/37316 ", doi="10.2196/37316", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/10/e37316", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36222790" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/35643, author="Sakakibara, Koichi and Shigemi, Daisuke and Toriumi, Rena and Ota, Ai and Michihata, Nobuaki and Yasunaga, Hideo", title="Emergency Visits and Hospitalization After Chat Message, Voice Call, or Video Call for Telehealth in Obstetrics and Gynecology Using Telehealth Service User Data in Japan: Cross-sectional Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2022", month="Sep", day="23", volume="24", number="9", pages="e35643", keywords="eHealth", keywords="gynecology", keywords="chat message", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="obstetrics", keywords="safety", keywords="telehealth", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="video call", keywords="voice call", abstract="Background: In obstetric and gynecologic practices, synchronous telehealth services via chat message, voice calls, and video calls have been increasingly equipped to improve patients' health care accessibility and clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, differences in clinical outcomes between communication tools remain unknown, especially in terms of safety. Objective: This study compared the occurrence of emergency visits and hospitalization after telehealth services through different communication tools, including chat messages, voice calls, and video calls. Methods: We collected data on obstetric and gynecologic concerns of women who consulted specialized doctors and midwives through a telehealth consulting service in Japan (Sanfujin-ka Online) between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. The outcomes were emergency visits or hospitalizations at night after the consultation. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to compare the clinical outcomes between the groups who received telehealth services via chat message, voice calls, and video calls. Results: This study included 3635 participants. The mean age of the participants was 31.4 (SD 5.7) years, and the largest age group (n=2154, 59.3\%) was 30-39 years. The numbers (or proportions) of those who received telehealth services via chat message, voice calls, and video calls were 1584 (43.5\%), 1947 (53.6\%), and 104 (2.9\%), respectively. The overall incidence of the outcome was 0.7\% (26/3635), including 10 (0.3\%) cases of chat message, 16 (0.5\%) cases of voice calls, and no video calls. There were no emergency visits that happened due to inappropriate advice. No significant difference in the proportions of the outcomes was observed between the communication tools (P=.55). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed no significant differences in the outcome between those who used chat message and those who used voice calls (odds ratio 1.63, 95\% CI 0.73-3.65). Conclusions: The communication tools of telehealth services in obstetrics and gynecology did not show a significant difference in terms of emergency visits or hospitalizations after using the service. ", doi="10.2196/35643", url="https://www.jmir.org/2022/9/e35643", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36149744" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/39617, author="Wozney, Lori and Vakili, Negar and Chorney, Jill and Clark, Alexander and Hong, Paul", title="The Impact of a Text Messaging Service (Tonsil-Text-To-Me) on Pediatric Perioperative Tonsillectomy Outcomes: Cohort Study With a Historical Control Group", journal="JMIR Perioper Med", year="2022", month="Sep", day="20", volume="5", number="1", pages="e39617", keywords="tonsillectomy", keywords="otorhinolaryngology", keywords="text messaging", keywords="caregivers", keywords="surgery", keywords="perioperative", keywords="patient discharge", keywords="aftercare", keywords="short messaging service", keywords="pain management", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Tonsillectomy is a common pediatric surgical procedure performed in North America. Caregivers experience complex challenges in preparing for their child's surgery and coordinating care at home and, consequently, could benefit from access to educational resources. A previous feasibility study of Tonsil-Text-To-Me, an automated SMS text messaging service that sends 15 time-sensitive activity reminders, links to nutrition and hydration tips, pain management strategies, and guidance on monitoring for complications, showed promising results, with high levels of caregiver satisfaction and engagement. Objective: This study aimed to pilot-test Tonsil-Text-To-Me in a real-world context to determine whether and how it might improve perioperative experiences and outcomes for caregivers and patients. Methods: Caregivers of children aged 3 to 14 years undergoing tonsillectomy were included. Data from a historical control group and an intervention group with the same study parameters (eg, eligibility criteria and surgery team) were compared. Measures included the Parenting Self-Agency Measure, General Health Questionnaire-12, Parents' Postoperative Pain Measure, Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8, and engagement analytics, as well as analgesic consumption, pain, child activity level, and health service use. Data were collected on the day before surgery, 3 days after surgery, and 14 days after surgery. Participants in the intervention group received texts starting 2 weeks before surgery up to the eighth day after surgery. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: In total, 51 caregivers (n=32, 63\% control; n=19, 37\% intervention) who were predominately women (49/51, 96\%), White (48/51, 94\%), and employed (42/51, 82\%) participated. Intervention group caregivers had a statistically significant positive difference in Parenting Self-Agency Measure scores (P=.001). The mean postoperative pain scores were higher for the control group (mean 10.0, SD 3.1) than for the intervention group (mean 8.5, SD 3.7), both of which were still above the 6/15 threshold for clinically significant pain; however, the difference was not statistically significant (t39=1.446; P=.16). Other positive but nonsignificant trends for the intervention group compared with the control group were observed for the highest level of pain (t39=0.882; P=.38), emergency department visits ($\chi$22=1.3; P=.52; Cramer V=0.19), and other measures. Engagement with resources linked in the texts was moderate, with all but 1 being clicked on for viewing at least once by 79\% (15/19) of the participants. Participants rated the intervention as highly satisfactory across all 8 dimensions of the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (mean 29.4, SD 3.2; out of a possible value of 32.0). Conclusions: This cohort study with a historical control group found that Tonsil-Text-To-Me had a positive impact on caregivers' perioperative care experience. The small sample size and unclear impacts of COVID-19 on the study design should be considered when interpreting the results. Controlled trials with larger sample sizes for evaluating SMS text messaging interventions aimed to support caregivers of children undergoing tonsillectomy surgery are warranted. ", doi="10.2196/39617", url="https://periop.jmir.org/2022/1/e39617", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36125849" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/31996, author="Mohamad Pilus, Farahana and Ahmad, Norliza and Mohd Zulkefli, Afiah Nor and Mohd Shukri, Husna Nurul", title="Effect of Face-to-Face and WhatsApp Communication of a Theory-Based Health Education Intervention on Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy (SeBF Intervention): Cluster Randomized Controlled Field Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2022", month="Sep", day="14", volume="10", number="9", pages="e31996", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="breastfeeding", keywords="intervention", keywords="social cognitive theory", abstract="Background: The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Malaysia is still not satisfactory. Previous studies have shown that breastfeeding self-efficacy is one of the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding, and it can be improved using social cognitive theory. WhatsApp, which is widely used among Malaysians, could be leveraged as a platform to deliver health education interventions. Objective: This study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate the effect of using a face-to-face and WhatsApp-based health education intervention based on social cognitive theory, namely the Self-Efficacy in Breastfeeding (SeBF) module, on mothers' self-efficacy, knowledge, and attitudes in a district in Selangor state. Methods: This study was a 2-arm, parallel, single-blind, cluster randomized controlled field trial with an intervention and a control group involving primigravida or multigravida mothers who reside in a district in Selangor state and did not exclusively breastfeed during their previous pregnancy. All 12 maternity and pediatric clinics in this district were randomly divided into 6 intervention and 6 control groups. A total of 172 pregnant mothers were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=86) or the control group (n=86). The control group received usual routine care. The primary outcome was breastfeeding self-efficacy, while secondary outcomes were knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding. Each subject was assessed at 4 time points: at baseline, immediately after the intervention, 4 weeks post partum, and 8 weeks post partum. Generalized mixed model analysis was applied to measure the effect of health education on breastfeeding self-efficacy, knowledge, and attitude after the intervention. Results: The response rate was 81\% (139/172), with the dropout rate being 7\% (6/86) in the intervention group and 31\% (27/86) in the control group. In the intent-to-treat analysis, the intervention group showed a significant increase in the mean total breastfeeding self-efficacy score 8 weeks after delivery compared with the control group (F21,601=111.73, P<.001). In addition, the mean total score for breastfeeding knowledge increased significantly in the intervention group after the intervention compared to the control group (F21,601=8.33, P<.001). However, no significant difference was found in the mean total score for breastfeeding attitude after the intervention (F21,602=5.50, P=.47). Conclusions: Face-to-face and WhatsApp-based participation in the SeBF program, designed on the basis of social cognitive theory, contributed to improved self-efficacy and knowledge about breastfeeding. Further studies need to be conducted with a longer duration (until 6 months post partum) to evaluate its effectiveness in increasing exclusive breastfeeding. Furthermore, new strategies in health education need to be developed to improve breastfeeding attitudes. Trial Registration: Thaiclinicaltrials.org TCTR20200213004; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20200213004 ", doi="10.2196/31996", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2022/9/e31996", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36103244" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/34488, author="Ehrler, Frederic and Rochat, Jessica and Siebert, N. Johan and Guessous, Idris and Lovis, Christian and Spechbach, Herv{\'e}", title="Use of a Semiautomatic Text Message System to Improve Satisfaction With Wait Time in the Adult Emergency Department: Cross-sectional Survey Study", journal="JMIR Med Inform", year="2022", month="Sep", day="6", volume="10", number="9", pages="e34488", keywords="emergency", keywords="patient satisfaction", keywords="service-oriented health care", keywords="quality of care", keywords="health service", keywords="emergency department", abstract="Background: Many factors influence patient satisfaction during an emergency department (ED) visit, but the perception of wait time plays a central role. A long wait time in the waiting room increases the risk of hospital-acquired infection, as well as the risk of a patient leaving before being seen by a physician, particularly those with a lower level of urgency who may have to wait for a longer time. Objective: We aimed to improve the perception of wait time through the implementation of a semiautomatic SMS text message system that allows patients to wait outside the hospital and facilitates the recall of patients closer to the scheduled time of meeting with the physician. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey to evaluate the system using a tailored questionnaire to assess the patient perspective and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology questionnaire for the caregiver perspective. We also monitored the frequency of system use with logs. Results: A total of 110 usable responses were collected (100 patients and 10 caregivers). Findings revealed that 97 of 100 (97\%) patients were satisfied, with most patients waiting outside the ED but inside the hospital. The caregiver evaluation showed that it was very easy to use, but the adoption of the system was more problematic because of the perceived additional workload associated with its use. Conclusions: Although not suitable for all patients, our system allows those who have a low-severity condition to wait outside the waiting room and to be recalled according to the dedicated time defined in the Swiss Emergency Triage Scale. It not only has the potential to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infection but also can enhance the patient experience; additionally, it was perceived as a real improvement. Further automation of the system needs to be explored to reduce caregiver workload and increase its use. ", doi="10.2196/34488", url="https://medinform.jmir.org/2022/9/e34488", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36066921" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/38262, author="Miller, N. Hailey and Voils, I. Corrine and Cronin, A. Kate and Jeanes, Elizabeth and Hawley, Jeffrey and Porter, S. Laura and Adler, R. Rachel and Sharp, Whitney and Pabich, Samantha and Gavin, L. Kara and Lewis, A. Megan and Johnson, M. Heather and Yancy Jr, S. William and Gray, E. Kristen and Shaw, J. Ryan", title="A Method to Deliver Automated and Tailored Intervention Content: 24-month Clinical Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Sep", day="6", volume="6", number="9", pages="e38262", keywords="text message", keywords="weight management", keywords="automation", keywords="clinical trial", keywords="engagement", keywords="digital technology", keywords="electronic data capture", keywords="REDCap", keywords="automated text message", keywords="digital health intervention", keywords="health intervention", keywords="health database", keywords="digital health", abstract="Background: The use of digital technologies and software allows for new opportunities to communicate and engage with research participants over time. When software is coupled with automation, we can engage with research participants in a reliable and affordable manner. Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), a browser-based software, has the capability to send automated text messages. This feature can be used to automate delivery of tailored intervention content to research participants in interventions, offering the potential to reduce costs and improve accessibility and scalability. Objective: This study aimed to describe the development and use of 2 REDCap databases to deliver automated intervention content and communication to index participants and their partners (dyads) in a 2-arm, 24-month weight management trial, Partner2Lose. Methods: Partner2Lose randomized individuals with overweight or obesity and cohabitating with a partner to a weight management intervention alone or with their partner. Two databases were developed to correspond to 2 study phases: one for weight loss initiation and one for weight loss maintenance and reminders. The weight loss initiation database was programmed to send participants (in both arms) and their partners (partner-assisted arm) tailored text messages during months 1-6 of the intervention to reinforce class content and support goal achievement. The weight maintenance and reminder database was programmed to send maintenance-related text messages to each participant (both arms) and their partners (partner-assisted arm) during months 7-18. It was also programmed to send text messages to all participants and partners over the course of the 24-month trial to remind them of group classes, dietary recall and physical activity tracking for assessments, and measurement visits. All text messages were delivered via Twilio and were unidirectional. Results: Five cohorts, comprising 231 couples, were consented and randomized in the Partner2Lose trial. The databases will send 53,518 automated, tailored text messages during the trial, significantly reducing the need for staff to send and manage intervention content over 24 months. The cost of text messaging will be approximately US \$450. Thus far, there is a 0.004\% known error rate in text message delivery. Conclusions: Our trial automated the delivery of tailored intervention content and communication using REDCap. The approach described provides a framework that can be used in future behavioral health interventions to create an accessible, reliable, and affordable method for intervention delivery and engagement that requires minimal trial-specific resources and personnel time. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03801174; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03801174?term=NCT03801174 ", doi="10.2196/38262", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/9/e38262", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36066936" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/36919, author="Kathuria, Hasmeena and Shankar, Divya and Cobb, Vinson and Newman, Julia and Bulekova, Katia and Werntz, Scott and Borrelli, Belinda", title="Integrating Social Determinants of Health With Tobacco Treatment for Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder: Feasibility and Acceptability Study of Delivery Through Text Messaging", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Sep", day="1", volume="6", number="9", pages="e36919", keywords="text message", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="opioid use disorder", keywords="tobacco dependence", keywords="tobacco treatment interventions", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) have a high prevalence of smoking and frequently experience unmet social determinants of health (SDOH), which may be barriers to smoking cessation. Hospitalization is an opportunity to encourage smoking cessation. Unfortunately, many clinicians do not provide tobacco treatment to support the maintenance of cessation achieved during hospitalization. Interventions are required to support these high-risk individuals after hospital discharge. Objective: This study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of a 28-day SMS text messaging program tailored to individuals with OUD, which provides smoking cessation support and addresses unmet SDOH needs. Methods: From July to December 2019, we enrolled 25 individuals who were hospitalized with tobacco dependence and OUD at our large safety net hospital. The SMS text messaging program was initiated during hospitalization and continued for 28 days. Participants were enrolled in either the ready to quit within 30 days or the not ready to quit within 30 days program based on their readiness to quit. Automated SMS text messages were sent twice daily for 4 weeks. The topics included health and cost benefits of quitting, both general and opioid specific (16 messages); managing mood and stress (8 messages); motivation, coping strategies, and encouragement (18 messages); addressing medication misconceptions (5 messages); links to resources to address substance use (2 messages providing links to the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline and Boston Medical Center resources), tobacco dependence (1 message providing a link to the Massachusetts Quitline), and unmet SDOH needs (6 messages assessing SDOH needs with links to resources if unmet SDOH needs were identified). Questionnaires and interviews were conducted at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks after enrollment. Results: The participants were 56\% (14/25) female, 36\% (9/25) African American, 92\% (23/25) unemployed, and 96\% (24/25) Medicaid insured. Approximately 84\% (21/25) activated the program, and none of the participants unsubscribed. Approximately 57\% (12/21) completed either the 2- or 4-week questionnaires. Program satisfaction was high (overall mean 6.7, SD 0.8, range 1-7). Many perceived that the SMS text messaging program provided social support, companionship, and motivation to stop smoking. Messages about the health benefits of quitting were well received, whereas messages on how quitting cigarettes may prevent relapse from other substances had mixed views, highlighting the importance of tailoring interventions to patient preferences. Conclusions: SMS text messaging to promote smoking cessation and address SDOH needs may be an effective tool for improving quit rates and health outcomes in individuals with tobacco dependence and OUD. Our study adds to the growing body of evidence that SMS text messaging approaches are feasible and acceptable for providing tobacco treatment to all individuals who smoke, even among low-income populations who have OUD and are not ready to quit. ", doi="10.2196/36919", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/9/e36919", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36048509" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/39772, author="Williams, D. Kimberly and Jurkovitz, T. Claudine and Papas, A. Mia and Muther, Kathryn Ann and Anderson, L. Sharon and Anderson, L. Tammy", title="Feasibility of a Novel COVID-19 Telehealth Care Management Program Among Individuals Receiving Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: Analysis of a Pilot Program", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Aug", day="30", volume="6", number="8", pages="e39772", keywords="opioid use disorder", keywords="substance use", keywords="drug addiction", keywords="opioid treatment program", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="telehealth", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="eHealth", keywords="Short Message Service", keywords="SMS", keywords="text messaging", keywords="text message", keywords="opioid use", keywords="opioid", keywords="care management", keywords="patient care management", keywords="health intervention", keywords="telehealth intervention", abstract="Background: The emergence of COVID-19 exacerbated the existing epidemic of opioid use disorder (OUD) across the United States due to the disruption of in-person treatment and support services. Increased use of technology including telehealth and the development of new partnerships may facilitate coordinated treatment interventions that comprehensively address the health and well-being of individuals with OUD. Objective: The analysis of this pilot program aimed to determine the feasibility of delivering a COVID-19 telehealth care management program using SMS text messages for patients receiving OUD treatment. Methods: Eligible individuals were identified from a statewide opioid treatment program (OTP) network. Those who screened positive for COVID-19 symptoms were invited to connect to care management through a secure SMS text message that was compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act standards. Care management monitoring for COVID-19 was provided for a period of up to 14 days. Monitoring services consisted of daily SMS text messages from the care manager inquiring about the participant's physical health in relation to COVID-19 symptoms by confirming their temperature, if the participant was feeling worse since the prior day, and if the participant was experiencing symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. If COVID-19 symptoms worsened during this observation period, the care manager was instructed to refer participants to the hospital for acute care services. The feasibility of the telehealth care management intervention was assessed by the rates of adoption in terms of program enrollment, engagement as measured by the number of SMS text message responses per participant, and retention in terms of the number of days participants remained in the program. Results: Between January and April 2021, OTP staff members referred 21 patients with COVID-19 symptoms, and 18 (82\%) agreed to be contacted by a care manager. Participants ranged in age from 27 to 65 years and primarily identified as female (n=12, 67\%) and White (n=15, 83\%). The majority of participants were Medicaid recipients (n=14, 78\%). There were no statistically significant differences in the demographic characteristics between those enrolled and not enrolled in the program. A total of 12 (67\%) patients were enrolled in the program, with 2 (11\%) opting out of SMS text message communication and choosing instead to speak with a care manager verbally by telephone. The remaining 10 participants answered a median of 7 (IQR 4-10) SMS text messages and were enrolled in the program for a median of 9 (IQR 7.5-12) days. No participants were referred for acute care services or hospitalized during program enrollment. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the feasibility of a novel telehealth intervention to monitor COVID-19 symptoms among OTP patients in treatment for OUD. Further research is needed to determine the applicability of this intervention to monitor patients with comorbid chronic conditions in addition to the acceptability among patients and providers using the SMS text messaging modality. ", doi="10.2196/39772", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/8/e39772", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35973033" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/36000, author="Zheng, Meihua and Zhang, Xiaoling and Xiao, Huimin", title="Effects of a WeChat-Based Life Review Program for Patients With Digestive System Cancer: 3-Arm Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2022", month="Aug", day="25", volume="24", number="8", pages="e36000", keywords="digestive system cancer", keywords="life review", keywords="digital technology", keywords="anxiety", keywords="depression", keywords="hope", keywords="self-transcendence", keywords="cancer", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="distress", keywords="psychological", keywords="digestive system", abstract="Background: Patients with digestive system cancer often experience psychospiritual distress. Life review is an evidence-based psychological intervention for patients with cancer, but the effects of digital life review programs are unclear, especially for patients with digestive system cancer. Objective: We examined the effects of a WeChat-based life review program on the psychospiritual well-being of patients with digestive system cancer. Methods: This study was a 3-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Eligible patients with digestive system cancer were recruited from a university hospital in Fujian, China. They were randomized to a life review group and 2 control groups. All participants received routine care, and the life review group also received the 4-week WeChat-based life review program. Control group 1 also received a 4-week program of friendly visiting. Anxiety, depression, hope, and self-transcendence were measured at baseline and 2 days, 1 month, and 6 months after the intervention. Results: A total of 150 participants were randomly allocated to the WeChat-based life review group (n=50), control group 1 (n=50), or control group 2 (n=50). The overall dropout rate was 10\% (15/150), and 92\% (46/50) of participants in the the life review group completed the intervention. Significant interaction effects for time and group membership were found for anxiety (P<.001), depression (P<.001), hope (P<.001), and self-transcendence (P<.001) at all follow-up time points. For anxiety and depression, the scores did not differ significantly between the life review group and control group 1 on day 2 (P=.80 for anxiety, P=.51 for depression), but the scores were significantly lower in the life review group at month 1 and month 6 (P=.02 for anxiety at both months 1 and 6; P=.003 and P<.001 for depression at months 1 and 6, respectively). Significant increases in hope and self-transcendence were revealed in the life review group compared to control group participants at all follow-up sessions. Conclusions: The WeChat-based life review program was effective in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms and in improving the level of hope and self-transcendence among patients with digestive system cancer. Though friendly visiting can also help to relieve anxiety, its effects are short-term. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-IOR-17011998; https://tinyurl.com/5acycpd4 ", doi="10.2196/36000", url="https://www.jmir.org/2022/8/e36000", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36006665" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37526, author="Neil, M. Jordan and Senecal, Christian and Ballini, Lauren and Chang, Yuchiao and Goshe, Brett and Flores, Efren and Ostroff, S. Jamie and Park, R. Elyse", title="A Multimethod Evaluation of Tobacco Treatment Trial Recruitment Messages for Current Smokers Recently Diagnosed With Cancer: Pilot Factorial Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Cancer", year="2022", month="Aug", day="24", volume="8", number="3", pages="e37526", keywords="teachable moment", keywords="cancer", keywords="tobacco treatment trial", keywords="smoking", keywords="message framing", keywords="recruitment", abstract="Background: A cancer diagnosis can catalyze motivation to quit smoking. Tobacco treatment trials offer cessation resources but have low accrual rates. Digital outreach may improve accrual, but knowledge of how best to recruit smokers with recent diagnoses is limited. Objective: This study aims to identify the message frames that were most effective in promoting intent to talk to a physician about participating in a tobacco treatment trial for smokers recently diagnosed with cancer. Methods: From February to April 2019, current smokers diagnosed within the past 24 months were recruited from a national web-based panel for a multimethod pilot randomized trial (N=99). Participants were randomized to a 2{\texttimes}3 plus control factorial design that tested 3 unique message frames: proximal versus distal threats of smoking, costs of continued smoking versus benefits of quitting, and gains of participating versus losses of not participating in a tobacco treatment trial. The primary outcome was intent to talk to a physician about participating in a tobacco treatment trial. In phase 1, the main effect within each message factor level was examined using ANOVA and compared with the control condition. Other message evaluation and effectiveness measures were collected and explored in a multivariable model predicting intent to talk to a physician. In phase 2, open-text evaluations of the messages were analyzed using natural language processing software (Leximancer) to generate a thematic concept map and Linguistic Inquiry Word Count to identify and compare the prevalence of linguistic markers among message factors. Results: Of the 99 participants, 76 (77\%) completed the intervention. Participants who received the cost of continued smoking frame were significantly more likely to intend to talk to their physician about participating in a tobacco treatment trial than those who received the benefits of the quitting frame (mean costs 5.13, SD 1.70 vs mean benefits 4.23, SD 1.86; P=.04). Participants who received the proximal risks of continued smoking frame were significantly more likely to seek more information about participating (mean distal 4.83, SD 1.61 vs mean proximal 5.55, SD 1.15; P=.04), and those who received the losses of not participating frame reported significantly improved perceptions of smoking cessation research (mean gain 3.98, SD 0.83 vs mean loss 4.38, SD 0.78; P=.01). Male participants (P=.006) and those with greater message relevancy (P=.001) were significantly more likely to intend to talk to their physician. Participants' perceptions of their smoking habits, as well as their motivation to quit smoking, were prevalent themes in the open-text data. Differences in the percentages of affective words across message frames were identified. Conclusions: Multimethod approaches are needed to develop evidence-based recruitment messages for patients recently diagnosed with cancer. Future tobacco treatment trials should evaluate the effectiveness of different message frames on smoker enrollment rates. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05471284; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05471284 ", doi="10.2196/37526", url="https://cancer.jmir.org/2022/3/e37526", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/36001378" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37309, author="Soepnel, M. Larske and McKinley, C. Michelle and Klingberg, Sonja and Draper, E. Catherine and Prioreschi, Alessandra and Norris, A. Shane and Ware, J. Lisa", title="Evaluation of a Text Messaging Intervention to Promote Preconception Micronutrient Supplement Use: Feasibility Study Nested in the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative Study in South Africa", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Aug", day="18", volume="6", number="8", pages="e37309", keywords="preconception health", keywords="micronutrient supplements", keywords="adherence", keywords="behavioral", keywords="SMS text messaging intervention", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="radio serial", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Social messaging strategies such as SMS text messaging and radio are promising avenues for health promotion and behavior change in low- to middle-income settings. However, evidence of their acceptability, feasibility, and impact in the context of young women's health and micronutrient deficiencies is lacking. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an automated 2-way text messaging intervention nested in an ongoing preconception health trial, the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI; HeLTI Bukhali) in Soweto, South Africa. Second, we aimed to evaluate the acceptability of a health promotion radio serial, which aired concurrently in the region. Methods: In this feasibility study, 120 participants enrolled in HeLTI Bukhali between November 2020 and February 2021 received the 6-month 2-way text messaging intervention. Quantitative and qualitative data on intervention acceptability, usability, interaction, perceived benefit, and fidelity were collected during 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) and from study data logs. During the FGDs, data were collected on the acceptability of the radio serial. Following the text messaging intervention, capillary hemoglobin levels were assessed, and a participant questionnaire provided information on adherence and attitudes toward supplements. The text messaging control group comprised the first 120 women recruited from November 2019 to February 2020, who received the Bukhali intervention but not the text messages. Statistical significance testing and a linear mixed model were used for indicative effect comparisons between the text message--receiving and control groups. Results: The text messaging intervention was found to be acceptable and to have perceived benefits, including being reminded to take supplements, gaining knowledge, and feeling supported by the study team. The use of the 2-way text messaging reply function was limited, with only a 10.8\% (13/120) response rate by week 24. Barriers to replying included a lack of interest or phone credit and technical issues. Regarding the indicative effect, participants receiving the text messages had higher self-reported adherence at follow-up than the text messaging control group (42/63, 67\% vs 33/85, 39\% taking supplements every time; P=.02), and altitude-adjusted hemoglobin increased more between baseline and follow-up in the SMS text message--receiving group than in the text messaging control group (1.03, 95\% CI 0.49-1.57; P<.001). The radio serial content was acceptable, although few participants reported exposure before the FGD. Conclusions: Women reported that the text messaging intervention was useful and described the benefits of receiving the messages. Examination of hemoglobin status indicated a promising beneficial effect of text messaging support on adherence to micronutrient supplementation, requiring further exploration through randomized controlled studies. Health promotion through radio and text messages were both found to be acceptable, although more research into the radio serial reach among young women is needed. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) PACTR201903750173871; https://tinyurl.com/4x6n32ff ", doi="10.2196/37309", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/8/e37309", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35980731" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/35685, author="Jerrott, Susan and Clark, Sharon and Chorney, Jill and Coulombe, Aimee and Wozney, Lori", title="Feasibility of Text Messages for Enhancing Therapeutic Engagement Among Youth and Caregivers Initiating Outpatient Mental Health Treatment: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Aug", day="2", volume="6", number="8", pages="e35685", keywords="text messaging", keywords="youth", keywords="mental health", keywords="waiting list", keywords="informatics", keywords="health behavior", keywords="self-care", keywords="mental health literacy", keywords="caregivers", keywords="transdiagnostic", abstract="Background: Pathways to mental health services for youth are generally complex and often involve numerous contact points and lengthy delays. When starting treatment, there are a host of barriers that contribute to low rates of therapeutic engagement. Automated text messages offer a convenient, low-cost option for information sharing and skill building, and they can potentially activate positive behaviors in youth and caregivers prior to beginning formal therapy. To date, there is little evidence for the feasibility of initiating transdiagnostic text messages during the early stages of youth and caregiver contact with community outpatient mental health services. Objective: To develop and test the feasibility of implementing 2 novel text messaging campaigns aimed at youth clients and their caregivers during the early stages of engaging with outpatient mental health services. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel of experts developed two 12-message interventions with youth and caregivers prior to deployment. Each message included a link to an external interactive or multimedia resource to extend skill development. Enrollment of youth aged 13 to 18 years, their caregivers, or both occurred at 2 early treatment timepoints. At both time points, text messages were delivered automatically 2 times a week for 6 weeks. Analytics and survey data were collected in 2 phases, between January and March 2020 and between January and May 2021. Enrollment, willingness to persist in using the intervention, engagement, satisfaction, perceived value, and impact were measured. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize youth and caregiver outcomes. Results: A total of 41 caregivers and 36 youth consented to participate. Follow-up survey response rates were 54\% (22/41) and 44\%, (16/36) respectively. Over 1500 text messages were sent throughout the study. More than three-quarters (14/16, 88\%) of youth reported that they learned something new and noticed a change in themselves due to receiving the texts; the same proportion (14/16, 88\%) of youth said they would recommend the text messages to others. Youth ranked the first text message, related to coping with difficult emotions, as the most helpful of the series. Caregivers reported acting differently due to receiving the texts. Over two-thirds of caregivers were satisfied with the texts (16/22, 73\%) and would recommend them to others (16/22, 73\%). Caregivers perceived diverse levels of value in the text topics, with 9 of the 12 caregiver texts rated by at least one caregiver as the most helpful. Conclusions: Results are preliminary but show that brief, core skill--focused text messages for youth clients and caregivers in community outpatient mental health services are feasible. Both youth and caregivers reported promising knowledge and behavior change with exposure to only 12 messages over 6 weeks. A larger study with statistical power to detect changes in both perceived helpfulness and engagement is required to confirm the effectiveness of this type of transdiagnostic intervention. ", doi="10.2196/35685", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/8/e35685", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35738559" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/35688, author="Spears, A. Claire and Mhende, Josephine and Hawkins, China and Do, Van Vuong and Hayat, J. Matthew and Eriksen, P. Michael and Hedeker, Donald and Abroms, C. Lorien and Wetter, W. David", title="Mindfulness-Based Smoking Cessation Delivered Through Telehealth and Text Messaging for Low-Income Smokers: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Aug", day="1", volume="11", number="8", pages="e35688", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="telehealth", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="mindfulness", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="tobacco", keywords="health disparities", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. Adults with low income and members of certain racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely to quit, and therefore, they experience profound tobacco-related health disparities. Mindfulness training can increase the rates of smoking cessation and lapse recovery, and telehealth and SMS text messaging have the potential to provide more accessible treatment. Objective: This study aims to test the efficacy of delivering mindfulness-based smoking cessation treatment through text messaging (iQuit Mindfully) and telehealth (group videoconferencing), both as stand-alone interventions and in combination. In addition, it aims to examine the underlying mechanisms of mindfulness treatment. Methods: In this 2{\texttimes}2 randomized controlled trial, participants are randomized into 1 of 4 groups based on assignment to iQuit Mindfully text messages (yes or no) and mindfulness videoconference groups (yes or no). The primary outcomes are biochemically verified smoking abstinence at 8, 12, and 24 weeks after the start of treatment. Secondary outcomes include the frequency of home mindfulness practice and self-reported levels of mindfulness, emotions, craving, withdrawal, dependence, self-efficacy, and social support. Results: Recruitment, treatment, and assessment began in spring and summer 2021, and data collection is expected to continue through spring 2024. Conclusions: This project aims to improve smoking cessation outcomes for low-income, racially and ethnically diverse smokers through mindfulness-based telehealth group counseling and text messaging support. We also aim to advance the scientific study of the mechanisms of action of mindfulness treatment, which could inform the development of more efficacious and efficient treatments to reduce tobacco disparities. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04965181; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04965181 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/35688 ", doi="10.2196/35688", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/8/e35688", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35916707" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/33260, author="Ahmed, Naheed and Boxley, Christian and Dixit, Ram and Krevat, Seth and Fong, Allan and Ratwani, M. Raj and Wesley, B. Deliya", title="Evaluation of a Text Message--Based COVID-19 Vaccine Outreach Program Among Older Patients: Cross-sectional Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Jul", day="18", volume="6", number="7", pages="e33260", keywords="vaccine outreach", keywords="text messaging", keywords="elderly patients", keywords="evaluation", keywords="smartphone", keywords="text message", keywords="SMS", keywords="appointment", keywords="elderly", keywords="older adults", keywords="vaccine", keywords="effectiveness", keywords="engagement", keywords="cross-sectional", abstract="Background: COVID-19 vaccines are vital tools in the defense against infection and serious disease due to SARS-CoV-2. There are many challenges to implementing mass vaccination campaigns for large, diverse populations from crafting vaccine promotion messages to reaching individuals in a timely and effective manner. During this unprecedented period, with COVID-19 mass vaccination campaigns essential for protecting vulnerable patient populations and attaining herd immunity, health care systems were faced with the dual challenges of vaccine outreach and distribution. Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine text outreach approach for patients aged 65 years and older. Our goal was to determine whether this approach was successful in scheduling patients for COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Methods: We developed SMS text messages using the Tavoca platform. These messages informed patients of their vaccine eligibility and allowed them to indicate their interest in scheduling an appointment via a specific method (email or phone) or indicate their lack of interest in the vaccine. We tracked the status of these messages and how patients responded. Messages were sent to patients aged 65 years and older (N=30,826) at a nonprofit health care system in Washington, DC. Data were collected and examined from January 14 to May 10, 2021. Data were analyzed using multivariate multinomial and binary logistic regression models in SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute Inc). Results: Approximately 57\% of text messages were delivered to patients, but many messages received no response from patients (40\%). Additionally, 42.1\% (12,978/30,826) of messages were not delivered. Of the patients who expressed interest in the vaccine (2938/30,826, 9.5\%), Black or African American patients preferred a phone call rather than an email for scheduling their appointment (odds ratio [OR] 1.69, 95\% CI 1.29-2.21) compared to White patients. Patients aged 70-74 years were more likely to schedule an appointment (OR 1.38, 95\% CI 1.01-1.89) than those aged 65-69 years, and Black or African American patients were more likely to schedule an appointment (OR 2.90, 95\% CI 1.72-4.91) than White patients. Conclusions: This study provides insights into some advantages and challenges of using a text messaging vaccine outreach for patients aged 65 years and older. Lessons learned from this vaccine campaign underscore the importance of using multiple outreach methods and sharing of patient vaccination status between health systems, along with a patient-centered approach to address vaccine hesitancy and access issues. ", doi="10.2196/33260", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/7/e33260", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35724339" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37934, author="Agyapong, Belinda and Wei, Yifeng and da Luz Dias, Raquel and Agyapong, Opoku Vincent Israel", title="Burnout and Associated Psychological Problems Among Teachers and the Impact of the Wellness4Teachers Supportive Text Messaging Program: Protocol for a Cross-sectional and Program Evaluation Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Jul", day="14", volume="11", number="7", pages="e37934", keywords="burnout", keywords="stress", keywords="Wellness4Teachers", keywords="anxiety", keywords="depression", keywords="e-mental health", keywords="teachers", keywords="support", keywords="text message", keywords="mental health", keywords="SMS", keywords="high school", keywords="elementary school", keywords="prevalence", keywords="psychological intervention", keywords="school", abstract="Background: Stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression continue to be a problem among teachers worldwide. It is not presently known what the prevalence and correlates for these psychological problems are among teachers in Alberta and Nova Scotia. It is also not known if a supportive text message program (Wellness4Teachers) would be effective in reducing stress, burnout, anxiety, or depression symptoms among teachers. Objective: The goal of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and correlates of stress, burnout, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and low resilience among elementary and high school teachers in Alberta and Nova Scotia, Canada. It also aims to determine if daily supportive text messages can help reduce the prevalence of these psychological problems in teachers. Methods: This is a cross-sessional mixed methods study with data to be collected from subscribers of Wellness4Teachers using a web-based survey at baseline (onset of text messaging), 6 weeks, the program's midpoint (3 months), and end point (6 months). Teachers can subscribe to the Wellness4Teachers program by texting the keyword ``TeachWell'' to the program phone number. Outcome measures will be assessed using standardized rating scales and key informant interviews. Data will be analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and thematic analysis using NVivo. Results: The results of this study are expected 24 months after program launch. It is expected that the prevalence of stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and low resilience among teachers in Alberta and Nova Scotia would be comparable to those reported in other jurisdictions. It is also expected that factors such as gender, number of years teaching, grade of teaching, and school type (elementary vs high school) will have an association with burnout and other psychological disorders among teachers. Furthermore, it is expected that Wellness4Teachers will reduce the prevalence and severity of psychological problems in teachers, and subscriber satisfaction will be high. Conclusions: The Wellness4Teachers project will provide key information regarding prevalence and correlates of common mental health conditions in teachers in Alberta and Nova Scotia, as well as the impact of daily supportive text messages on these mental health parameters. Information from this study will be useful for informing policy and decision-making concerning psychological interventions for schoolteachers. ", doi="10.2196/37934", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/7/e37934", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35834305" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/34102, author="Blair, A. Samari and Brockmann, N. Andrea and Arroyo, M. Kelsey and Carpenter, A. Chelsea and Ross, M. Kathryn", title="Awareness, Acceptability, and Perceived Effectiveness of Text-Based Therapy Among Graduate Students: Cross-sectional Study", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2022", month="Jul", day="7", volume="10", number="7", pages="e34102", keywords="mental health", keywords="text-based therapy", keywords="graduate students", abstract="Background: Research has suggested that there is a mental health crisis occurring among graduate students in the United States. Moreover, many students go without effective treatment owing to the limited availability of mental and behavioral health resources on college campuses. Text-based therapy may represent a viable method for increasing access to mental health support for graduate students, but little is known regarding its acceptability in this population. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess how graduate students perceive text-based therapy and their likelihood of seeking out this form of therapy. Methods: In total, 265 graduate students completed a cross-sectional web-based survey that included multiple-choice and open-ended questions assessing their perceptions of text-based therapy and the likelihood of seeking out this form of therapy. Chi-square tests, ANOVAs, and nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine differences in multiple-choice questions. The constant comparative method was used for qualitative analyses of the open-ended question responses. Results: Participants (n=265) were predominately non-Hispanic White (166/265, 62.6\%) and female (167/265, 63\%) with a mean age of 28.3 (SD 5.1) years. Over half of the participants (139/265, 52.5\%) were not aware that text-based therapy existed; however, 65.3\% (173/265) reported that they would consider using text-based services, if available. In comparison to face-to-face therapy, participants reported being less likely to seek out text-based therapy and perceived it as less effective (P<.001). Qualitative results indicated that participants were concerned about the ability to effectively communicate and build rapport through text-based therapy and thought that this modality may be more effective for some mental and behavioral health concerns than others. Moreover, participants noted that text-based therapy would be best implemented as a way to supplement, rather than replace, face-to-face services. Conclusions: Altogether, the results of this study suggest that text-based therapy holds the potential to increase access to and use of mental and behavioral health services; however, graduate students remain concerned about its effectiveness and the optimal methods of implementation. Future research should investigate how therapeutic processes (eg, effective communication and rapport-building) can be facilitated in digital environments and how text-based therapy could be best implemented to supplement and extend, rather than replace, face-to-face services. ", doi="10.2196/34102", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2022/7/e34102", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35797098" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/36091, author="Jiang, Nan and Rogers, S. Erin and Cupertino, Paula and Zhao, Xiaoquan and Cartujano-Barrera, Francisco and Lyu, Chen Joanne and Hu, Lu and Sherman, E. Scott", title="Development of a WeChat-based Mobile Messaging Smoking Cessation Intervention for Chinese Immigrant Smokers: Qualitative Interview Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Jun", day="30", volume="6", number="6", pages="e36091", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="text messaging", keywords="mobile health", keywords="Chinese American", abstract="Background: Smoking remains a major public health issue among Chinese immigrants. Smoking cessation programs that focus on this population are scarce and have a limited population-level impact due to their low reach. Mobile messaging interventions have the potential to reach large audiences and expand smokers' access to smoking cessation treatment. Objective: This study describes the development of a culturally and linguistically appropriate mobile messaging smoking cessation intervention for Chinese immigrant smokers delivered via WeChat, the most frequently used social media platform among Chinese people globally. Methods: This study had 2 phases. In phase 1, we developed a mobile message library based on social cognitive theory and the US Clinical Practice Guidelines for Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. We culturally adapted messages from 2 social cognitive theory-based text messaging smoking cessation programs (SmokefreeTXT and Dec{\'i}detexto). We also developed new messages targeting smokers who were not ready to quit smoking and novel content addressing Chinese immigrant smokers' barriers to quitting and common misconceptions related to willpower and nicotine replacement therapy. In phase 2, we conducted in-depth interviews with 20 Chinese immigrant smokers (including 7 women) in New York City between July and August 2021. The interviews explored the participants' smoking and quitting experiences followed by assessment of the text messages. Participants reviewed 17 text messages (6 educational messages, 3 self-efficacy messages, and 8 skill messages) via WeChat and rated to what extent the messages enhanced their motivation to quit, promoted confidence in quitting, and increased awareness about quitting strategies. The interviews sought feedback on poorly rated messages, explored participant preferences for content, length, and format, discussed their concerns with WeChat cessation intervention, and solicited recommendations for frequency and timing of messages. Results: Overall, participants reported that the messages enhanced their motivation to quit, offered encouragement, and made them more informed about how to quit. Participants particularly liked the messages about the harms of smoking and strategies for quitting. They reported barriers to applying some of the quitting strategies, including coping with stress and staying abstinent at work. Participants expressed strong interest in the WeChat mobile messaging cessation intervention and commented on its potential to expand their access to smoking cessation treatment. Conclusions: Mobile messages are well accepted by Chinese immigrant smokers. Research is needed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of WeChat mobile messaging smoking cessation interventions for promoting abstinence among Chinese immigrant smokers. ", doi="10.2196/36091", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/6/e36091", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35771603" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/36151, author="Davoudi, Anahita and Lee, S. Natalie and Luong, ThaiBinh and Delaney, Timothy and Asch, Elizabeth and Chaiyachati, Krisda and Mowery, Danielle", title="Identifying Medication-Related Intents From a Bidirectional Text Messaging Platform for Hypertension Management Using an Unsupervised Learning Approach: Retrospective Observational Pilot Study", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2022", month="Jun", day="29", volume="24", number="6", pages="e36151", keywords="chatbots", keywords="secure messaging systems", keywords="unsupervised learning", keywords="latent Dirichlet allocation", keywords="natural language processing", abstract="Background: Free-text communication between patients and providers plays an increasing role in chronic disease management, through platforms varying from traditional health care portals to novel mobile messaging apps. These text data are rich resources for clinical purposes, but their sheer volume render them difficult to manage. Even automated approaches, such as natural language processing, require labor-intensive manual classification for developing training data sets. Automated approaches to organizing free-text data are necessary to facilitate use of free-text communication for clinical care. Objective: The aim of this study was to apply unsupervised learning approaches to (1) understand the types of topics discussed and (2) learn medication-related intents from messages sent between patients and providers through a bidirectional text messaging system for managing participant blood pressure (BP). Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of deidentified messages from a remote, mobile, text-based employee hypertension management program at an academic institution. We trained a latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model for each message type (ie, inbound patient messages and outbound provider messages) and identified the distribution of major topics and significant topics (probability >.20) across message types. Next, we annotated all medication-related messages with a single medication intent. Then, we trained a second medication-specific LDA (medLDA) model to assess how well the unsupervised method could identify more fine-grained medication intents. We encoded each medication message with n-grams (n=1-3 words) using spaCy, clinical named entities using Stanza, and medication categories using MedEx; we then applied chi-square feature selection to learn the most informative features associated with each medication intent. Results: In total, 253 participants and 5 providers engaged in the program, generating 12,131 total messages: 46.90\% (n=5689) patient messages and 53.10\% (n=6442) provider messages. Most patient messages corresponded to BP reporting, BP encouragement, and appointment scheduling; most provider messages corresponded to BP reporting, medication adherence, and confirmatory statements. Most patient and provider messages contained 1 topic and few contained more than 3 topics identified using LDA. In total, 534 medication messages were annotated with a single medication intent. Of these, 282 (52.8\%) were patient medication messages: most referred to the medication request intent (n=134, 47.5\%). Most of the 252 (47.2\%) provider medication messages referred to the medication question intent (n=173, 68.7\%). Although the medLDA model could identify a majority intent within each topic, it could not distinguish medication intents with low prevalence within patient or provider messages. Richer feature engineering identified informative lexical-semantic patterns associated with each medication intent class. Conclusions: LDA can be an effective method for generating subgroups of messages with similar term usage and facilitating the review of topics to inform annotations. However, few training cases and shared vocabulary between intents precludes the use of LDA for fully automated, deep, medication intent classification. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1101/2021.12.23.21268061 ", doi="10.2196/36151", url="https://www.jmir.org/2022/6/e36151", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35767327" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32089, author="Mohammad, Zaahirah and Ahmad, Norliza and Baharom, Anisah", title="The Effects of Theory-Based Educational Intervention and WhatsApp Follow-up on Papanicolaou Smear Uptake Among Postnatal Women in Malaysia: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2022", month="Jun", day="27", volume="10", number="6", pages="e32089", keywords="uterine cervical neoplasms", keywords="Papanicolaou test", keywords="psychological theory", keywords="self-efficacy", keywords="social media", keywords="health knowledge", keywords="attitude", keywords="practice", keywords="Malaysia", abstract="Background: Despite the availability and accessibility of free Papanicolaou (Pap) smear as a screening tool for cervical cancer, the uptake of Pap smear in Malaysia has not changed in the last 15 years. Previous studies have shown that the high uptake of Pap smear reduces the mortality rate of patients with cervical cancer. The low uptake of Pap smear is multifactorial, and the problem could be minimized through the use of mobile technologies. Nevertheless, most intervention studies focused on individual factors, while other important aspects such as mobile technologies, especially WhatsApp, have not been investigated yet. Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of a theory-based educational intervention and WhatsApp follow-up (Pap smear uptake [PSU] intervention) in improving PSU among postnatal women in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Methods: A 2-arm, parallel single-blind cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among postpartum women from the Seremban district. Twelve health clinics were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. At baseline, both groups received a self-administered questionnaire. The intervention group received standard care and PSU intervention delivered by a researcher. This 2-stage intervention module was developed based on Social Cognitive Theory, where the first stage was conducted face-to-face and the second stage included a WhatsApp follow-up. The control group received standard care. Participants were observed immediately and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the intervention. The primary endpoint was PSU, whereas the secondary endpoints were knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy scores for Pap smear screening self-assessed using a Google Forms questionnaire. A generalized mixed model was used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS (version 25), and P value of .05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We analyzed 401 women, of whom 76 (response rate: 325/401, 81\%) had withdrawn because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total of 162 respondents in the intervention group and 163 respondents in the control group. The proportion of Pap smears at the 12-week follow-up was 67.9\% (110/162) in the intervention group versus 39.8\% (65/163) in the control group (P<.001). Significant differences between the intervention and control groups were found for Pap smear use (F4,1178; P<.001), knowledge scores (F4,1172=14.946; P<.001), attitude scores (F4,1172=24.417; P<.001), and self-efficacy scores (F1,1172=10.432; P<.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the PSU intervention is effective in increasing the uptake of Pap smear among postnatal women in Seremban district, Malaysia. This intervention module can be tested in other populations of women. Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20200205001; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20200205001 ", doi="10.2196/32089", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2022/6/e32089", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35759319" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/33036, author="Antoniou, Mark and Estival, Dominique and Lam-Cassettari, Christa and Li, Weicong and Dwyer, Anne and Neto, Almeida Ab{\`i}lio de", title="Predicting Mental Health Status in Remote and Rural Farming Communities: Computational Analysis of Text-Based Counseling", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Jun", day="21", volume="6", number="6", pages="e33036", keywords="e-mental health", keywords="text-based", keywords="counseling", keywords="Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count", keywords="LIWC", keywords="depression", keywords="anxiety", keywords="stress", abstract="Background: Australians living in rural and remote areas are at elevated risk of mental health problems and must overcome barriers to help seeking, such as poor access, stigma, and entrenched stoicism. e-Mental health services circumvent such barriers using technology, and text-based services are particularly well suited to clients concerned with privacy and self-presentation. They allow the client to reflect on the therapy session after it has ended as the chat log is stored on their device. The text also offers researchers an opportunity to analyze language use patterns and explore how these relate to mental health status. Objective: In this project, we investigated whether computational linguistic techniques can be applied to text-based communications with the goal of identifying a client's mental health status. Methods: Client-therapist text messages were analyzed using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count tool. We examined whether the resulting word counts related to the participants' presenting problems or their self-ratings of mental health at the completion of counseling. Results: The results confirmed that word use patterns could be used to differentiate whether a client had one of the top 3 presenting problems (depression, anxiety, or stress) and, prospectively, to predict their self-rated mental health after counseling had been completed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that language use patterns are useful for both researchers and clinicians trying to identify individuals at risk of mental health problems, with potential applications in screening and targeted intervention. ", doi="10.2196/33036", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/6/e33036", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35727623" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37777, author="Sadural, Ernani and Riley, E. Kristen and Zha, Peijia and Pacquiao, Dula and Faust, Amanda", title="Experiences With a Postpartum mHealth Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Key Informant Interviews Among Patients, Health Care Providers, and Stakeholders", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Jun", day="13", volume="6", number="6", pages="e37777", keywords="maternal mortality", keywords="health disparity", keywords="mHealth", keywords="patient engagement", keywords="postbirth warning signs", abstract="Background: Maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States continue to be a worsening public health crisis, with persistent racial disparities among Black women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovations in mobile health (mHealth) technology are being developed as a strategy to connect birthing women to their health care providers during the first 6 weeks of the postpartum period. Objective: This study aimed to inform a process to evaluate the barriers to mHealth implementation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic by exploring the experiences of mothers and stakeholders who were directly involved in the pilot program. Methods: The qualitative design used GoToMeeting (GoTo) individual interviews of 13 mothers and 7 stakeholders at a suburban teaching hospital in New Jersey. Mothers were aged ?18 years, able to read and write in English or Spanish, had a vaginal or cesarean birth at >20 weeks of estimated gestational age, and were admitted for delivery at the hospital with at least a 24-hour postpartum stay. Stakeholders were part of the hospital network's obstetrics collaborative subcommittee comprising administrators, physicians, registered nurses, and informatics. Responses were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for emerging themes. The socioecological framework provided a holistic lens for analyzing the multilevel influences on individual experiences. Results: A total of 3 major themes were identified: mothers experienced barriers from personal situations at home and with services in the hospital and community, which were intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic; the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted hospital services, priorities, and individual staff; and mothers and stakeholders had positive experiences and perceptions of the mHealth intervention. Conclusions: The use and reach of the mHealth intervention were negatively influenced by interrelated factors operating at multiple levels. The system-wide and multilevel impact of the pandemic was reflected in participants' responses, providing evidence for the need to re-evaluate mHealth implementation with more adaptable systems and structures in place using a socioecological framework. ", doi="10.2196/37777", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/6/e37777", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35699998" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32416, author="Lightfoot, Marguerita and Jackson-Morgan, Joi and Pollack, Lance and Bennett, Ayanna", title="Acceptability and Feasibility of Peer-to-Peer Text Messaging Among Adolescents to Increase Clinic Visits and Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing: Interrupted Times-Series Analysis", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Jun", day="9", volume="6", number="6", pages="e32416", keywords="HIV prevention", keywords="STI prevention", keywords="adolescents", keywords="youth", keywords="text messaging", keywords="SMS", keywords="peer-to-peer intervention", keywords="HIV", keywords="STI", keywords="HIV testing", abstract="Background: Adolescents are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Many youths with asymptomatic STI or related symptoms do not seek treatment and may not be screened if accessing the health care system for other reasons. Objective: We examined intervention completion and changes in the number of new patients, the number of STI or HIV tests, and the sexual risk profile of patients over time to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a peer-driven text messaging strategy to connect youth to STI and HIV services. Methods: The intervention enlisted consecutive patients at an adolescent medicine clinic to send a text message to 5 peers they believed were sexually active and lived in the clinic's service area. The intervention was evaluated using an interrupted time-series design in which baseline clinic service levels were documented during a 35-week lead-in period, followed by a 20-week intervention implementation period, and a 16-week period of continued clinic observation. Clinic and patient data were obtained through chart abstraction from intake forms that occurred during the entire study period. Analyses conducted in 2015 used a generalized linear mixed model. Results: Of the 153 patients approached to participate, 100 agreed to send SMS text messages. Most (n=55, 55\%) reported no concerns with sending the text message. No adverse events or negative outcomes were reported. Adolescent STI testing, positive test results, and reported risk behavior increased post intervention, although this was not statistically significant, likely because of the small sample size. Conclusions: Given low youth uptake of health care services, and STI/HIV screening, in particular, new strategies are needed to address access barriers. Common approaches for reaching youth are resource-intensive and often miss those not connected to school or community programs. The peer-based text messaging strategy showed promise for both increasing the number of youths accessing health services and finding youths engaging in sexual risk behaviors and most in need of sexual health screening and services. ", doi="10.2196/32416", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/6/e32416", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35686737" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/30630, author="Okaniwa, Fusae and Yoshida, Hiroshi", title="Evaluation of Dietary Management Using Artificial Intelligence and Human Interventions: Nonrandomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Jun", day="8", volume="6", number="6", pages="e30630", keywords="health promotion", keywords="dietary management", keywords="intervention", keywords="artificial intelligence", keywords="body fat percentage", keywords="body mass index", keywords="behavioral economics", keywords="nonprofessional", keywords="Japan", abstract="Background: There has been an increase in personal health records with the increased use of wearable devices and smartphone apps to improve health. Traditional health promotion programs by human professionals have limitations in terms of cost and reach. Due to labor shortages and to save costs, there has been a growing emphasis in the medical field on building health guidance systems using artificial intelligence (AI). AI will replace advanced human tasks to some extent in the future. However, it is difficult to sustain behavioral change through technology alone at present. Objective: This study investigates whether AI alone can effectively encourage healthy behaviors or whether human interventions are needed to achieve and sustain health-related behavioral change. We examined the effectiveness of AI and human interventions to encourage dietary management behaviors. In addition, we elucidated the conditions for maximizing the effect of AI on health improvement. We hypothesized that the combination of AI and human interventions will maximize their effectiveness. Methods: We conducted a 3-month experiment by recruiting participants who were users of a smartphone diet management app. We recruited 102 participants and divided them into 3 groups. Treatment group I received text messages using the standard features of the app (AI-based text message intervention). Treatment group II received video messages from a companion, in addition to the text messages (combined text message and human video message intervention by AI). The control group used the app to keep a dietary record, but no feedback was provided (no intervention). We examine the participants' continuity and the effects on physical indicators. Results: Combined AI and video messaging (treatment group II) led to a lower dropout rate from the program compared to the control group, and the Cox proportional-hazards model estimate showed a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.078, which was statistically significant at the 5\% level. Further, human intervention with AI and video messaging significantly reduced the body fat percentage (BFP) of participants after 3 months compared to the control group, and the rate of reduction was greater in the group with more individualized intervention. The AI-based text messages affected the BMI but had no significant effect on the BFP. Conclusions: This experiment shows that it is challenging to sustain participants' healthy behavior with AI intervention alone. The results also suggest that even if the health information conveyed is the same, the information conveyed by humans and AI is more effective in improving health than the information sent by AI alone. The support received from the companion in the form of video messages may have promoted voluntary health behaviors. It is noteworthy that companions were competent, even though they were nonexperts. This means that person-to-person communication is crucial for health interventions. ", doi="10.2196/30630", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/6/e30630", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35675107" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/28885, author="Stocks, Jacob and Ibrahim, Saduma and Park, Lawrence and Huchko, Megan", title="Mobile Phone Ownership and Use Among Women Screening for Cervical Cancer in a Community-Based Setting in Western Kenya: Observational Study", journal="JMIR Public Health Surveill", year="2022", month="Jun", day="7", volume="8", number="6", pages="e28885", keywords="cell phone", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="cervical cancer screening", keywords="Kenya", keywords="human papillomavirus", keywords="HPV testing", abstract="Background: Mobile phone ownership among women of reproductive age in western Kenya is not well described, and our understanding of its link with care-seeking behaviors is nascent. Understanding access to and use of mobile phones among this population as well as willingness to participate in mobile health interventions are important in improving and more effectively implementing mobile health strategies. Objective: This study aims to describe patterns of mobile phone ownership and use among women attending cervical cancer screening and to identify key considerations for the use of SMS text message--guided linkage to treatment strategies and other programmatic implications for cervical cancer screening in Kenya. Methods: This analysis was nested within a cluster randomized trial evaluating various strategies for human papillomavirus (HPV)--based cervical cancer screening and prevention in a rural area in western Kenya between February and November 2018. A total of 3299 women were surveyed at the time of screening and treatment. Questionnaires included items detailing demographics, health history, prior care-seeking behaviors, and patterns of mobile phone ownership and use. We used bivariate and multivariable log-binomial regression to analyze associations between independent variables and treatment uptake among women testing positive for high-risk HPV. Results: Rates of mobile phone ownership (2351/3299, 71.26\%) and reported daily use (2441/3299, 73.99\%) were high among women. Most women (1953/3277, 59.59\%) were comfortable receiving their screening results via SMS text messages, although the most commonly preferred method of notification was via phone calls. Higher levels of education (risk ratio 1.23, 95\% CI 1.02-1.50), missing work to attend screening (risk ratio 1.29, 95\% CI 1.10-1.52), and previous cervical cancer screening (risk ratio 1.27, 95\% CI 1.05-1.55) were significantly associated with a higher risk of attending treatment after testing high-risk HPV--positive, although the rates of overall treatment uptake remained low (278/551, 50.5\%) among this population. Those who shared a mobile phone with their partner or spouse were less likely to attend treatment than those who owned a phone (adjusted risk ratio 0.69, 95\% CI 0.46-1.05). Treatment uptake did not vary significantly according to the type of notification method, which were SMS text message, phone call, or home visit. Conclusions: Although the rates of mobile phone ownership and use among women in western Kenya are high, we found that individual preferences for communication of messages about HPV results and treatment varied and that treatment rates were low across the entire cohort, with no difference by modality (SMS text message, phone call, or home visit). Therefore, although text-based results performed as well as phone calls and home visits, our findings highlight the need for more work to tailor communication about HPV results and support women as they navigate the follow-up process. ", doi="10.2196/28885", url="https://publichealth.jmir.org/2022/6/e28885", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35671089" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/23641, author="Treacy-Abarca, Sean and Mercado, Janisse and Serrano, Jorge and Gonzalez, Jennifer and Menchine, Michael and Arora, Sanjay and Wu, Shinyi and Burner, Elizabeth", title="Technological Proficiencies, Engagement, and Practical Considerations for mHealth Programs at an Urban Safety-Net Hospital Emergency Departments: Data Analysis", journal="JMIR Diabetes", year="2022", month="Jun", day="6", volume="7", number="2", pages="e23641", keywords="mHealth", keywords="engagement", keywords="practical considerations", keywords="safety-net hospital", keywords="emergency department", keywords="minority health", keywords="low income", abstract="Background: Safety-net emergency departments often serve as the primary entry point for medical care for low income predominantly minority patient populations. Herein, we sought to provide insight into the feasibility, technological proficiencies, engagement characteristics, and practical considerations for a mHealth intervention at a safety-net emergency department. Objective: We aimed to analyze patient technological proficiency to understand the feasibility of and draw practical considerations for mobile phone technology (mHealth) solutions for patients with chronic disease served by safety-net emergency departments. Methods: We analyzed data from a previous diabetes randomized clinical mHealth trial for a diabetes social support intervention. Patients from a safety-net emergency department with preexisting diabetes who used SMS text messages, owned a mobile phone, and with hemoglobin A1c levels >8.5\% were enrolled. A text message--based mHealth program to improve disease self-management was provided to all patients. Supporters of patients were randomized to receive a mailed copy or mHealth-based curriculum designed to improve diabetes support. Among enrolled patients, we surveyed mobile technological capacity and frequency of use. We performed latent class analysis to identify classes of patients by level of technological proficiency and compared demographic characteristics between the latent classes to identify demographic subgroups that may require more training or tailoring of the mHealth approach. Study engagement between classes was assessed by comparing the mean number of text messages exchanged, loss to follow-up, and early termination. Results: Of 1876 patients who were approached, 44.2\% (n=829) of patients had a stable mobile phone and were able to use text messages. Among them 166 met the trial inclusion and enrolled, 90\% (149/166) of the cohort were ethnically diverse. Significant variance was found in technology capacity and frequency of use. Our latent class analysis classified 75\% (124/166) of patients as highly technologically proficient and 25\% (42/166) patients as minimally technologically proficient. Age (P<.001) and level of education (P<.001) were associated with class membership. Highly technologically proficient patients were younger and had higher levels of education (45.74 years old; high school or more: 90\%) than minimally technologically proficient patients (53.64 years old; high school or more: 18\%). Highly technologically proficient participants exchanged a mean of 40 text messages with the system coordinators compared to a mean of 10 text messages by minimally technologically proficient patients (P<.001). Conclusions: This study found that nearly half of the patients screened at the safety-net emergency department were equipped for an SMS text message--based mHealth intervention. In the small sample of patients who were enrolled, the majority were classified as highly technologically proficient. These highly proficient patients had greater study engagement. mHealth use in emergency departments may be an opportunity to improve health of ethnically diverse populations by pairing sophisticated chronic disease self-management program with SMS text message--based and traditional in-person interventions to reach patients through the method that is most familiar and comfortable. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1016/j.cct.2019.03.003 ", doi="10.2196/23641", url="https://diabetes.jmir.org/2022/2/e23641", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35666555" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/38543, author="Litt, M. Dana and Geusens, Femke and Seamster, Abby and Lewis, A. Melissa", title="A Parent-Based Intervention for Reducing High-risk Social Media Cognitions, Alcohol Use, and Negative Consequences Among Adolescents: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="May", day="17", volume="11", number="5", pages="e38543", keywords="parent-based interventions", keywords="alcohol", keywords="pilot study", keywords="social media", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: The prevalence of adolescent alcohol use continues to be a public health concern. Although adolescents spend an increasing amount of time with their friends, parents remain an important source of support and continue to play a key role in the lives of their adolescents. Extensive research in this area has resulted in parent-based intervention (PBI) efforts to prevent or reduce adolescent alcohol use. However, one major limitation of PBIs is that they do not currently consider the large role that social media plays in adolescents' lives and in relation to their alcohol use. We will add to the literature by developing and refining a web-based PBI designed to reduce both high-risk social media cognitions and alcohol use among adolescents. Objective: The central goal of the proposed study is to develop, refine, and pilot a web-based PBI to reduce both high-risk social media cognitions and alcohol use among adolescents. Methods: A total of 100 parent-teen dyads will be randomly assigned to one of the following 2 conditions: intervention or control. Parents in the intervention group will be given access to the web-based PBI and suggestions for working through the PBI modules with their teens. The parent-teen dyads will fill out 3 questionnaires: a baseline questionnaire, 1-month questionnaire, and 6-month questionnaire. Results: Recruitment and enrollment will begin in August 2022. Upon completion of the intervention trial, we will examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effect sizes of the newly developed web-based PBI. Conclusions: This study has the potential to open doors for future studies examining the clinical implications of an efficacious web-based PBI to reduce alcohol use and high-risk cognitions about alcohol displays on social media. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04333966; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04333966 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/38543 ", doi="10.2196/38543", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/5/e38543", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35579931" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/36821, author="Dol, Justine and Aston, Megan and McMillan, Douglas and Tomblin Murphy, Gail and Campbell-Yeo, Marsha", title="Participants' Perceptions of Essential Coaching for Every Mother---a Canadian Text Message--Based Postpartum Program: Process Evaluation of a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="May", day="13", volume="6", number="5", pages="e36821", keywords="mHealth", keywords="text messaging", keywords="postpartum", keywords="process evaluation", keywords="mobile health", keywords="SMS", keywords="text message", keywords="digital health", keywords="randomized control trial", keywords="postnatal", abstract="Background: ``Essential Coaching for Every Mother'' is a Canadian text message--based program that sends daily messages to mothers for 6 weeks after they give birth. There is a need to explore the program's effectiveness in terms of the participants' experience to guide refinement and modification. Objective: This study aimed to describe the process evaluation of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother randomized controlled trial through an evaluation of the research implementation extent and quality. Methods: Participants were recruited from Nova Scotia, Canada, between January 5 and August 1, 2021. Enrolled participants were randomized into the intervention or control group. Participants randomized to the intervention group received standard care along with the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program's text messages related to newborn and maternal care for the first 6 weeks after giving birth, while the control group received standard care. Usage data were collected from the SMS text message program used, and participants completed web-based questionnaires at 6 weeks after birth. ?Quantitative data and qualitative responses to open-ended questions were used to triangulate findings. Quantitative data were summarized using means, SDs, and percentages, as appropriate, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Of the 295 unique initial contacts, 150 mothers were eligible and completed the baseline survey to be enrolled in the study (intervention, n=78; control, n=72). Of those randomized into the intervention group, 75 (96\%) completed the 6-week follow-up survey to provide feedback on the program. In total, 48 (62\%) intervention participants received all messages as designed in the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program, with participants who enrolled late missing on average 4.7 (range 1-12) messages. Intervention participants reported an 89\% satisfaction rate with the program, and 100\% of participants would recommend the program to other new mothers. Participants liked how the program made them feel, the format, appropriate timing of messages, and content while disliking the frequency of messages and gaps in content. Participants also provided suggestions for future improvement. Conclusions: Our process evaluation has provided a comprehensive understanding of interest in the program as well as identified preference for program components. The findings of this study will be used to update future iterations of the Essential Coaching for Every Mother program. Trial Registration: ClincalTrials.gov NCT04730570; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04730570 ", doi="10.2196/36821", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/5/e36821", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35559855" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/36208, author="Mignault, Alexandre and Tchouaket Nguemeleu, {\'E}ric and Robins, Stephanie and Maillet, {\'E}ric and Matetsa, Edwige and Dupuis, St{\'e}phane", title="Automated Intraoperative Short Messaging Service Updates: Quality Improvement Initiative to Relieve Caregivers' Worries", journal="JMIR Perioper Med", year="2022", month="May", day="6", volume="5", number="1", pages="e36208", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="surgery", keywords="intraoperative", keywords="OR nurse", keywords="communication", keywords="technology", keywords="short messaging service", keywords="SMS", keywords="text message", keywords="caregiver", keywords="anxiety", keywords="perioperative", keywords="surgical", keywords="surgical procedure", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mental health", keywords="digital health", keywords="digital health care", abstract="Background: Undergoing a surgical procedure is anxiety provoking for patients and their caregivers. During the intraoperative period, caregivers seek out informational updates from health care professionals, a situation complicated by COVID-19 health measures that require caregivers to wait outside the hospital. Short messaging service (SMS)-based communication that allows caregivers to follow their loved ones through surgery has shown promise in relieving anxiety and improving satisfaction with overall care. This form of communication is also well accepted by health care professionals and may be effective at relieving staff burden. Objective: Here, we describe a quality improvement initiative of a standardized and integrated intraoperative SMS-based system to improve communication between surgical teams and caregivers. The main goal was to improve satisfaction with care, while the secondary goal was to reduce caregiver anxiety. Methods: The initiative followed the framework of the Model for Improvement. A large tertiary care hospital offered the SMS to caregivers who were waiting for loved ones undergoing surgery. SMS messages were integrated into the clinical information system software and sent at key points during the surgical journey to phone numbers provided by caregivers. A satisfaction survey was sent to caregivers 1 business day after surgery. Data were collected between February 16 and July 14, 2021. Results: Of the 8129 surgeries scheduled, caregivers waiting for 6149 (75.6\%) surgeries agreed to receive SMS messages. A total of 34,129 messages were sent. The satisfaction survey was completed by 2088 (34\%) of the 6149 caregivers. Satisfaction with messages was high, with the majority of respondents reporting that the messages received were adequate (1476/2085, 70.8\%), clear (1545/2077, 74.4\%), informative (1488/2078, 71.6\%), and met their needs (1234/2077, 59.4\%). The overall satisfaction score was high (4.5 out of 5), and caregivers reported that receiving text messages resulted in a reduction in anxiety (score=8.2 out of 10). Technical errors were reported by 69 (3.3\%) caregivers. Suggestions for improvements included having messages sent more often; providing greater patient details, including the patient's health status; and the service being offered in other languages. Conclusions: This digital health initiative provided SMS messages that were systematically sent to caregivers waiting for their loved ones undergoing surgery, just as COVID-19 restrictions began preventing waiting onsite. The messages were used across 15 surgical specialties and have since been implemented hospital-wide. Digital health care innovations have the capacity to improve family-centered communication; what patients and their families find useful and appreciate will ultimately determine their success. ", doi="10.2196/36208", url="https://periop.jmir.org/2022/1/e36208", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35436760" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/34960, author="Rohde, A. Jacob and Fisher, B. Edwin and Boynton, H. Marcella and Freelon, Deen and Frohlich, O. Dennis and Barnes, L. Edward and Noar, M. Seth", title="A Self-management SMS Text Messaging Intervention for People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Feasibility and Acceptability Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="May", day="6", volume="6", number="5", pages="e34960", keywords="inflammatory bowel disease", keywords="mHealth", keywords="self-management", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Mobile health technologies can be useful for providing disease self-management information and support to people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Objective: The aim of this study was to test a self-management SMS text messaging intervention for people with IBD. Our goal was to examine intervention feasibility, acceptability, and engagement and to preliminarily evaluate improvements in certain self-reported health outcomes among participants. Methods: We developed an SMS text messaging program called Text4IBD. The program sent daily support messages and resources about disease self-management over the course of a 2-week, single-group, pretest-posttest intervention to participants (N=114) diagnosed with IBD. We examined intervention feasibility, acceptability, and engagement through Text4IBD message topic recall and use of resources (ie, visiting supplemental websites recommended by the Text4IBD program). We also assessed pretest-posttest measures of IBD-related distress, self-efficacy, perceived support, use of coping strategies, and medication adherence. Analyses examined participants' evaluations of the intervention and compared pretest-posttest changes in secondary outcomes using paired-samples statistics. Results: Approximately all participants who completed the intervention (n=105) were receptive to Text4IBD and viewed the program as feasible and acceptable. In addition, most participants (103/105, 98.1\%) recalled at least one of the message topics sent by the program, and 79\% (83/105) of them self-reported engaging with at least one of the external self-management resources recommended by the Text4IBD program. Pretest-posttest results showed reduced IBD-related distress (mean 3.33, SD 0.68 vs mean 2.86, SD 0.73; P<.001) and improvements in most other secondary outcomes. Conclusions: Findings from this study highlight the value of SMS text messaging as a useful digital medium for providing support to people with IBD, particularly to those who may struggle with disease-related distress. Text4IBD was highly feasible and acceptable and may help people self-manage their IBD. Future studies should aim to evaluate this program in a randomized controlled trial in clinical settings. ", doi="10.2196/34960", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/5/e34960", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35522471" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/35699, author="King, Leya Sayde and Lebert, Jana and Karpisek, Anne Lacey and Phillips, Amelia and Neal, Tempestt and Kosyluk, Kristin", title="Characterizing User Experiences With an SMS Text Messaging--Based mHealth Intervention: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="May", day="3", volume="6", number="5", pages="e35699", keywords="text messaging", keywords="SMS", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="stigma", keywords="user perceptions", keywords="ubiquitous sensing", keywords="low-intensity intervention", keywords="coping", keywords="mental health", keywords="cognitive restructuring", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Limited access to mental health care services due to provider shortages, geographic limitations, and cost has driven the area of mobile health (mHealth) care to address these access gaps. Reports from the Cohen Veterans Network and National Council for Behavioral Health show that in states where mental health care is more accessible, 38\% of people still do not receive the care they need. mHealth strategies help to provide care to individuals experiencing these barriers at lower cost and greater convenience, making mHealth a great resource to bridge the gaps. Objective: We present a mixed methods study to evaluate user experiences with the mental mHealth service, Cope Notes. Specifically, we aimed to investigate the following research questions: How do users perceive the service in relation to stigma, impact of the intervention, and perceived usefulness? How do users rate the Cope Notes service and SMS text messaging along various dimensions of acceptability? What is the relationship between Cope Notes SMS text message ratings, user personality, and coping strategies? What are user perspectives of leveraging ubiquitous sensing technologies to improve delivery and provide tailored content? Methods: We performed qualitative interviews with Cope Notes users (N=14) who have used the service for at least 30 days to evaluate their experiences and usefulness of the service. These interviews were coded by 2 raters (SLK and JL), and the interrater reliability was calculated with SPSS (IBM Corp) at 61.8\%. In addition, participants completed quantitative measures, including a user experiences survey, personality inventory (Big Five Inventory-10), and coping assessment (Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced). Results: We derived 7 themes from our qualitative interviews: Likes or Perceived Benefits, Dislikes or Limitations, Suggested Changes, Stigma or Help Seeking, Perceptions of Ubiquitous Sensing, Cultural Sensitivity, and Alternative mHealth Resources. Exploratory analyses between acceptability ratings of Cope Notes and personality factors showed statistically significant positive relationships between seeing oneself as someone who is generally trusting and acceptability items, the most significant being item 7 (I fully understood the sentiment behind Cope Notes Messages) with (rs(10)=0.82, P=.001). We also found statistically significant relationships between acceptability and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced items, with the strongest positive correlation between participants strongly endorsing coping by accepting the reality that an event has happened and acceptability item 7 (rs(8)=0.86, P=.001). Conclusions: Our study found that Cope Notes subscribers appreciate the service for reframing their mental wellness with statistically significant correlations between personality and acceptability of the service. We found that some users prefer a more personalized experience with neutral to positive reactions to a potential companion app that continuously monitors user behavior via smartphone sensors to provide just-in-time interventions when users need it most. ", doi="10.2196/35699", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/5/e35699", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35503524" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/30058, author="Bartlett, Kiera Yvonne and Farmer, Andrew and Newhouse, Nikki and Miles, Lisa and Kenning, Cassandra and French, P. David", title="Effects of Using a Text Message Intervention on Psychological Constructs and the Association Between Changes to Psychological Constructs and Medication Adherence in People With Type 2 Diabetes: Results From a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Apr", day="29", volume="6", number="4", pages="e30058", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="type 2 diabetes mellitus", keywords="behavior change techniques", keywords="text messaging", keywords="feasibility studies", keywords="diabetes", keywords="medication", keywords="digital health", abstract="Background: Poor adherence to oral medications is common in people with type 2 diabetes and can lead to an increased chance of health complications. Text messages may provide an effective delivery method for an intervention; however, thus far, the majority of these interventions do not specify either a theoretical basis or propose specific mechanisms of action. This makes it hard to determine how and whether an intervention is having an effect. The text messages included in the current intervention have been developed to deliver specific behavior change techniques. These techniques are the ``active ingredients'' of the intervention and were selected to target psychological constructs identified as predictors of medication adherence. Objective: There are 2 aims of this study: (1) to assess whether a text message intervention with specified behavior change techniques can change the constructs that predict medication adherence behaviors in people with type 2 diabetes and (2) to assess whether changes to psychological constructs are associated with changes in self-reported medication adherence. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled, 6-month feasibility trial. Adults prescribed oral medication for type 2 diabetes (N=209) were recruited from general practice and randomized to either receive a text message--based intervention or care as usual. Data were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of covariance and Spearman rho correlation coefficients. Results: For 8 of the 14 constructs that were measured, a significant time-by-condition interaction was found: necessity beliefs, intention, maintenance self-efficacy, recovery self-efficacy, action control, prompts and cues, social support, and satisfaction with experienced consequences all increased in the intervention group compared to the control group. Changes in action self-efficacy, intention, automaticity, maintenance self-efficacy, and satisfaction with experienced consequences were positively associated with changes in self-reported medication adherence. Conclusions: A relatively low-cost, scalable, text message--only intervention targeting medication adherence using behavior change techniques can influence psychological constructs that predict adherence. Not only do these constructs predict self-reported medication adherence, but changes in these constructs are correlated with changes in self-reported medication adherence. These findings support the promise of text message--based interventions for medication adherence in this population and suggest likely mechanisms of action. Trial Registration: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN13404264; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13404264 ", doi="10.2196/30058", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/4/e30058", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35486430" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/35625, author="Perales-Puchalt, Jaime and Acosta-Rull{\'a}n, Mariola and Ram{\'i}rez-Mantilla, Mariana and Espinoza-Kissell, Paul and Vidoni, Eric and Niedens, Michelle and Ellerbeck, Edward and Hinton, Ladson and Loera, Linda and Ram{\'i}rez, Susana A. and Lara, Esther and Watts, Amber and Williams, Kristine and Resendez, Jason and Burns, Jeffrey", title="A Text Messaging Intervention to Support Latinx Family Caregivers of Individuals With Dementia (CuidaTEXT): Development and Usability Study", journal="JMIR Aging", year="2022", month="Apr", day="28", volume="5", number="2", pages="e35625", keywords="Latinx individuals", keywords="mHealth", keywords="dementia", keywords="caregiving", abstract="Background: Latinx family caregivers of individuals with dementia face many barriers to caregiver support access. Interventions to alleviate these barriers are urgently needed. Objective: This study aimed to describe the development of CuidaTEXT, a tailored SMS text messaging intervention to support Latinx family caregivers of individuals with dementia. Methods: CuidaTEXT is informed by the stress process framework and social cognitive theory. We developed and refined CuidaTEXT using a mixed methods approach that included thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. We followed 6 user-centered design stages, namely, the selection of design principles, software vendor collaboration, evidence-based foundation, caregiver and research and clinical advisory board guidance, sketching and prototyping, and usability testing of the prototype of CuidaTEXT among 5 Latinx caregivers. Results: CuidaTEXT is a bilingual 6-month-long SMS text messaging--based intervention tailored to caregiver needs that includes 1-3 daily automatic messages (n=244) about logistics, dementia education, self-care, social support, end of life, care of the person with dementia, behavioral symptoms, and problem-solving strategies; 783 keyword-driven text messages for further help with the aforementioned topics; live chat interaction with a coach for further help; and a 19-page reference booklet summarizing the purpose and functions of the intervention. The 5 Latinx caregivers who used the prototype of CuidaTEXT scored an average of 97 out of 100 on the System Usability Scale. Conclusions: CuidaTEXT's prototype demonstrated high usability among Latinx caregivers. CuidaTEXT's feasibility is ready to be tested. ", doi="10.2196/35625", url="https://aging.jmir.org/2022/2/e35625", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35482366" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/30680, author="Obuobi-Donkor, Gloria and Eboreime, Ejemai and Bond, Jennifer and Phung, Natalie and Eyben, Scarlett and Hayward, Jake and Zhang, Yanbo and MacMaster, Frank and Clelland, Steven and Greiner, Russell and Jones, Chelsea and Cao, Bo and Br{\'e}mault-Phillips, Suzette and Wells, Kristopher and Li, Xin-Min and Hilario, Carla and Greenshaw, J. Andrew and Agyapong, Opoku Vincent Israel", title="An E--Mental Health Solution to Prevent and Manage Posttraumatic Stress Injuries Among First Responders in Alberta: Protocol for the Implementation and Evaluation of Text Messaging Services (Text4PTSI and Text4Wellbeing)", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Apr", day="25", volume="11", number="4", pages="e30680", keywords="posttraumatic stress injury", keywords="first responders", keywords="messaging", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="text-based intervention", keywords="Text4PTSI", keywords="Text4Wellbeing", abstract="Background: First responders are confronted with traumatic events in their work that has a substantial toll on their psychological health and may contribute to or result in posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs) for many responders. Persons with a PTSI usually seek management therapies. Evidence indicates that digital delivery of these therapies is an innovative, efficient, and effective way to improve PTSI symptoms as an adjunct to in-person delivery. Objective: This project aims to implement and provide accessible, convenient, and economical SMS text messaging services, known as Text4PTSI and Text4Wellbeing, to first responders in Alberta, Canada; to prevent and improve the symptoms of PTSI among first responders; and to improve their overall quality of life. We will evaluate posttraumatic symptoms and the impact of Text4PTSI and Text4Wellbeing on stress, anxiety, and depression in relation to the correspondents' demographic backgrounds. Methods: First responders who subscribe to Text4PTSI or Text4Wellbeing receive daily supportive and psychoeducational SMS text messages for 6 months. The SMS text messages are preprogrammed into an online software program that delivers messages to subscribers. Baseline and follow-up data are collected through online questionnaires using validated scales at enrollment, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (end point). In-depth interviews will be conducted to assess satisfaction with the text-based intervention. Results: We hypothesize that participants who enroll in this program will have improved PTSI symptoms; increased or improved quality of life; and significant reduction in associated stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms, among other psychological concerns. Improvement will be determined in comparison to established baseline parameters. Conclusions: This research will be beneficial for practitioners and will inform policy-making and decision-making regarding psychological interventions for PTSI. Lessons from this study will inform the scale-up of the intervention, a cost-effective, zero contact therapeutic option to manage PTSI. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/30680 ", doi="10.2196/30680", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/4/e30680", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35468094" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/33628, author="Cai, Yiyuan and Gong, Wenjie and He, Wenjun and He, Hua and Hughes, P. James and Simoni, Jane and Xiao, Shuiyuan and Gloyd, Stephen and Lin, Meijuan and Deng, Xinlei and Liang, Zichao and Dai, Bofeng and Liao, Jing and Hao, Yuantao and Xu, Roman Dong", title="Residual Effect of Texting to Promote Medication Adherence for Villagers with Schizophrenia in China: 18-Month Follow-up Survey After the Randomized Controlled Trial Discontinuation", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2022", month="Apr", day="19", volume="10", number="4", pages="e33628", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="mobile texting", keywords="lay health worker", keywords="resource-poor community", keywords="primary health care", keywords="quality of care", keywords="mHealth", keywords="schizophrenia", keywords="maintenance", keywords="residual effect", keywords="mental health", keywords="patient outcomes", abstract="Background: Reducing the treatment gap for mental health in low- and middle-income countries is a high priority. Even with treatment, adherence to antipsychotics is rather low. Our integrated intervention package significantly improved medication adherence within 6 months for villagers with schizophrenia in resource-poor communities in rural China. However, considering the resource constraint, we need to test whether the effect of those behavior-shaping interventions may be maintained even after the suspension of the intervention. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the primary outcome of adherence and other outcomes at an 18-month follow-up after the intervention had been suspended. Methods: In a 6-month randomized trial, 277 villagers with schizophrenia were randomized to receive either a government community mental health program (686 Program) or the 686 Program plus Lay health supporters, e-platform, award, and integration (LEAN), which included health supporters for medication or care supervision, e-platform access for sending mobile SMS text messaging reminders and education message, a token gift for positive behavior changes (eg, continuing taking medicine), and integrating the e-platform with the existing 686 Program. After the 6-month intervention, both groups received only the 686 Program for 18 months (phase 2). Outcomes at both phases included antipsychotic medication adherence, functioning, symptoms, number of rehospitalization, suicide, and violent behaviors. The adherence and functioning were assessed at the home visit by trained assessors. We calculated the adherence in the past 30 days by counting the percentage of dosages taken from November to December 2018 by unannounced home-based pill counts. The functioning was assessed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. The symptoms were evaluated using the Clinical Global Impression--Schizophrenia during their visits to the 686 Program psychiatrists. Other outcomes were routinely collected in the 686 Program system. We used intention-to-treat analysis, and missing data were dealt with using multiple imputation. The generalized estimating equation model was used to assess program effects on adherence, functioning, and symptoms. Results: In phase 1, antipsychotic adherence and rehospitalization incidence improved significantly. However, in phase 2, the difference of the mean of antipsychotic adherence (adjusted mean difference 0.05, 95\% CI ?0.06 to 0.16; P=.41; Cohen d effect size=0.11) and rehospitalization incidence (relative risk 0.65, 95\% CI 0.32-1.33; P=.24; number needed to treat 21.83, 95\% CI 8.30-34.69) was no longer statistically significant, and there was no improvement in other outcomes in either phase (P?.05). Conclusions: The simple community-based LEAN intervention could not continually improve adherence and reduce the rehospitalization of people with schizophrenia. Our study inclined to suggest that prompts for medication may be necessary to maintain medication adherence for people with schizophrenia, although we cannot definitively exclude other alternative interpretations. ", doi="10.2196/33628", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2022/4/e33628", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35438649" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/37106, author="Lewis, A. Melissa and Litt, M. Dana and Fairlie, M. Anne and Kilmer, R. Jason and Kannard, Emma and Resendiz, Raul and Walker, Travis", title="Investigating Why and How Young Adults Use Protective Behavioral Strategies for Alcohol and Marijuana Use: Protocol for Developing a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Apr", day="19", volume="11", number="4", pages="e37106", keywords="alcohol use", keywords="marijuana use", keywords="protective behavioral strategies", keywords="intervention development", keywords="young adults", abstract="Background: Young adulthood is associated with increased alcohol and marijuana use compared with other developmental periods. Alcohol and marijuana use place individuals at high risk for acute and long-term negative consequences. Despite the relatively large cross-sectional and longitudinal literature on protective behavioral strategies (PBS; behaviors that individuals can use to limit consequences and reduce substance use), little is known about why young adults choose to use PBS on specific occasions or why they might use PBS differently across occasions (ie, quality and consistency). There is significant room for improvement in the conceptualization, application, and understanding of PBS. Objective: This study aims to develop a novel, brief web-based and SMS text messaging intervention, with input from young adults who use alcohol and marijuana, which addresses the extent to which motivations for PBS use and nonuse (marijuana or alcohol) and the quality of PBS use (the degree of effectiveness or degree of implementation) differ when using alcohol alone versus concurrently or simultaneously with marijuana. Methods: This research will be conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 will involve web-based focus groups (N=100) and cognitive interviews (N=10) to determine why young adults (aged 18-24 years) use or do not use specific PBS related to alcohol and marijuana use and elicit feedback on how motivations and the quality of PBS could be incorporated into a web-based and SMS text messaging PBS intervention as well as elicit feedback on developed intervention material. In phase 2, young adults (N=200; aged 18-24 years), who typically use alcohol and marijuana for at least 2 days per week, will be randomized to either the intervention or waitlist control group. The intervention will be brief, web-based, focusing on self-selected alcohol and marijuana PBS messages and motives for using alcohol- and marijuana-related PBS, and including intervention content delivered via SMS text messages 3 days a week (random day, Friday, and Saturday) over 8 consecutive weeks. All participants will report on PBS use, motivations for PBS use (and nonuse), quality of PBS use, and alcohol and marijuana use in morning surveys timed to occur the day after the intervention SMS text messages for those in the intervention group. Results: Recruitment and enrollment for phase 1 began in January 2022. Recruitment for phase 2 is anticipated to begin in January 2023. Upon completion of the phase 2 pilot, we will examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effect sizes of the newly developed brief web-based and SMS text messaging intervention. Conclusions: This study will provide an in-depth understanding of young adults' PBS use and has the potential to develop a more efficacious intervention for co-occurring or simultaneous alcohol and marijuana behaviors. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04978129; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04978129 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/37106 ", doi="10.2196/37106", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/4/e37106", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35438642" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/27387, author="Campbell, Benjamin and Heitner, Jesse and Amos Mwelelo, Peter and Fogel, Alexis and Mujumdar, Vaidehi and Adams, V. Lisa and Boniface, Respicious and Su, Yanfang", title="Impact of SMS Text Messaging Reminders on Helmet Use Among Motorcycle Drivers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2022", month="Apr", day="7", volume="24", number="4", pages="e27387", keywords="road traffic injury", keywords="behavior change", keywords="SMS reminders", keywords="mobile health", keywords="vehicle safety", keywords="mHealth", keywords="SMS", keywords="traffic injuries", keywords="transportation", keywords="public transportation", keywords="safety", keywords="automotive", keywords="automotive safety", abstract="Background: Road traffic injury is a pressing public health issue in Tanzania. Increasing helmet use among motorcycle drivers can help reduce the burden due to road traffic injuries in the country. Helmet adherence can be supported through mobile health interventions. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the comparative impact of two different types of SMS text messaging reminders on motorcycle helmet use. Methods: Participants were 391 commercial motorcycle taxi drivers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were randomized into three groups, each receiving a different set of messages: (1) social norming messages aimed at emphasizing society's positive stance on helmet wearing, (2) fear appeal messages that emphasized the dangers of riding without a helmet, and (3) control group messages, which included basic road safety messages unrelated to helmet use. Every participant received the control messages. Adherence to helmet use was evaluated by self-report through surveys conducted at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. Results: At 6 weeks, the odds of self-reporting consistent helmet use were estimated to be 1.58 times higher in the social norming group than in the control group (P=.04), though this difference was not significant after accounting for multiple testing. There was little difference between fear appeal and control group recipients (odds ratio 1.03, P=.47). Subgroup analysis suggests that both fear appeal and social norming message types might have been associated with increased helmet use among participants who did not consistently wear helmets at baseline (odds ratio 1.66 and odds ratio 1.84, respectively), but this was not significant (P=.11 and P=.07, respectively). Among those who were consistent wearers at baseline, the social norming messages performed better than the fear appeal messages, and this difference reached traditional significance (P=.03), but was not significant after accounting for multiple testing. Conclusions: The use of SMS text messaging reminders may improve helmet use among motorcycle drivers when framed as social norming messages. Given that nearly half of the drivers in our sample did not consistently wear their helmets on every trip, strategies to increase consistent usage could greatly benefit public safety. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02120742; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02120742 ", doi="10.2196/27387", url="https://www.jmir.org/2022/4/e27387", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35389364" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/27792, author="Okumu, Moses and Logie, H. Carmen and Ansong, David and Mwima, Simon and Hakiza, Robert and Newman, A. Peter", title="Support for Texting-Based Condom Negotiation Among Forcibly Displaced Adolescents in the Slums of Kampala, Uganda: Cross-sectional Validation of the Condom Use Negotiated Experiences Through Technology Scale", journal="JMIR Public Health Surveill", year="2022", month="Apr", day="6", volume="8", number="4", pages="e27792", keywords="condom negotiation", keywords="sexting", keywords="refugee and displaced adolescents", keywords="digital sexual communication", keywords="HIV prevention", keywords="gender", abstract="Background: Promoting sexual health among forcibly displaced adolescents is a global public health priority. Digital sexual communication strategies (eg, sexting) may increase adolescents' confidence in discussing sexual health issues and negotiating condom use. However, limited evidence exists describing validated measures for text-based condom negotiation in the literature. Objective: This study helps fill this gap by adapting and examining the psychometric properties of a condom use experience through technology (condom use negotiated experiences through technology [CuNET]) scale. Methods: Using peer network sampling, 242 forcibly displaced adolescents (aged 16-19 years) living in Kampala's slums were recruited for participation between January and March 2018. A subscale (embarrassment to negotiate condom use) of the Multidimensional Condom Attitudes Scale was adapted to incorporate sexting, yielding CuNET. Participants were randomly assigned to calibration and validation subsamples to conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to establish and validate the scale. CuNET measured participants' support levels for texting-based condom negotiation via sexting based on gender, and multivariable logistic regression was used to explore its associations with sexual health outcomes (recent consistent condom use, access to sexual and reproductive health services, and lifetime sexually transmitted infection testing). Results: The one-factor CuNET with the validation sample was valid ($\chi$24=5.3; P=.26; root mean square error of approximation=0.05, 90\% CI 0.00-0.16; comparative fit index=0.99; Tucker-Lewis index=0.99; standardized root mean square residual=0.006), and reliability (Cronbach $\alpha$=.98). Adolescent girls showed significantly lower levels of support for using sexting to negotiate condom use (mean 13.60, SE 0.70 vs mean 21.48, SE 1.23; P=.001). In multivariable analyses, a 1-point increase in the CuNET score was associated with increased odds of recent consistent condom use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.73, 95\% CI 1.24-2.41) but not with access to sexual and reproductive health services (aOR 1.51, 95\% CI 0.99-2.30) or lifetime sexually transmitted infection testing (aOR 0.90, 95\% CI 0.64-1.26). Conclusions: The unidimensional CuNET scale is valid and reliable for forcibly displaced adolescents living in slums in Kampala, gender-sensitive, and relevant for predicting consistent condom use among urban displaced and refugee adolescents. Further development of this scale will enable a better understanding of how adolescents use digital tools for condom negotiation. ", doi="10.2196/27792", url="https://publichealth.jmir.org/2022/4/e27792", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35384852" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/33082, author="Vajravelu, Ellen Mary and Hitt, Alyssa Talia and Mak, NaDea and Edwards, Aliya and Mitchell, Jonathan and Schwartz, Lisa and Kelly, Andrea and Amaral, Sandra", title="Text Messages and Financial Incentives to Increase Physical Activity in Adolescents With Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: Web-Based Group Interviews to Inform Intervention Design", journal="JMIR Diabetes", year="2022", month="Apr", day="6", volume="7", number="2", pages="e33082", keywords="diabetes mellitus type 2", keywords="adolescent", keywords="young adult", keywords="text messaging", keywords="physical activity", keywords="motivation", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Physical activity is a major component of treatment for adolescents with obesity and prediabetes or type 2 diabetes; however, sedentary behavior remains pervasive. An SMS text message--based intervention paired with financial incentives may be an effective way to promote physical activity in this population. Objective: This study aims to obtain end-user feedback on SMS text message content and assess the acceptability of a planned SMS text messaging intervention with financial incentives to motivate youth with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to increase physical activity. Methods: Adolescents with overweight or obesity and prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who attended a large academic pediatric endocrinology clinic were recruited to participate in group interviews (2-4/group) via videoconferencing. Participants were asked to share their thoughts on the use of SMS text messages and financial incentives to remind and motivate them to be more physically active. They rated and provided feedback on specific messages to be used in clinical trials. Participants were also asked about their personal experience with rewards to motivate behavior change and their anticipated reactions to rewards provided for goal attainment (gain-framing) versus those provided and then taken away if a goal was not met (loss-framing). The interviews were conducted by 2 trained interviewers and a note-taker. Content analysis was used to explore themes. Results: Group interviews were completed with 20 participants (11/20, 55\% women; 15/20, 75\% with type 2 diabetes; 5/20, 25\% with prediabetes) with a mean age of 15 (SD 1; range 12-18) years and a mean BMI of 41 (SD 5) kg/m2 (all >95th percentile for age and sex). Most participants were non-Hispanic Black (14/20, 70\%) and 10\% (2/20) were Hispanics. Participants frequently cited near-continuous smartphone use and agreed that SMS text messages would serve as good reminders to be physically active, but the consensus about the need for short messages was strong. Favorable content included references to what they were likely to be doing when messages were sent (eg, homework or watching television) and messages that were upbeat or informative. Specific physical activity suggestions were rated favorably. Attitudes toward financial incentives varied, with differing opinions about whether loss-framed incentives would be motivating or discouraging. Many participants highlighted the role of intrinsic, rather than extrinsic, motivation in achieving and sustaining behavior change. Conclusions: The engagement of adolescents with obesity and diabetes or prediabetes allowed for the refinement of SMS text messages for our planned intervention, with an emphasis on short, upbeat, relatable, and informative messages. Although an SMS text messaging intervention using financial incentives to motivate youth with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to be more physically active is theoretically acceptable, the impact on actual activity levels in this population requires prospective evaluation in a clinical trial. ", doi="10.2196/33082", url="https://diabetes.jmir.org/2022/2/e33082", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35384850" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/36849, author="Dauber, Sarah and Beacham, Alexa and Hammond, Cori and West, Allison and Thrul, Johannes", title="Adaptive Text Messaging for Postpartum Risky Drinking: Conceptual Model and Protocol for an Ecological Momentary Assessment Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Apr", day="4", volume="11", number="4", pages="e36849", keywords="postpartum", keywords="alcohol use", keywords="risky drinking", keywords="mobile health", keywords="ecologic momentary assessment", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Risky drinking is prevalent among women of childbearing age. Although many women reduce their drinking during pregnancy, more than half return to prepregnancy levels during the early postpartum period. Risky drinking in new mothers may be associated with negative child and maternal health outcomes; however, new mothers are unlikely to seek treatment for risky drinking because of stigma and fear of child protective service involvement. SMS text messaging is a promising approach for reaching non--treatment-seeking new mothers at risk because of risky drinking. SMS text messaging interventions (TMIs) are empirically supported for alcohol use, but a tailored intervention for new mothers does not exist. This study aims to fill this gap by developing a just-in-time adaptive TMI for postpartum risky drinking. Objective: The objectives of this paper are to present a preliminary conceptual model of postpartum risky drinking and describe the protocol for conducting an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study with new mothers to inform the refinement of the conceptual model and development of the TMI. Methods: This paper presents a preliminary conceptual model of postpartum risky drinking based on the motivational model of alcohol use, social cognitive theory, and temporal self-regulation theory. The model proposes three primary intervention targets: motivation, self-efficacy, and self-regulation. Theoretical and empirical literature in support of the conceptual model is described. The paper also describes procedures for a study that will collect EMA data from 30 participants recruited via social media and the perinatal Central Intake system of New Jersey. Following the baseline assessment, EMA surveys will be sent 5 times per day for 14 days. The assessment instruments and data analysis procedures are described. Results: Recruitment is scheduled to begin in January 2022 and is anticipated to conclude in March 2022. Study results are estimated to be published in July 2022. Conclusions: The study findings will enhance our understanding of daily and momentary fluctuations in risk and protective factors for risky drinking during the early postpartum period. The findings will be used to refine the conceptual model and inform the development of the TMI. The next steps for this work include the development of intervention components via an iterative participatory design process and testing of the resulting intervention in a pilot microrandomized trial. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/36849 ", doi="10.2196/36849", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/4/e36849", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35373778" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/30571, author="Xia, Shu-Fang and Maitiniyazi, Gusonghan and Chen, Yue and Wu, Xiao-Ya and Zhang, Yu and Zhang, Xiao-Yan and Li, Zi-Yuan and Liu, Yuan and Qiu, Yu-Yu and Wang, Jun", title="Web-Based TangPlan and WeChat Combination to Support Self-management for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2022", month="Mar", day="30", volume="10", number="3", pages="e30571", keywords="type 2 diabetes", keywords="glucose control", keywords="TangPlan", keywords="WeChat", keywords="self-management", abstract="Background: China has the largest number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the world. However, owing to insufficient knowledge of self-management in patients with diabetes, blood glucose (BG) control is poor. Most diabetes-related self-management applications fail to bring significant benefits to patients with T2DM because of the low use rate and difficult operation. Objective: This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the combination of the self-designed web-based T2DM management software TangPlan and WeChat on fasting BG (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, blood pressure (BP), and lipid profiles in patients with T2DM over a 6-month period. Methods: Participants were recruited and randomized into the TangPlan and WeChat or control groups. Participants in the control group received usual care, whereas the TangPlan and WeChat participants received self-management guidance with the help of TangPlan and WeChat from health care professionals, including BG self-monitoring; healthy eating; active physical exercise; increasing medication compliance; and health education during follow-ups, lectures, or web-based communication. They were also asked to record and send self-management data to the health care professionals via WeChat to obtain timely and effective guidance on diabetes self-management. Results: In this study, 76.9\% (120/156) of participants completed the 6-month follow-up visit. After the intervention, FBG (mean 6.51, SD 1.66 mmol/L; P=.048), HbA1c (mean 6.87\%, SD 1.11\%; P<.001), body weight (mean 66.50, SD 9.51 kg; P=.006), systolic BP (mean 127.03, SD 8.00 mm?Hg; P=.005), diastolic BP (mean 75.25, SD 5.88 mm?Hg; P=.03), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean 2.50, SD 0.61 mmol/L; P=.006), and total cholesterol (mean 4.01, SD 0.83 mmol/L; P=.02) in the TangPlan and WeChat group were all significantly lower, whereas serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean 1.20, SD 0.25 mmol/L; P=.01) was remarkably higher than in those in the control group. Compared with the baseline data, significance was found in the mean change in FBG (95\% CI ?0.83 to ?0.20; P=.002), HbA1c (95\% CI ?1.92 to ?1.28; P<.001), body weight (95\% CI ?3.13 to ?1.68; P<.001), BMI (95\% CI ?1.10 to ?0.60; P<.001), systolic BP (95\% CI ?7.37 to ?3.94; P<.001), diastolic BP (95\% CI ?4.52 to ?2.33; P<.001), triglycerides (95\% CI ?0.16 to ?0.03; P=.004), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95\% CI ?0.54 to ?0.30; P<.001), and total cholesterol (95\% CI ?0.60 to ?0.34; P<.001) in the TangPlan and WeChat group but not in the control group (P=.08-.88). Conclusions: Compared with usual care for patients with T2DM, the combination of TangPlan and WeChat was effective in improving glycemic control (decrease in HbA1c and BG levels) and serum lipid profiles as well as reducing body weight in patients with T2DM after 6 months. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000028843; https://tinyurl.com/559kuve6 ", doi="10.2196/30571", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2022/3/e30571", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35353055" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/31040, author="Kulh{\'a}nek, Adam and Lukavska, Katerina and Gabrhel{\'i}k, Roman and Nov{\'a}k, Daniel and Burda, V{\'a}clav and Prokop, Jind?ich and Holter, S. Marianne T. and Brendryen, H{\aa}var", title="Comparing Reminders Sent via SMS Text Messaging and Email for Improving Adherence to an Electronic Health Program: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2022", month="Mar", day="18", volume="10", number="3", pages="e31040", keywords="eHealth", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="adherence", keywords="reminders", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="email", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="text message", abstract="Background: eHealth interventions can help people change behavior (eg, quit smoking). Reminders sent via SMS text messaging or email may improve the adherence to web-based programs and increase the probability of successful behavior change; however, it is unclear whether their efficiency is affected by the modality of the communication channel. Objective: A 2-armed randomized control trial was conducted to compare the effect of providing reminders via SMS text messaging versus email on the adherence to an eHealth program for smoking cessation and on the probability to initiate a quit attempt. Methods: Smokers were recruited via an internet-based advertisement. A total of 591 participants who diverted from intended use of the program (ie, failed to log on to a session) were automatically randomized to the experimental (SMS text messaging reminder, n=304) or the active comparator (email reminder, n=287) group. Results: Unexpectedly, we found that the mode of reminder delivery did not significantly affect either the adherence, namely the number of completed program sessions, with the SMS text messaging reminder group showing a mean of 4.30 (SD 3.24) and the email reminder group showing a mean of 4.36 (SD 3.27) (t586=0.197, P=.84, and Cohen d=0.016), or the outcome, namely the quit smoking attempt rate (34.2\% in the SMS text messaging group vs 31.7\% in the email group; $\chi$21=0.4, P=.52). Secondary analyses showed that age, gender, and education had significant effects on program adherence and education on the outcome. Moreover, we found a significant interaction effect between the mode of reminder delivery and gender on program adherence, suggesting that the effectiveness of SMS text message reminders might be different for females and males. However, this particular finding should be treated with care as it was based on post hoc subgroup analysis. Conclusions: This study indicates that the modality of user reminders to log on increased neither the program adherence nor the probability of quitting smoking. This suggests that program developers may save costs using emails instead of SMS text messaging reminders. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03276767; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ NCT03276767 ", doi="10.2196/31040", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2022/3/e31040", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35302945" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32342, author="Budenz, Alexandra and Coa, Kisha and Grenen, Emily and Keefe, Brian and Sanders, Amy and Wiseman, P. Kara and Roditis, Maria", title="User Experiences With an SMS Text Messaging Program for Smoking Cessation: Qualitative Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Mar", day="18", volume="6", number="3", pages="e32342", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="text messaging interventions", keywords="qualitative research", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Mobile health strategies for smoking cessation (eg, SMS text messaging--based interventions) have been shown to be effective in helping smokers quit. However, further research is needed to better understand user experiences with these platforms. Objective: This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences of real-world users of a publicly available smoking cessation program (SmokefreeTXT). Methods: Semistructured phone interviews were conducted with 36 SmokefreeTXT users between March and July 2014. Of these 36 participants, 50\% (18/36) of participants completed the SmokefreeTXT program (ie, did not opt out of the program before the 6- to 8-week completion period), and 50\% (18/36) did not complete the program (ie, requested to opt out of the program before the completion period). Interview questions focused on smoking behaviors, quitting history, opinions on the program's content and structure, answering assessment questions, using keywords, reasons for opting out, and perceived usefulness of the program for quitting smoking. A thematic content analysis was conducted, with a focus on themes to increase program engagement and optimization. Results: The findings highlighted features of the program that participants found beneficial, as well as some elements that showed opportunities for improvement to boost program retention and successful cessation. Specifically, most participants found the SmokefreeTXT program to be convenient and supportive of cessation; however, some found the messages to be repetitive and reported a desire for more flexibility based on their readiness to quit and cessation progress. We also found that program completion did not necessarily indicate successful smoking cessation and that program opt out, which might be interpreted as a less positive outcome, may occur because of successful cessation. Finally, several participants reported using SmokefreeTXT together with other evidence-based cessation methods or non--evidence-based strategies. Conclusions: Qualitative interviews with real-world SmokefreeTXT users showed high program acceptability, engagement with program features, and perceived utility for smoking cessation. Our findings directly informed several program updates, such as adding an adaptive quit date feature and offering supplemental information on live support services for users who prefer human interaction during the cessation process. The study has implications for other digital tobacco cessation interventions and highlights important topics that warrant future research, such as the relationship between program engagement (eg, opt out and retention) and successful cessation. ", doi="10.2196/32342", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/3/e32342", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35302505" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/29407, author="Miyashita, Ayano and Nakamura, Keiko and Ohnishi, Mayumi and Bintabara, Deogratius and Shayo, K. Festo and Maro, I. Isaac and Sato, Hideko and Seino, Kaoruko and Kibusi, Stephen", title="Reaching Patients With Noncommunicable Diseases in Rural Tanzania Using Mobile Devices and Community Trust: Qualitative Study", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2022", month="Mar", day="17", volume="10", number="3", pages="e29407", keywords="noncommunicable disease", keywords="community health workers", keywords="Tanzania", keywords="communication", keywords="rural", keywords="community", keywords="trust", keywords="disease", keywords="acceptability", keywords="usability", keywords="text message", keywords="SMS", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="implementation", abstract="Background: A health service using mobile devices, mobile health (mHealth), has been widely applied to programs focusing on maternal and child health and communicable diseases in sub-Saharan African countries. However, mHealth apps for noncommunicable disease (NCD) services remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to explore the acceptability and potential usability of SMS text messaging for patients and health care providers for the management of NCDs as part of an implementation research in rural Tanzania. Methods: Nine focus group discussions were conducted with 56 participants (21 community health workers [CHWs], 17 patients, and 18 health care professionals [HPs]) in 3 districts in the Dodoma region, Tanzania. The interview guides were prepared in Swahili, and each session was recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. The focus group discussions consisted of the following topics: (1) perceptions of the participants about the possible use of mobile devices and SMS text messages as an mHealth platform in community health services; and (2) experiences of mobile device use in health activities or receiving health services via a mobile phone in the past. Results: CHWs and HPs reported having familiarity using mobile devices to provide health services, especially for reaching or tracing patients in remote settings; however, patients with NCDs were less familiar with the use of mobile devices compared with the other groups. Hesitation to receive health services via SMS text messaging was seen in the patient group, as they wondered who would send health advice to them. Some patients expected services beyond what mHealth could do, such as aiding in recovery from a disease or sending notifications about the availability of prescription medications. CHWs showed interest in using text messaging to provide health services in the community; however, the concerns raised by CHWs included the cost of using their own mobile devices. Moreover, they demanded training about NCD management before engaging in such an activity. Conclusions: This study explored views and experiences regarding the possible installation of an mHealth intervention for managing NCDs in rural Tanzania. Although HPs and CHWs had experience using mobile devices to provide health services in non-NCD projects, only a few patients (3/17, 17\%) had heard about the use of mobile devices to receive health services. To improve the suitability and acceptability of the intervention design for patients with NCDs, their trust must be earned. Involving CHWs in the intervention is recommended because they have already been appointed in the community and already know how to communicate effectively with patients in the area. ", doi="10.2196/29407", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2022/3/e29407", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35297772" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/31894, author="Agarwal, K. Anish and Ali, S. Zarina and Shofer, Frances and Xiong, Ruiying and Hemmons, Jessica and Spencer, Evan and Abdel-Rahman, Dina and Sennett, Brian and Delgado, K. Mucio", title="Testing Digital Methods of Patient-Reported Outcomes Data Collection: Prospective Cluster Randomized Trial to Test SMS Text Messaging and Mobile Surveys", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Mar", day="17", volume="6", number="3", pages="e31894", keywords="patient-reported outcomes", keywords="mobile surveys", keywords="research methods", keywords="text messaging", keywords="mobile survey", keywords="data collection", keywords="patient engagement", keywords="response rate", abstract="Background: Health care delivery continues to evolve, with an effort being made to create patient-centered care models using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) data. Collecting PROs has remained challenging and an expanding landscape of digital health offers a variety of methods to engage patients. Objective: The aim of this study is to prospectively investigate two common methods of remote PRO data collection. The study sought to compare response and engagement rates for bidirectional SMS text messaging and mobile surveys following orthopedic surgery. Methods: The study was a prospective, block randomized trial of adults undergoing elective orthopedic procedures over 6 weeks. The primary objective was to determine if the method of digital patient engagement would impact response and completion rates. The primary outcome was response rate and total completion of PRO questionnaires. Results: A total of 127 participants were block randomized into receiving a mobile survey (n=63) delivered as a hyperlink or responding to the same questions through an automated bidirectional SMS text messaging system (n=64). Gender, age, number of comorbidities, and opioid prescriptions were similar across messaging arms. Patients receiving the mobile survey were more likely to have had a knee-related surgery (n=50, 83.3\% vs n=40, 62.5\%; P=.02) but less likely to have had an invasive procedure (n=26, 41.3\% vs n=39, 60.9\%; P=.03). Overall engagement over the immediate postoperative period was similar. Prolonged engagement for patients taking opioids past postoperative day 4 was higher in the mobile survey arm at day 7 (18/19, 94.7\% vs 9/16, 56.3\%). Patients with more invasive procedures showed a trend toward being responsive at day 4 as compared to not responding (n=41, 59.4\% vs n=24, 41.4\%; P=.05). Conclusions: As mobile patient engagement becomes more common in health care, testing the various options to engage patients to gather data is crucial to inform future care and research. We found that bidirectional SMS text messaging and mobile surveys were comparable in response and engagement rates; however, mobile surveys may trend toward higher response rates over longer periods of time. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03532256; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03532256 ", doi="10.2196/31894", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/3/e31894", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35298394" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32138, author="Wrobel, Julia and Silvasstar, Joshva and Peterson, Roger and Sumbundu, Kanku and Kelley, Allyson and Stephens, David and Craig Rushing, Stephanie and Bull, Sheana", title="Text Messaging Intervention for Mental Wellness in American Indian and Alaska Native Teens and Young Adults (BRAVE Study): Analysis of User Engagement Patterns", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Feb", day="25", volume="6", number="2", pages="e32138", keywords="American Indian", keywords="Alaska Native", keywords="adolescent", keywords="mental health", keywords="help-seeking skills, text messaging", keywords="mHealth, behavioral intervention", keywords="user engagement", keywords="feasibility", keywords="engagement", keywords="low-touch", keywords="intervention", abstract="Background: Many American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN or Native) communities express concern about high rates of suicide and poor mental health. Technology-based health interventions that nurture resilience, coping skills, connectedness, and help-seeking skills may be an effective strategy for promoting health and wellbeing among AI/AN youth. The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board designed the BRAVE intervention for AI/AN youth. BRAVE is delivered via SMS text messaging and includes role model videos, mental wellness strategies, links to culturally relevant resources, and social support from family and friends. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore system data from the BRAVE intervention to determine patterns of user engagement and differences in psychosocial outcomes based on the number of clicks on BRAVE content. Methods: The BRAVE study included 1030 AI/AN teens and young adults nationwide (15 to 24 years old). The message series in the BRAVE and STEM study arms included 3 to 5 SMS text messages per week, featuring 1 role model video and 1 image per week. Messages were sent out via Mobile Commons (Upland Software Inc), a mobile messaging provider that supports text, picture, and video SMS. Results: Of the 509 participants in the original BRAVE analysis, 270 had sufficient data to analyze user engagement, with at least 1 trackable click on a study SMS text message. Of the 270, 184 (68.1\%) were female, 50 (18.5\%) were male, and 36 (13.3\%) selected another gender category. The average participant was 20.6 years old, with a minimum and maximum age of 15 and 26 years. Most participants had relatively low engagement measured by the number of clicks (median 2; mean 3.4), although others clicked message content as many as 49 times. Users engaged most frequently with the YouTube-based content (viewing 1 of 7 role model videos), with 64.8\% (175/270) of total clicks coming from the role model videos, and earlier episodes receiving the highest number of clicks. Most baseline psychosocial measures were not significantly associated with the number of links clicked. However, help-seeking behavior was highly significant (P<.001), with a rate ratio of 0.82 (0.73, 0.92), indicating that each 1-unit increase in help-seeking score at baseline was associated with an 18\% decrease in the expected number of study content clicks. Conclusions: This is the first study to set initial standards for assessing user engagement in an mHealth intervention. Our work underscores the feasibility of exploring the impact of engagement on intended outcomes, allowing for more precise exploration of the dose-response relationship that may be realized through these low-touch interventions that offer promising potential for reaching high numbers of program participants. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04979481; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04979481 ", doi="10.2196/32138", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/2/e32138", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35212633" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/31909, author="Agarwal, K. Anish and Southwick, Lauren and Schneider, Rachelle and Pelullo, Arthur and Ortiz, Robin and Klinger, V. Elissa and Gonzales, E. Rachel and Rosin, Roy and Merchant, M. Raina", title="Crowdsourced Community Support Resources Among Patients Discharged From the Emergency Department During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Pilot Feasibility Study", journal="JMIR Ment Health", year="2022", month="Feb", day="23", volume="9", number="2", pages="e31909", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="mHealth", keywords="CHW", keywords="digital health", keywords="platform", keywords="crowdsource", keywords="support", keywords="community", keywords="health system", keywords="monitoring", keywords="virtual care", keywords="text message", keywords="model", keywords="community health worker", keywords="pilot study", keywords="feasibility", abstract="Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed strains on communities. During this public health crisis, health systems have created remote methods of monitoring symptom progression and delivering care virtually. Objective: Using an SMS text message-based system, we sought to build and test a remote model to explore community needs, connect individuals to curated resources, and facilitate community health worker intervention when needed during the pandemic. The primary aims of this pilot study were to establish the feasibility (ie, engagement with the text line) and acceptability (ie, participant ratings of resources and service) of delivering automated well-being resources via smartphone technology. Methods: Eligible patients (aged 18 years or older, having a cell phone with SMS text messaging capability, and recently visited the emergency department) were identified using the electronic health record. The patients were consented to enroll and begin receiving COVID-19--related information and links to community resources. We collected open-ended and close-ended resource and mood ratings. We calculated the frequencies and conducted a thematic review of the open-ended responses. Results: In 7 weeks, 356 participants were enrolled; 13,917 messages were exchanged including 333 resource ratings (mean 4) and 673 well-being scores (mean 6.8). We received and coded 386 open-ended responses, most of which elaborated upon their self-reported mood score (29\%). Overall, 77\% (n=274) of our participants rated the platform as a service they would highly recommend to a family member or friend. Conclusions: This approach is designed to broaden the reach of health systems, tailor to community needs in real time, and connect at-risk individuals with robust community health support. ", doi="10.2196/31909", url="https://mental.jmir.org/2022/2/e31909", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35037886" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/34465, author="Oser, K. Tamara and Cucuzzella, Mark and Stasinopoulos, Marilyn and Moncrief, Matthew and McCall, Anthony and Cox, J. Daniel", title="An Innovative, Paradigm-Shifting Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Glucose Excursions With the Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Educate, Motivate, and Activate Adults With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: Pilot Feasibility Study", journal="JMIR Diabetes", year="2022", month="Feb", day="23", volume="7", number="1", pages="e34465", keywords="type 2 diabetes", keywords="continuous glucose monitoring", keywords="glycemic excursion minimization", keywords="initial treatment", keywords="diabetes distress", keywords="diabetes", keywords="monitoring", keywords="treatment", keywords="distress", keywords="pilot study", keywords="lifestyle", keywords="intervention", keywords="motivation.", abstract="Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing epidemic in the United States, and metabolic control has not been improved over the last 10 years. Glycemic excursion minimization (GEM) is an alternative lifestyle treatment option focused on reducing postnutrient glucose excursions rather than reducing weight. GEM has been proven to be superior to routine care when delivered face to face, and equivalent or superior to conventional weight loss therapy, but it has not been evaluated among patients newly diagnosed with T2D or in a self-administered format. Objective: This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a self-administered version of GEM, augmented with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), to improve metabolic control (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]) while diminishing or delaying the need for diabetes medications in adults recently diagnosed with T2D. These primary objectives were hypothesized to be achieved by reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing physical activity to diminish CGM glucose excursions, leading to the secondary benefits of an increase in diabetes empowerment and reduced diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, and BMI. Methods: GEM was self-administered by 17 adults recently diagnosed with T2D (mean age 52 years, SD 11.6 years; mean T2D duration 3.9 months, SD 2.5 months; mean HbA1c levels 8.0\%, SD 1.6\%; 40\% female; 33.3\% non-White), with the aid of a 4-chapter pocket guide and diary, automated motivational text messaging, and feedback from an activity monitor, along with CGM and supplies for the 6-week intervention and the 3-month follow-up. Treatment was initiated with one telephone call reviewing the use of the technology and 3 days later with a second call reviewing the use of the GEM pocket guide and intervention. Results: At 3-month follow-up, 67\% of the participants' diabetes was in remission (HbA1c levels <6.5\%), and only one participant started taking diabetes medication. Participants demonstrated a significant reduction in HbA1c levels (--1.8\%; P<.001). Participants also experienced significant reductions in high-glycemic-load carbohydrates routinely consumed, CGM readings that were >140 mg/dL, diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, and BMI. Participants felt that use of the CGM was the most significant single element of the intervention. Conclusions: GEM augmented with CGM feedback may be an effective initial intervention for adults newly diagnosed with T2D. A self-administered version of GEM may provide primary care physicians and patients with a new tool to help people recently diagnosed with T2D achieve remission independent of medication and without weight loss as the primary focus. Future research is needed with a larger and more diverse sample. ", doi="10.2196/34465", url="https://diabetes.jmir.org/2022/1/e34465", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35050857" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32815, author="Blair, A. Rachel and Horn, E. Christine and Dias, M. Jennifer and McDonnell, E. Marie and Seely, W. Ellen", title="Development and Usability of a Text Messaging Program for Women With Gestational Diabetes: Mixed Methods Study", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2022", month="Feb", day="22", volume="9", number="1", pages="e32815", keywords="gestational diabetes mellitus", keywords="SMS text messaging", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="mobile health", keywords="pregnancy", keywords="blood glucose self-monitoring", abstract="Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 5\%-10\% of pregnancies and can lead to serious fetal and maternal complications. SMS text messaging is an effective way to improve diabetes management outside of pregnancy, but has not been well studied in GDM. Objective: This study aimed to perform user experience testing and assess usability and acceptability of an SMS text messaging program (Text 4 Success) for women with GDM. Methods: An automated 2-way texting program was developed. It included (1) reminders to check blood glucose levels, (2) positive feedback to user-reported glucose levels, (3) weekly educational messages, and (4) weekly motivational messages. For the user experience testing, women received simulated messages. For the usability study, women were enrolled in the program and received messages for 2 weeks. All women participated in semistructured interviews. For women in the usability study, data from glucose measuring devices were downloaded to assess adherence to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), measured as the percentage of recommended SMBG checks performed (a secondary outcome). Results: Ten women participated in user experience testing. Suggestions for optimization included further customization of message timing and minimization of jargon, which were incorporated. Ten women participated in the usability study. All 10 would recommend the program to other women with GDM. Participants liked the immediate feedback to glucose values. Suggestions included further flexibility of messages related to mealtimes and the ability to aggregate blood glucose data into a table or graph. Overall, adherence to SMBG testing was high at baseline (222/238 recommended checks, 93\%). In comparing the week prior to the trial with the 2 weeks during the trial, there was a small but statistically insignificant difference (P=.48) in the percentage of recommended SMBG performed (median 93\% [25th-75th IQR 89\%-100\%] vs median 97\% [25th-75th IQR 92\%-100\%]). Conclusions: Overall, women with GDM would recommend the Text 4 Success in GDM program and think it is helpful for GDM self-management. The program was usable and acceptable. The program may be better suited to those who have low levels of adherence to SMBG at baseline or to women at time of their diagnosis of GDM. Adaptations to the program will be made based on user suggestions. Further study of SMS text messaging to improve SMBG in GDM is needed. ", doi="10.2196/32815", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2022/1/e32815", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35191851" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32918, author="Farmer, Andrew and Jones, Louise and Newhouse, Nikki and Kenning, Cassandra and Williams, Nicola and Chi, Yuan and Bartlett, Kiera Y. and Plumpton, Catrin and McSharry, Jenny and Cholerton, Rachel and Holmes, Emily and Robinson, Stephanie and Allen, Julie and Gudgin, Bernard and Velardo, Carmelo and Rutter, Heather and Horne, Rob and Tarassenko, Lionel and Williams, Veronika and Locock, Louise and Rea, Rustam and Yu, Ly-Mee and Hughes, Dyfrig and Bower, Peter and French, David", title="Supporting People With Type 2 Diabetes in the Effective Use of Their Medicine Through Mobile Health Technology Integrated With Clinical Care to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: Protocol for an Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Feb", day="21", volume="11", number="2", pages="e32918", keywords="diabetes", keywords="SMS text messages", keywords="cardiovascular risk prevention", keywords="medication adherence", keywords="digital health", keywords="randomized controlled trial", abstract="Background: Type 2 diabetes is a common lifelong condition that affects over 400 million people worldwide. The use of effective medications and active self-management can reduce the risk of serious complications. However, people often have concerns when starting new medications and face difficulties in taking their medications regularly. Support provided by brief messages delivered through mobile phone--based SMS text messages can be effective in some long-term conditions. We have identified promising behavior change techniques (BCTs) to promote medication adherence in this population via a systematic review and developed SMS text messages that target these BCTs. Feasibility work has shown that these messages have fidelity to intended BCTs, are acceptable to patients, and are successful in changing the intended determinants of medication adherence. We now plan to test this intervention on a larger scale in a clinical trial. Objective: The aim of this trial is to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this intervention for reducing cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes by comparing it with usual care. Methods: The trial will be a 12-month, multicenter, individually randomized controlled trial in primary care and will recruit adults (aged ?35 years) with type 2 diabetes in England. Consenting participants will be randomized to receive short SMS text messages intended to affect a change in medication adherence 3 to 4 times per week in addition to usual care. The aim is to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the intervention when it is added to usual care. The primary clinical outcome will be a composite cardiovascular risk measure. Data including patient-reported measures will be collected at baseline, at 13 and 26 weeks, and at the end of the 12-month follow-up period. With 958 participants (479 in each group), the trial is powered at 92.5\% to detect a 4--percentage point difference in cardiovascular risk. The analysis will follow a prespecified plan. A nested quantitative and qualitative process analysis will be used to examine the putative mechanisms of behavior change and wider contextual influences. A health economic analysis will be used to assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Results: The trial has completed the recruitment phase and is in the follow-up phase. The publication of results is anticipated in 2024. Conclusions: This trial will provide evidence regarding the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this intervention for people with type 2 diabetes. Trial Registration: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN15952379; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15952379 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/32918 ", doi="10.2196/32918", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/2/e32918", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35188478" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32680, author="Joseph, A. Heather and Ingber, Z. Susan and Austin, Chelsea and Westnedge, Caroline and Strona, V. F. and Lee, Leslie and Shah, B. Ami and Roper, Lauren and Patel, Anita", title="An Evaluation of the Text Illness Monitoring (TIM) Platform for COVID-19: Cross-sectional Online Survey of Public Health Users", journal="JMIR Public Health Surveill", year="2022", month="Feb", day="7", volume="8", number="2", pages="e32680", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="contact tracing", keywords="SMS text system", keywords="symptom monitoring", abstract="Background: The US public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic has required contact tracing and symptom monitoring at an unprecedented scale. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several partners created the Text Illness Monitoring (TIM) platform in 2015 to assist US public health jurisdictions with symptom monitoring for potential novel influenza virus outbreaks. Since May 2020, 142 federal, state, and local public health agencies have deployed TIM for COVID-19 symptom monitoring. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility, benefits, and challenges of TIM to help guide decision-making for improvements and expansion to support future public health emergency response efforts. Methods: We conducted a brief online survey of previous and current TIM administrative users (admin users) from November 28 through December 21, 2020. Closed- and open-ended questions inquired about the onboarding process, decision to use TIM, groups monitored with TIM, comparison of TIM to other symptom monitoring systems, technical challenges and satisfaction with TIM, and user support. A total of 1479 admin users were invited to participate. Results: A total of 97 admin users from 43 agencies responded to the survey. Most admin users represented the Indian Health Service (35/97, 36\%), state health departments (26/97, 27\%), and local or county health departments (18/97, 19\%), and almost all were current users of TIM (85/94, 90\%). Among the 43 agencies represented, 11 (26\%) used TIM for monitoring staff exclusively, 13 (30\%) monitored community members exclusively, and 19 (44\%) monitored both staff and community members. Agencies most frequently used TIM to monitor symptom development in contacts of cases among community members (28/43, 65\%), followed by symptom development among staff (27/43, 63\%) and among staff contacts of cases (24/43, 56\%). Agencies also reported using TIM to monitor patients with COVID-19 for the worsening of symptoms among staff (21/43, 49\%) and community members (18/43, 42\%). When asked to compare TIM to previous monitoring systems, 78\% (40/51) of respondents rated TIM more favorably than their previous monitoring system, 20\% (10/51) said there was no difference, and 2\% (1/51) rated the previous monitoring system more favorably than TIM. Most respondents found TIM favorable in terms of time burden, staff burden, timeliness of the data, and the ability to monitor large population sizes. TIM compared negatively to other systems in terms of effort to enroll participants (ie, persons TIM monitors) and accuracy of the data. Most respondents (76/85, 89\%) reported that they would highly or somewhat recommend TIM to others for symptom monitoring. Conclusions: This evaluation of TIM showed that agencies used TIM for a variety of purposes and rated TIM favorably compared to previously used monitoring systems. We also identified opportunities to improve TIM; for example, enhancing the flexibility of alert deliveries would better meet admin users' varying needs. We also suggest continuous program evaluation practices to assess and respond to implementation gaps. ", doi="10.2196/32680", url="https://publichealth.jmir.org/2022/2/e32680", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34882572" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/34309, author="Ismail, Tasnim and Al Thani, Dena", title="Design and Evaluation of a Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention (JITAI) to Reduce Sedentary Behavior at Work: Experimental Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Jan", day="26", volume="6", number="1", pages="e34309", keywords="sedentary behavior", keywords="persuasive technology", keywords="behavior change", keywords="physical activity", keywords="adaptive intervention", abstract="Background: Employees in sedentary occupations tend to spend prolonged hours physically inactive. Physical inactivity is a main factor in the increase in the risks of a wide range of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. This has drawn researchers' attention to investigate methods of increasing the level of activity of employees during working hours and in their daily lifestyle. Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of using personalized messages that include user information, user goals, daily routine, and the surrounding environment to increase the level of activity among employees. In this study, we hypothesize that sending context-aware motivational messages to workers in sedentary occupations after sitting for 40 minutes can break sedentary behavior and increase daily active time compared to static reminder messages. Methods: A 66-day between-group study using a mixed methods design approach was conducted with employees who are located in Qatar and spend most of their working day sedentary. The 58 participants used 2 different interventions: The control group (n=29, 50\%) used a mobile app that only sends a static message after prolonged sitting (MotiFit Lite), and the intervention group (n=29, 50\%) used a mobile app that sends context-aware personalized messages to promote physical activity (PA; MotiFit). Both apps log the received messages, the step count before and after the messages are sent, and the user response to the messages to obtain an idea of the impact of the messages. The study received approval from the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute's institutional review board (IRB application \#2019-10-037). Results: The questionnaires showed satisfaction of the designed apps' subjective quality and perceived impact. The quantitative analysis showed a high level of engagement in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<.001). The results support the original hypothesis that using context-aware motivational messages can increase PA at work compared to static messages (P<.001). However, the analysis showed no significant impact of the message type on the overall activity level during the day (P=.06). Conclusions: Context-aware motivational messages motivate employees to increase their PA in the workplace. However, future research will further develop the analysis to investigate the impact on increasing the overall activity level during the day. ", doi="10.2196/34309", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/1/e34309", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35080498" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/33188, author="Eze, E. Chinwe and West, T. Brady and Dorsch, P. Michael and Coe, B. Antoinette and Lester, A. Corey and Buis, R. Lorraine and Farris, Karen", title="Predictors of Smartphone and Tablet Use Among Patients With Hypertension: Secondary Analysis of Health Information National Trends Survey Data", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2022", month="Jan", day="24", volume="24", number="1", pages="e33188", keywords="hypertension", keywords="mHealth", keywords="remote monitoring", keywords="telemonitoring", keywords="smartphones", keywords="tablets", keywords="text messaging", keywords="Health Information National Trends Survey", keywords="mobile health", keywords="digital health", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Uncontrolled hypertension leads to significant morbidity and mortality. The use of mobile health technology, such as smartphones, for remote blood pressure (BP) monitoring has improved BP control. An increase in BP control is more significant when patients can remotely communicate with their health care providers through technologies and receive feedback. Little is known about the predictors of remote BP monitoring among hypertensive populations. Objective: The objective of this study is to quantify the predictors of smartphone and tablet use in achieving health goals and communicating with health care providers via SMS text messaging among hypertensive patients in the United States. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, secondary analysis of the 2017 and 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey 5, cycles 1 and 2 data. A total of 3045 respondents answered ``Yes'' to the question ``Has a doctor or other healthcare provider ever told you that you had high blood pressure or hypertension?'', which defined the subpopulation used in this study. We applied the Health Information National Trends Survey full sample weight to calculate the population estimates and 50 replicate weights to calculate the SEs of the estimates. We used design-adjusted descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of respondents who are hypertensive based on relevant survey items. Design-adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to estimate predictors of achieving health goals with the help of smartphone or tablet and sending or receiving an SMS text message to or from a health care provider in the last 12 months. Results: An estimated 36.9\%, SE 0.9\% (183,285,150/497,278,883) of the weighted adult population in the United States had hypertension. The mean age of the hypertensive population was 58.3 (SE 0.48) years. Electronic communication with the doctor or doctor's office through email or internet (odds ratio 2.93, 95\% CI 1.85-4.63; P<.001) and having a wellness app (odds ratio 1.82, 95\% CI 1.16-2.86; P=.02) were significant predictors of using SMS text message communication with a health care professional, adjusting for other demographic and technology-related variables. The odds of achieving health-related goals with the help of a tablet or smartphone declined significantly with older age (P<.001) and ownership of basic cellphones (P=.04). However, they increased significantly with being a woman (P=.045) or with being married (P=.03), having a wellness app (P<.001), using devices other than smartphones or tablets to monitor health (P=.008), making health treatment decisions (P=.048), and discussing with a provider (P=.02) with the help of a tablet or smartphone. Conclusions: Intervention measures accounting for age, gender, marital status, and the patient's technology-related health behaviors are required to increase smartphone and tablet use in self-care and SMS text message communication with health care providers. ", doi="10.2196/33188", url="https://www.jmir.org/2022/1/e33188", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35072647" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32211, author="Bassi, Giulia and Giuliano, Claudio and Perinelli, Alessio and Forti, Stefano and Gabrielli, Silvia and Salcuni, Silvia", title="A Virtual Coach (Motibot) for Supporting Healthy Coping Strategies Among Adults With Diabetes: Proof-of-Concept Study", journal="JMIR Hum Factors", year="2022", month="Jan", day="21", volume="9", number="1", pages="e32211", keywords="virtual coach", keywords="diabetes mellitus", keywords="adults", keywords="psychosocial factors", keywords="mindfulness", keywords="proof-of-concept study", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Motivation is a core component of diabetes self-management because it allows adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) to adhere to clinical recommendations. In this context, virtual coaches (VCs) have assumed a central role in supporting and treating common barriers related to adherence. However, most of them are mainly focused on medical and physical purposes, such as the monitoring of blood glucose levels or following a healthy diet. Objective: This proof-of-concept study aims to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a VC intervention for psychosocial support before and after the intervention and at follow-up. The intent of this VC is to motivate adults with type 1 DM and type 2 DM to adopt and cultivate healthy coping strategies to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and diabetes-related emotional distress, while also improving their well-being. Methods: A total of 13 Italian adults with DM (18-51 years) interacted with a VC, called Motibot (motivational bot) using the Telegram messaging app. The interaction covered 12 sessions, each lasting 10 to 20 minutes, during which the user could dialogue with the VC by inputting text or tapping an option on their smartphone screen. Motibot is developed within the transtheoretical model of change to deliver the most appropriate psychoeducational intervention based on the user's motivation to change. Results: Results showed that over the 12 sessions, there were no significant changes before and after the intervention and at follow-up regarding psychosocial factors. However, most users showed a downward trend over the 3 time periods in depression and anxiety symptoms, thereby presenting good psychological well-being and no diabetes-related emotional distress. In addition, users felt motivated, involved, encouraged, emotionally understood, and stimulated by Motibot during the interaction. Indeed, the analyses of semistructured interviews, using a text mining approach, showed that most users reported a perceived reduction in anxiety, depression, and/or stress symptoms. Moreover, users indicated the usefulness of Motibot in supporting and motivating them to find a mindful moment for themselves and to reflect on their own emotions. Conclusions: Motibot was well accepted by users, particularly because of the inclusion of mindfulness practices, which motivated them to adopt healthy coping skills. To this extent, Motibot provided psychosocial support for adults with DM, particularly for those with mild and moderate symptoms, whereas those with severe symptoms may benefit more from face-to-face psychotherapy. ", doi="10.2196/32211", url="https://humanfactors.jmir.org/2022/1/e32211", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35060918" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/28638, author="Paz Castro, Raquel and Haug, Severin and Debelak, Rudolf and Jakob, Robert and Kowatsch, Tobias and Schaub, P. Michael", title="Engagement With a Mobile Phone--Based Life Skills Intervention for Adolescents and Its Association With Participant Characteristics and Outcomes: Tree-Based Analysis", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2022", month="Jan", day="19", volume="24", number="1", pages="e28638", keywords="engagement", keywords="life skills", keywords="adolescents", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="machine learning", keywords="decision tree", abstract="Background: Mobile phone--delivered life skills programs are an emerging and promising way to promote mental health and prevent substance use among adolescents, but little is known about how adolescents actually use them. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine engagement with a mobile phone--based life skills program and its different components, as well as the associations of engagement with adolescent characteristics and intended substance use and mental health outcomes. Methods: We performed secondary data analysis on data from the intervention group (n=750) from a study that compared a mobile phone--based life skills intervention for adolescents recruited in secondary and upper secondary school classes with an assessment-only control group. Throughout the 6-month intervention, participants received 1 SMS text message prompt per week that introduced a life skills topic or encouraged participation in a quiz or individual life skills training or stimulated sharing messages with other program participants through a friendly contest. Decision trees were used to identify predictors of engagement (use and subjective experience). The stability of these decision trees was assessed using a resampling method and by graphical representation. Finally, associations between engagement and intended substance use and mental health outcomes were examined using logistic and linear regression analyses. Results: The adolescents took part in half of the 50 interactions (mean 23.6, SD 15.9) prompted by the program, with SMS text messages being the most used and contests being the least used components. Adolescents who did not drink in a problematic manner and attended an upper secondary school were the ones to use the program the most. Regarding associations between engagement and intended outcomes, adolescents who used the contests more frequently were more likely to be nonsmokers at follow-up than those who did not (odds ratio 0.86, 95\% CI 0.76-0.98; P=.02). In addition, adolescents who read the SMS text messages more attentively were less likely to drink in a problematic manner at follow-up (odds ratio 0.43, 95\% CI 1.29-3.41; P=.003). Finally, participants who used the program the most and least were more likely to increase their well-being from baseline to 6-month follow-up compared with those with average engagement ($\beta$s=.39; t586=2.66; P=.008; R2=0.24). Conclusions: Most of the adolescents participating in a digital life skills program that aimed to prevent substance use and promote mental health engaged with the intervention. However, measures to increase engagement in problem drinkers should be considered. Furthermore, efforts must be made to ensure that interventions are engaging and powerful across different educational levels. First results indicate that higher engagement with digital life skills programs could be associated with intended outcomes. Future studies should apply further measures to improve the reach of lower-engaged participants at follow-up to establish such associations with certainty. ", doi="10.2196/28638", url="https://www.jmir.org/2022/1/e28638", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35044309" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/31989, author="Smart, H. Mary and Nabulsi, A. Nadia and Gerber, S. Ben and Gupta, Itika and Di Eugenio, Barbara and Ziebart, Brian and Sharp, K. Lisa", title="A Remote Health Coaching, Text-Based Walking Program in Ethnic Minority Primary Care Patients With Overweight and Obesity: Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Jan", day="19", volume="6", number="1", pages="e31989", keywords="mHealth", keywords="Fitbit", keywords="SMART goals", keywords="texting", keywords="health coach", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Over half of US adults have at least one chronic disease, including obesity. Although physical activity is an important component of chronic disease self-management, few reach the recommended physical activity goals. Individuals who identify as racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionally affected by chronic diseases and physical inactivity. Interventions using consumer-based wearable devices have shown promise for increasing physical activity among patients with chronic diseases; however, populations with the most to gain, such as minorities, have been poorly represented to date. Objective: This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of an 8-week text-based coaching and Fitbit program aimed at increasing the number of steps in a predominantly overweight ethnic minority population. Methods: Overweight patients (BMI >25 kg/m2) were recruited from an internal medicine clinic located in an inner-city academic medical center. Fitbit devices were provided. Using 2-way SMS text messaging, health coaches (HCs) guided patients to establish weekly step goals that were specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. SMS text messaging and Fitbit activities were managed using a custom-designed app. Program feasibility was assessed via the recruitment rate, retention rate (the proportion of eligible participants completing the 8-week program), and patient engagement (based on the number of weekly text message goals set with the HC across the 8-week period). Acceptability was assessed using a qualitative, summative evaluation. Exploratory statistical analysis included evaluating the average weekly steps in week 1 compared with week 8 using a paired t test (2-tailed) and modeling daily steps over time using a linear mixed model. Results: Of the 33 patients initially screened; 30 (91\%) patients were enrolled in the study. At baseline, the average BMI was 39.3 (SD 9.3) kg/m2, with 70\% (23/33) of participants presenting as obese. A total of 30\% (9/30) of participants self-rated their health as either fair or poor, and 73\% (22/30) of participants set up ?6 weekly goals across the 8-week program. In total, 93\% (28/30) of participants completed a qualitative summative evaluation, and 10 themes emerged from the evaluation: patient motivation, convenient SMS text messaging experience, social support, supportive accountability, technology support, self-determined goals, achievable goals, feedback from Fitbit, challenges, and habit formation. There was no significant group change in the average weekly steps for week 1 compared with week 8 (mean difference 7.26, SD 6209.3; P=.99). However, 17\% (5/30) of participants showed a significant increase in their daily steps. Conclusions: Overall, the results demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of a remotely delivered walking study that included an HC; SMS text messaging; a wearable device (Fitbit); and specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals within an ethnic minority patient population. Results support further development and testing in larger samples to explore efficacy. ", doi="10.2196/31989", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/1/e31989", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35044308" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/31576, author="Van Blarigan, L. Erin and Dhruva, Anand and Atreya, E. Chloe and Kenfield, A. Stacey and Chan, M. June and Milloy, Alexandra and Kim, Iris and Steiding, Paige and Laffan, Angela and Zhang, Li and Piawah, Sorbarikor and Fukuoka, Yoshimi and Miaskowski, Christine and Hecht, M. Frederick and Kim, Mi-Ok and Venook, P. Alan and Van Loon, Katherine", title="Feasibility and Acceptability of a Physical Activity Tracker and Text Messages to Promote Physical Activity During Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Smart Pace II)", journal="JMIR Cancer", year="2022", month="Jan", day="11", volume="8", number="1", pages="e31576", keywords="exercise", keywords="treatment", keywords="colon cancer", keywords="rectal cancer", keywords="digital health", keywords="wearables", keywords="SMS", abstract="Background: We conducted a pilot 2-arm randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility of a digital health intervention to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) during chemotherapy. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether a digital health physical activity intervention is feasible and acceptable during chemotherapy for CRC. Methods: Potentially eligible patients with CRC expected to receive at least 12 weeks of chemotherapy were identified in person at the University of California, San Francisco, and on the web through advertising. Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to a 12-week intervention (Fitbit Flex, automated SMS text messages) versus usual care. At 0 and 12 weeks, patients wore an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer for 7 days and completed surveys, body size measurements, and an optional 6-minute walk test. Participants could not be masked to their intervention arm, but people assessing the body size and 6-minute walk test outcomes were masked. The primary outcomes were adherence (eg, Fitbit wear and text response rate) and self-assessed acceptability of the intervention. The intervention would be considered feasible if we observed at least 80\% complete follow-up and 70\% adherence and satisfaction, a priori. Results: From 2018 to 2020, we screened 240 patients; 53.3\% (128/240) of patients were ineligible and 26.7\% (64/240) declined to participate. A total of 44 patients (44/240, 18\%) were randomized to the intervention (n=22) or control (n=22) groups. Of these, 57\% (25/44) were women; 68\% (30/44) identified as White and 25\% (11/44) identified as Asian American or Pacific Islander; and 77\% (34/44) had a 4-year college degree. The median age at enrollment was 54 years (IQR 45-62 years). Follow-up at 12 weeks was 91\% (40/44) complete. In the intervention arm, patients wore Fitbit devices on a median of 67 out of 84 (80\%) study days and responded to a median of 17 out of 27 (63\%) questions sent via SMS text message. Among 19 out of 22 (86\%) intervention patients who completed the feedback survey, 89\% (17/19) were satisfied with the Fitbit device; 63\% (12/19) were satisfied with the SMS text messages; 68\% (13/19) said the SMS text messages motivated them to exercise; 74\% (14/19) said the frequency of SMS text messages (1-3 days) was ideal; and 79\% (15/19) said that receiving SMS text messages in the morning and evening was ideal. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated that many people receiving chemotherapy for CRC are interested in participating in digital health physical activity interventions. Fitbit adherence was high; however, participants indicated a desire for more tailored SMS text message content. Studies with more socioeconomically diverse patients with CRC are required. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03524716; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03524716 ", doi="10.2196/31576", url="https://cancer.jmir.org/2022/1/e31576", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35014958" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/33438, author="Shalaby, Reham and Vuong, Wesley and Eboreime, Ejemai and Surood, Shireen and Greenshaw, J. Andrew and Agyapong, Opoku Vincent Israel", title="Patients' Expectations and Experiences With a Mental Health--Focused Supportive Text Messaging Program: Mixed Methods Evaluation", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2022", month="Jan", day="11", volume="6", number="1", pages="e33438", keywords="supportive text messages", keywords="patients' experience", keywords="mental health", keywords="mixed methods", abstract="Background: Web-based services are an economical and easily scalable means of support that uses existing technology. Text4Support is a supportive, complementary text messaging service that supports people with different mental health conditions after they are discharged from inpatient psychiatric care. Objective: In this study, we aim to assess user satisfaction with the Text4Support service to gain a better understanding of subscribers' experiences. Methods: This was a mixed methods study using secondary data from a pilot observational controlled trial. The trial included 181 patients discharged from acute psychiatric care and distributed into 4 randomized groups. Out of the 4 study groups in the initial study, 2 groups who received supportive text messages (89/181, 49.2\% of patients), either alone or alongside a peer support worker, were included. Thematic and descriptive analyses were also performed. Differences in feedback based on sex at birth and primary diagnosis were determined using univariate analysis. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (trial registration number: NCT03404882). Results: Out of 89 participants, 36 (40\%) completed the follow-up survey. The principal findings were that Text4Support was well perceived with a high satisfaction rate either regarding the feedback of the messages or their perceived impact. Meanwhile, there was no statistically significant difference between satisfactory items based on the subscriber's sex at birth or primary diagnosis. The patients' initial expectations were either neutral or positive in relation to the expected nature or the impact of the text messages received on their mental well-being. In addition, the subscribers were satisfied with the frequency of the messages, which were received once daily for 6 consecutive months. The participants recommended more personalized messages or mutual interaction with health care personnel. Conclusions: Text4Support was generally well perceived by patients after hospital discharge, regardless of their sex at birth or mental health diagnosis. Further personalization and interactive platforms were recommended by participants that may need to be considered when designing similar future services. ", doi="10.2196/33438", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2022/1/e33438", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35014972" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32550, author="Cornelius, Judith and Whitaker-Brown, Charlene and Smoot, Jaleesa and Hart, Sonia and Lewis, Zandria and Smith, Olivia", title="A Text Messaging--Enhanced Intervention for African American Patients With Heart Failure, Depression, and Anxiety (TXT COPE-HF): Protocol for a Pilot Feasibility Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2022", month="Jan", day="7", volume="11", number="1", pages="e32550", keywords="African American", keywords="heart failure", keywords="depression", keywords="anxiety", keywords="assessment", keywords="decision", keywords="administration", keywords="production", keywords="topical expert", keywords="integration", keywords="training and testing model", keywords="text messaging", keywords="SMS", keywords="minorities", keywords="behavior therapy", abstract="Background: African Americans have a higher incidence rate of heart failure (HF) and an earlier age of HF onset compared to those of other racial and ethnic groups. Scientific literature suggests that by 2030, African Americans will have a 30\% increased prevalence rate of HF coupled with depression. In addition to depression, anxiety is a predictor of worsening functional capacity, decreased quality of life, and increased hospital readmission rates. There is no consensus on the best way to treat patients with HF, depression, and anxiety. One promising type of treatment---cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)---has been shown to significantly improve patients' quality of life and treatment compliance, but CBT has not been used with SMS text messaging reminders to enhance the effect of reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in racial and ethnic minority patients with HF. Objective: The objectives of our study are to (1) adapt and modify the Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment (COPE) curriculum for delivery to patients with HF by using an SMS text messaging component to improve depression and anxiety symptoms, (2) administer the adapted intervention to 10 patients to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the approach and modify it as needed, and (3) examine trends in depression and anxiety symptoms postintervention. We hypothesize that patients will show an improvement in depression scores and anxiety symptoms postintervention. Methods: The study will comprise a mixed methods approach. We will use the eight steps of the ADAPT-ITT (assessment, decision, administration, production, topical expert, integration, training, and testing) model to adapt the intervention. The first step in this feasibility study will involve assembling individuals from the target population (n=10) to discuss questions on a specific topic. In phase 2, we will examine the feasibility and acceptability of the enhanced SMS text messaging intervention (TXT COPE-HF [Texting With COPE for Patients With HF]) and its preliminary effects with 10 participants. The Beck Depression Inventory will be used to assess depression, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory will be used to assess anxiety, and the Healthy Beliefs and Lifestyle Behavior surveys will be used to assess participants' lifestyle beliefs and behavior changes. Changes will be compared from baseline to end point by using paired 2-tailed t tests. An exit focus group (n=10) will be held to examine facilitators and barriers to the SMS text messaging protocol. Results: The pilot feasibility study was funded by the Academy for Clinical Research and Scholarship. Institutional review board approval was obtained in April 2021. Data collection and analysis are expected to conclude by November 2021 and April 2022, respectively. Conclusions: The study results will add to the literature on the effectiveness of an SMS text messaging CBT-enhanced intervention in reducing depression and anxiety among African American patients with HF. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/32550 ", doi="10.2196/32550", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2022/1/e32550", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34994709" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/26356, author="Wynn, S. Chelsea and Catallozzi, Marina and Kolff, A. Chelsea and Holleran, Stephen and Meyer, Dodi and Ramakrishnan, Rajasekhar and Stockwell, S. Melissa", title="Personalized Reminders for Immunization Using Short Messaging Systems to Improve Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Series Completion: Parallel-Group Randomized Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Dec", day="27", volume="9", number="12", pages="e26356", keywords="text messaging", keywords="mobile reminders", keywords="human papillomavirus", keywords="adolescent", keywords="text reminders", keywords="vaccine completion", keywords="vaccine decision-making", keywords="vaccine education", keywords="transtheoretical model", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="smartphone", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="minority health", abstract="Background: Completion rates among adolescents who initiate the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine 3-dose series are low. SMS text message vaccine reminders are effective, but less is known about the best types for HPV series completion or the ability to assess and target vaccine decision-making stage. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of HPV vaccine series completion in minority adolescents who received precision and educational versus conventional SMS text message reminders. Methods: Enrolled parents of adolescents aged 9-17 years who received the first HPV vaccine dose at 1 of the 4 academic-affiliated community health clinics in New York City were randomized 1:1 to 1 of the 2 parallel, unblinded arms: precision SMS text messages (which included stage-targeted educational information, next dose due date, and site-specific walk-in hours) or conventional SMS text messages without educational information. Randomization was stratified according to gender, age, and language. The primary outcome was series completion within 12 months. In post hoc analysis, enrollees were compared with concurrent nonenrollees and historical controls. Results: Overall, 956 parents were enrolled in the study. The precision (475 families) and conventional (481 families) SMS text message arms had similarly high series completion rates (344/475, 72.4\% vs 364/481, 75.7\%). A total of 42 days after the first dose, two-thirds of families, not initially in the preparation stage, moved to preparation or vaccinated stage. Those in either SMS text message arm had significantly higher completion rates than nonenrollees (708/1503, 47.1\% vs 679/1503, 45.17\%; P<.001). Even after removing those needing only 2 HPV doses, adolescents receiving any SMS text messages had higher completion rates than historical controls (337/2823, 11.93\% vs 981/2823, 34.75\%; P<.001). A population-wide effect was seen from 2014 to 2016, above historical trends. Conclusions: SMS text message reminders led to timely HPV vaccine series completion in a low-income, urban, minority study population and also led to population-wide effects. Educational information did not provide an added benefit to this population. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02236273; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02236273 ", doi="10.2196/26356", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/12/e26356", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34958306" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32660, author="Acharya, Amish and Judah, Gaby and Ashrafian, Hutan and Sounderajah, Viknesh and Johnstone-Waddell, Nick and Stevenson, Anne and Darzi, Ara", title="Investigating the Implementation of SMS and Mobile Messaging in Population Screening (the SIPS Study): Protocol for a Delphi Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2021", month="Dec", day="22", volume="10", number="12", pages="e32660", keywords="mobile messaging", keywords="digital communication", keywords="population screening", keywords="SMS", keywords="implementation", abstract="Background: The use of mobile messaging, including SMS, and web-based messaging in health care has grown significantly. Using messaging to facilitate patient communication has been advocated in several circumstances, including population screening. These programs, however, pose unique challenges to mobile communication, as messaging is often sent from a central hub to a diverse population with differing needs. Despite this, there is a paucity of robust frameworks to guide implementation. Objective: The aim of this protocol is to describe the methods that will be used to develop a guide for the principles of use of mobile messaging for population screening programs in England. Methods: This modified Delphi study will be conducted in two parts: evidence synthesis and consensus generation. The former will include a review of literature published from January 1, 2000, to October 1, 2021. This will elicit key themes to inform an online scoping questionnaire posed to a group of experts from academia, clinical medicine, industry, and public health. Thematic analysis of free-text responses by two independent authors will elicit items to be used during consensus generation. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement groups will be convened to ensure that a comprehensive item list is generated that represents the public's perspective. Each item will then be anonymously voted on by experts as to its importance and feasibility of implementation in screening during three rounds of a Delphi process. Consensus will be defined a priori at 70\%, with items considered important and feasible being eligible for inclusion in the final recommendation. A list of desirable items (ie, important but not currently feasible) will be developed to guide future work. Results: The Institutional Review Board at Imperial College London has granted ethical approval for this study (reference 20IC6088). Results are expected to involve a list of recommendations to screening services, with findings being made available to screening services through Public Health England. This study will, thus, provide a formal guideline for the use of mobile messaging in screening services and will provide future directions in this field. Conclusions: The use of mobile messaging has grown significantly across health care services, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic, but its implementation in screening programs remains challenging. This modified Delphi approach with leading experts will provide invaluable insights into facilitating the incorporation of messaging into these programs and will create awareness of future developments in this area. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/32660 ", doi="10.2196/32660", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/12/e32660", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34941542" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/17723, author="Chu, Wai Joanna Ting and Wadham, Angela and Jiang, Yannan and Stasiak, Karolina and Shepherd, Matthew and Bullen, Christopher", title="Recruitment and Retention of Parents of Adolescents in a Text Messaging Trial (MyTeen): Secondary Analysis From a Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Pediatr Parent", year="2021", month="Dec", day="20", volume="4", number="4", pages="e17723", keywords="parenting", keywords="mHealth", keywords="text messaging", keywords="recruitment", abstract="Background: Parenting programs are well established as an effective strategy for enhancing both parenting skills and the well-being of the child. However, recruitment for family programs in clinical and nonclinical settings remains low. Objective: This study aims to describe the recruitment and retention methods used in a text messaging program (MyTeen) trial for parents of adolescents (10-15 years) and identify key lessons learned. We aim to provide insights and direction for researchers who seek to recruit parents and build on the limited literature on recruitment and retention strategies for parenting program trials. Methods: A recruitment plan was developed, monitored, and modified as needed throughout the course of the project. Strategies to facilitate recruitment were identified (eg, program content and recruitment material, staff characteristics, and study procedures). Traditional and web-based recruitment strategies were used. Results: Over a 5-month period, 319 parents or caregivers expressed interest in our study, of which 221 agreed to participate in the study, exceeding our recruitment target of 214 participants. Attrition was low at the 1-month (4.5\% overall; intervention group: n=5, 4.6\%; control group: n=5, 4.5\%) and 3-month follow-ups (9\% overall; intervention group: n=10, 9.2\%; control group: n=10, 8.9\%). Conclusions: The use of web-based recruitment strategies appeared to be most effective for recruiting and retaining parents in a text-messaging program trial. However, we encountered recruitment challenges (ie, underrepresentation of ethnic minority groups and fathers) similar to those reported in the literature. Therefore, efforts to engage ethnic minorities and fathers are needed. Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000117213; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374307 ", doi="10.2196/17723", url="https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2021/4/e17723", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34932007" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32441, author="Kay, C. Melissa and Hammad, M. Nour and Herring, J. Sharon and Bennett, G. Gary", title="Using Interactive Text Messaging to Improve Diet Quality and Increase Redemption of Foods Approved by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children: Protocol for a Cohort Feasibility Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2021", month="Dec", day="15", volume="10", number="12", pages="e32441", keywords="WIC", keywords="diet quality", keywords="digital health", keywords="text messaging", keywords="mothers", keywords="postpartum", keywords="child obesity", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Children in the United States eat too few fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and too many energy-dense foods; these dietary behaviors are associated with increased risk of obesity. Maternal diet plays a key role in shaping children's diets; however, many mothers have poor diet quality, especially those living in low-income households. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition assistance program that provides mothers and children with nutrient-dense foods, and those who participate have better diet quality. However, many mothers do not redeem all their WIC-approved foods. Thus, there is a need to create effective interventions to improve diet quality, especially among low-income children and families. Objective: This paper aims to describe the development and protocol for a study to evaluate the feasibility, satisfaction, and preliminary efficacy of a fully automated text messaging intervention as a strategy to improve maternal diet quality and the redemption of WIC-approved foods. Methods: We describe the use of the framework developed for the description of nonrandomized feasibility studies. Using an observational, prospective cohort study design, we will recruit mothers enrolled in WIC with a child aged ?2 years. Participants will receive automated SMS text messages aimed at improving the redemption of WIC-approved foods to improve the participants' diet quality for 12 weeks. All outcome measures will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Data collection for this study began in March 2021. We expect the study results to be available within 9 months of study commencement. The results will shed light on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of using automated text messages as a behavior change strategy for mothers enrolled in WIC. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study will explore whether this digital behavioral intervention, which will deliver nutrition guidance in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans using interactive self-monitoring and feedback, is feasible and acceptable. This will lay the foundation for a larger evaluation to determine efficacy for improving diet quality in those most at risk for obesity. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04098016; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04098016 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/32441 ", doi="10.2196/32441", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/12/e32441", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34914616" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/22681, author="Sajnani, Jocelyn and Swan, Kimberly and Wolff, Sharon and Drummond, Kelsi", title="Discharge Instruction Reminders Via Text Messages After Benign Gynecologic Surgery: Quasi-Experimental Feasibility Study", journal="JMIR Perioper Med", year="2021", month="Dec", day="14", volume="4", number="2", pages="e22681", keywords="communication", keywords="hysterectomy", keywords="minimally invasive", keywords="laparoscopy", keywords="postoperative", keywords="patient satisfaction", abstract="Background: With the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols and same-day hospital discharge, patients are required to take on increasing responsibility for their postoperative care. Various approaches to patient information delivery have been investigated and have demonstrated improvement in patient retention of instructions and patient satisfaction. Objective: ?This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a postoperative text messaging service in the benign gynecologic population. Methods: ?We used a quasi-experimental study design to evaluate patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopic surgery for benign disease with a minimally invasive gynecologist at an academic medical center between October 2017 and March 2018. In addition to routine postoperative instructions, 19 text messages were designed to provide education and support to postoperative gynecologic patients. Patients were contacted by telephone 3 weeks postoperatively and surveyed about their satisfaction and feelings of connectedness during their recovery experience. Demographic and operative information was gathered through chart review. The cost to implement text messages was US \$2.85 per patient. Results: ?A total of 185 patients were eligible to be included in this study. Of the 100 intended intervention participants, 20 failed to receive text messages, leaving an 80\% success in text delivery. No patients opted out of messaging. A total of 28 patients did not participate in the postrecovery survey, leaving 137 patients with outcome data (control, n=75; texting, n=62). Satisfaction, determined by a score ?9 on a 10-point scale, was 74\% (46/62) in the texting group and 63\% (47/75) in the control group (P=.15). Connectedness (score ?9) was reported by 64\% (40/62) in the texting group compared with 44\% (33/75) in the control group (P=.02). Overall, 65\% (40/62) of those in the texting group found the texts valuable (score ?9). Conclusions: ?Postoperative text messages increased patients' perceptions of connection with their health care team and may also increase their satisfaction with their recovery process. Errors in message delivery were identified. Given the increasing emphasis on patient experience and cost effectiveness in health care, an adequately powered future study to determine statistically significant differences in patient experience and resource use would be appropriate. ", doi="10.2196/22681", url="https://periop.jmir.org/2021/2/e22681", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34904957" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/33123, author="Hijab, Fadi Mohamad Hassan and Al-Thani, Dena and Banire, Bilikis", title="A Multimodal Messaging App (MAAN) for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mixed Methods Evaluation Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Dec", day="7", volume="5", number="12", pages="e33123", keywords="autism", keywords="assistive technology", keywords="mobile app", keywords="social and communication skills", abstract="Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit difficulties in social and communication skills. For more than 30 years, specialists, parents, and caregivers have used techniques, such as applied behavioral analysis, augmentative and alternative communication, and the picture exchange communication system to support the social and communication skills of people with ASD. Even though there are many techniques devised to enhance communication, these techniques are not considered in existing social media apps for people with ASD. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding accessibility features, such as text-to-speech (TTS), speech-to-text (STT), and communication symbols (CS), to a messaging app (MAAN). We hypothesized that these accessibility features can enhance the social and communication skills of adults with ASD. We also hypothesized that usage of this app can reduce social loneliness in adults with ASD. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 5 experts working in fields related to ASD to help design the app. Seven adults with ASD participated in the study for a period of 10 to 16 weeks. Data logs of participants' interactions with the app were collected. Additionally, 6 participants' parents and 1 caregiver were asked to complete a short version of the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S) questionnaire to compare pre-post study results. The Mobile Application Rating Scale: user version questionnaire was also used to evaluate the app's usability. Following the study, interviews were conducted with participants to discuss their experiences with the app. Results: The SELSA-S questionnaire results showed no change in the family subscale; however, the social loneliness subscale showed a difference between prestudy and poststudy. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated that poststudy SELSA-S results were statistically significantly higher than prestudy results (z=?2.047; P=.04). Point-biserial correlation indicated that the SELSA-S rate of change was strongly related to usage of the TTS feature (r=0.708; P=.04) and CS feature (r=?0.917; P=.002), and moderately related to usage of the STT feature (r=0.428; P=.17). Lastly, we adopted grounded theory to analyze the interview data, and the following 5 categories emerged: app support, feature relevance, user interface design, overall feedback, and recommendations. Conclusions: This study discusses the potential for improving the communication skills of adults with ASD through special features in mobile messaging apps. The developed app aims to support the inclusion and independent life of adults with ASD. The study results showed the importance of using TTS, STT, and CS features to enhance social and communication skills, as well as reduce social loneliness in adults with ASD. ", doi="10.2196/33123", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/12/e33123", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34878998" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/27956, author="Dhinagaran, Ardhithy Dhakshenya and Sathish, Thirunavukkarasu and Soong, AiJia and Theng, Yin-Leng and Best, James and Tudor Car, Lorainne", title="Conversational Agent for Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Change: Web-Based Feasibility Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Dec", day="3", volume="5", number="12", pages="e27956", keywords="chatbot", keywords="conversational agents", keywords="behavior change", keywords="healthy lifestyle behavior change", keywords="pilot study", keywords="feasibility trial", keywords="usability", keywords="acceptability", keywords="preliminary efficacy", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: The rising incidence of chronic diseases is a growing concern, especially in Singapore, which is one of the high-income countries with the highest prevalence of diabetes. Interventions that promote healthy lifestyle behavior changes have been proven to be effective in reducing the progression of prediabetes to diabetes, but their in-person delivery may not be feasible on a large scale. Novel technologies such as conversational agents are a potential alternative for delivering behavioral interventions that promote healthy lifestyle behavior changes to the public. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using a conversational agent promoting healthy lifestyle behavior changes in the general population in Singapore. Methods: We performed a web-based, single-arm feasibility study. The participants were recruited through Facebook over 4 weeks. The Facebook Messenger conversational agent was used to deliver the intervention. The conversations focused on diet, exercise, sleep, and stress and aimed to promote healthy lifestyle behavior changes and improve the participants' knowledge of diabetes. Messages were sent to the participants four times a week (once for each of the 4 topics of focus) for 4 weeks. We assessed the feasibility of recruitment, defined as at least 75\% (150/200) of our target sample of 200 participants in 4 weeks, as well as retention, defined as 33\% (66/200) of the recruited sample completing the study. We also assessed the participants' satisfaction with, and usability of, the conversational agent. In addition, we performed baseline and follow-up assessments of quality of life, diabetes knowledge and risk perception, diet, exercise, sleep, and stress. Results: We recruited 37.5\% (75/200) of the target sample size in 1 month. Of the 75 eligible participants, 60 (80\%) provided digital informed consent and completed baseline assessments. Of these 60 participants, 56 (93\%) followed the study through till completion. Retention was high at 93\% (56/60), along with engagement, denoted by 50\% (30/60) of the participants communicating with the conversational agent at each interaction. Acceptability, usability, and satisfaction were generally high. Preliminary efficacy of the intervention showed no definitive improvements in health-related behavior. Conclusions: The delivery of a conversational agent for healthy lifestyle behavior change through Facebook Messenger was feasible and acceptable. We were unable to recruit our planned sample solely using the free options in Facebook. However, participant retention and conversational agent engagement rates were high. Our findings provide important insights to inform the design of a future randomized controlled trial. ", doi="10.2196/27956", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/12/e27956", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34870611" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/29423, author="DeLaughter, L. Kathryn and Fix, M. Gemmae and McDannold, E. Sarah and Pope, Charlene and Bokhour, G. Barbara and Shimada, L. Stephanie and Calloway, Rodney and Gordon, S. Howard and Long, A. Judith and Miano, A. Danielle and Cutrona, L. Sarah", title="Incorporating African American Veterans' Success Stories for Hypertension Management: Developing a Behavioral Support Texting Protocol", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2021", month="Dec", day="1", volume="10", number="12", pages="e29423", keywords="texting", keywords="African American", keywords="hypertension", keywords="self-management", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Peer narratives engage listeners through personally relevant content and have been shown to promote lifestyle change and effective self-management among patients with hypertension. Incorporating key quotations from these stories into follow-up text messages is a novel way to continue the conversation, providing reinforcement of health behaviors in the patients' daily lives. Objective: In our previous work, we developed and tested videos in which African American Veterans shared stories of challenges and success strategies related to hypertension self-management. This study aims to describe our process for developing a text-messaging protocol intended for use after viewing videos that incorporate the voices of these Veterans. Methods: We used a multistep process, transforming video-recorded story excerpts from 5 Veterans into 160-character texts. We then integrated these into comprehensive 6-month texting protocols. We began with an iterative review of story transcripts to identify vernacular features and key self-management concepts emphasized by each storyteller. We worked with 2 Veteran consultants who guided our narrative text message development in substantive ways, as we sought to craft culturally sensitive content for texts. Informed by Veteran input on timing and integration, supplementary educational and 2-way interactive assessment text messages were also developed. Results: Within the Veterans Affairs texting system Annie, we programmed five 6-month text-messaging protocols that included cycles of 3 text message types: narrative messages, nonnarrative educational messages, and 2-way interactive messages assessing self-efficacy and behavior related to hypertension self-management. Each protocol corresponds to a single Veteran storyteller, allowing Veterans to choose the story that most resonates with their own life experiences. Conclusions: We crafted a culturally sensitive text-messaging protocol using narrative content referenced in Veteran stories to support effective hypertension self-management. Integrating narrative content into a mobile health texting intervention provides a low-cost way to support longitudinal behavior change. A randomized trial is underway to test its impact on the lifestyle changes and blood pressure of African American Veterans. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03970590; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03970590 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/29423 ", doi="10.2196/29423", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/12/e29423", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34855617" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/25618, author="Prokhorov, V. Alexander and Calabro, Sue Karen and Arya, Ashish and Russell, Sophia and Czerniak, W. Katarzyna and Botello, C. Gabrielle and Chen, Minxing and Yuan, Ying and Perez, Adriana and Vidrine, J. Damon and Perry, L. Cheryl and Khalil, Elias Georges", title="Mobile Text Messaging for Tobacco Risk Communication Among Young Adult Community College Students: Randomized Trial of Project Debunk", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Nov", day="24", volume="9", number="11", pages="e25618", keywords="tobacco use", keywords="risk communication", keywords="text messaging", keywords="message framing", keywords="regulatory science", keywords="young adults", keywords="vaping", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: The use of new and emerging tobacco products (NETPs) and conventional tobacco products (CTPs) has been linked to several alarming medical conditions among young adults (YAs). Considering that 96\% of YAs own mobile phones, SMS text messaging may be an effective strategy for tobacco risk communication. Objective: Project Debunk is a community-based randomized trial aiming to identify specific types of messages that effectively improve perceived NETP and CTP risk among YAs in community colleges. Methods: With YAs recruited offline from 3 campuses at the Houston Community College (September 2016 to July 2017), we conducted a 6-month randomized trial with 8 arms based on the combination of 3 message categories: framing (gain-framed vs loss-framed), depth (simple vs complex), and appeal (emotional vs rational). Participants received fully automated web-based SMS text messages in two 30-day campaigns (2 messages per day). We conducted repeated-measures mixed-effect models stratified by message type received, predicting perceived CTP and NETP risks. Owing to multiple testing with 7 models, an association was deemed significant for P<.007 (.05 divided by 7). Results: A total of 636 participants completed the baseline survey, were randomized to 1 of 8 conditions (between 73 and 86 participants per condition), and received messages from both campaigns. By the 2-month post campaign 2 assessment point, 70.1\% (446/636) completed all outcome measures. By the end of both campaigns, participants had a significant increase in perceived NETP risk over time (P<.001); however, participants had a marginal increase in perceived CTP risk (P=.008). Separately for each group, there was a significant increase in perceived NETP risk among participants who received rational messages (P=.005), those who received emotional messages (P=.006), those who received simple messages (P=.003), and those who received gain-framed messages (P=.003). Conclusions: In this trial, YAs had an increase in perceived NETP risk. However, with stratification, we observed a significant increase in perceived NETP risk upon exposure to rational, emotional, simple, and gain-framed messages. In addition, YAs generally had an increase in perceived CTP risk and presented nonsignificant but observable improvement upon exposure to emotional, complex, and loss-framed messages. With the results of this study, researchers and practitioners implementing mobile health programs may take advantage of our tailored messages through larger technology-based programs such as smartphone apps and social media campaigns. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03457480; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03457480 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/10977 ", doi="10.2196/25618", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/11/e25618", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34822339" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/30995, author="Barrera, Z. Alinne and Hamil, Jaime and Tandon, Darius", title="Integrating SMS Text Messages Into a Preventive Intervention for Postpartum Depression Delivered via In-Home Visitation Programs: Feasibility and Acceptability Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Nov", day="18", volume="5", number="11", pages="e30995", keywords="perinatal mental health", keywords="postpartum depression", keywords="public health", keywords="SMS", keywords="technology", abstract="Background: The Mothers and Babies (MB) Course is recognized by the US Preventive Services Task Force as an evidence-based preventive intervention for postpartum depression (PPD) that should be recommended to pregnant women at risk for PPD. Objective: This report examines the feasibility and acceptability of enhancing the MB 1-on-1 intervention by adding 36 SMS text messages that target 3 areas: reinforcement of skills, between-session homework reminders, and responding to self-monitoring texts (ie, MB Plus Text Messaging [MB-TXT]). Methods: In partnership with 9 home visiting programs, 28 ethnically and racially diverse pregnant women (mean 25.6, SD 9.0 weeks) received MB-TXT. Feasibility was defined by home visitors' adherence to logging into the HealthySMS platform to enter session data and trigger SMS text messages within 7 days of the in-person session. The acceptability of MB-TXT was measured by participants' usefulness and understanding ratings of the SMS text messages and responses to the self-monitoring SMS text messages. Results: On average, home visitors followed the study protocol and entered session-specific data between 5.50 and 61.17 days following the MB 1-on-1 sessions. A high proportion of participants responded to self-monitoring texts (25/28, 89\%) and rated the text message content as very useful and understandable. Conclusions: This report contributes to a growing body of research focusing on digital adaptations of the MB course. SMS is a low-cost, accessible digital tool that can be integrated into existing interventions. With appropriate resources to support staff, it can be implemented in community-based organizations and health care systems that serve women at risk for PPD. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03420755; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03420755 ", doi="10.2196/30995", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/11/e30995", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34792478" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/31037, author="Yakovchenko, Vera and McInnes, Keith D. and Petrakis, Ann Beth and Gillespie, Chris and Lipschitz, M. Jessica and McCullough, B. Megan and Richardson, Lorilei and Vetter, Brian and Hogan, P. Timothy", title="Implementing Automated Text Messaging for Patient Self-management in the Veterans Health Administration: Qualitative Study Applying the Nonadoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability Framework", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Nov", day="15", volume="9", number="11", pages="e31037", keywords="implementation science", keywords="implementation facilitation", keywords="texting", keywords="veterans", keywords="eHealth", keywords="self-management", keywords="digital health", keywords="digital medicine", abstract="Background: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is deploying an automated texting system (aTS) to support patient self-management. Objective: We conducted a qualitative evaluation to examine factors influencing national rollout of the aTS, guided by the Nonadoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread, and Sustainability (NASSS) framework, which is intended to support the evaluation of novel technologies. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 33 staff and 38 patients who were early adopters of the aTS. Data were analyzed following deductive and inductive approaches using a priori codes and emergent coding based on the NASSS. Results: We identified themes across NASSS domains: (1) Condition: The aTS was considered relevant for a range of patient needs; however, perceptions of patient suitability were guided by texting experience and clinical complexity rather than potential benefits. (2) Technology: Onboarding of the aTS presented difficulty and the staff had different opinions on incorporating patient-generated data into care planning. (3) Value: Supply-side value relied on the flexibility of the aTS and its impact on staff workload whereas demand-side value was driven by patient perceptions of the psychological and behavioral impacts of the aTS. (4) Adopters: Limited clarity on staff roles and responsibilities presented challenges in incorporating the aTS into clinical processes. (5) Organization: Staff were willing to try the aTS; however, perceptions of leadership support and clinic readiness hindered usage. (6) Wider system: Staff focused on enhancing aTS interoperability with the electronic medical record. (7) Embedding and adaptation over time: The interplay of aTS versatility, patient and staff demands, and broader societal changes in preferences for communicating health information facilitated aTS implementation. Conclusions: VHA's new aTS has the potential to further engage patients and expand the reach of VHA care; however, patients and staff require additional support to adopt, implement, and sustain the aTS. The NASSS highlighted how the aTS can be better embedded into current practices, which patients might benefit most from its functionality, and which aspects of aTS messages are most relevant to self-management. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03898349; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03898349 ", doi="10.2196/31037", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/11/e31037", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34779779" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/23874, author="Chukwu, Emeka and Gilroy, Sonia and Addaquay, Kojo and Jones, Nafisa Nki and Karimu, Gbadia Victor and Garg, Lalit and Dickson, Eva Kim", title="Formative Study of Mobile Phone Use for Family Planning Among Young People in Sierra Leone: Global Systematic Survey", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Nov", day="12", volume="5", number="11", pages="e23874", keywords="young people", keywords="short message service", keywords="SMS", keywords="chatbot", keywords="text message", keywords="interactive voice response", keywords="IVR", keywords="WhatsApp", keywords="Facebook", keywords="family planning", keywords="contraceptives", keywords="Sierra Leone", abstract="Background: Teenage pregnancy remains high with low contraceptive prevalence among adolescents (aged 15-19 years) in Sierra Leone. Stakeholders leverage multiple strategies to address the challenge. Mobile technology is pervasive and presents an opportunity to reach young people with critical sexual reproductive health and family planning messages. Objective: The objectives of this research study are to understand how mobile health (mHealth) is used for family planning, understand phone use habits among young people in Sierra Leone, and recommend strategies for mobile-enabled dissemination of family planning information at scale. Methods: This formative research study was conducted using a systematic literature review and focus group discussions (FGDs). The literature survey assessed similar but existing interventions through a systematic search of 6 scholarly databases. Cross-sections of young people of both sexes and their support groups were engaged in 9 FGDs in an urban and a rural district in Sierra Leone. The FGD data were qualitatively analyzed using MAXQDA software (VERBI Software GmbH) to determine appropriate technology channels, content, and format for different user segments. Results: Our systematic search results were categorized using Grading of Recommended Assessment and Evaluation (GRADE) into communication channels, audiovisual messaging format, purpose of the intervention, and message direction. The majority of reviewed articles report on SMS-based interventions. At the same time, most intervention purposes are for awareness and as helpful resources. Our survey did not find documented use of custom mHealth apps for family planning information dissemination. From the FGDs, more young people in Sierra Leone own basic mobile phones than those that have feature capablilities or are smartphone. Young people with smartphones use them mostly for WhatsApp and Facebook. Young people widely subscribe to the social media--only internet bundle, with the cost ranging from 1000 leones (US \$0.11) to 1500 leones (US \$0.16) daily. Pupils in both districts top-up their voice call and SMS credit every day between 1000 leones (US \$0.11) and 5000 leones (US \$0.52). Conclusions: mHealth has facilitated family planning information dissemination for demand creation around the world. Despite the widespread use of social and new media, SMS is the scalable channel to reach literate and semiliterate young people. We have cataloged mHealth for contraceptive research to show SMS followed by call center as widely used channels. Jingles are popular for audiovisual message formats, mostly delivered as either push or pull only message directions (not both). Interactive voice response and automated calls are best suited to reach nonliterate young people at scale. ", doi="10.2196/23874", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/11/e23874", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34766908" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/27779, author="Klimis, Harry and Nothman, Joel and Lu, Di and Sun, Chao and Cheung, Wah N. and Redfern, Julie and Thiagalingam, Aravinda and Chow, K. Clara", title="Text Message Analysis Using Machine Learning to Assess Predictors of Engagement With Mobile Health Chronic Disease Prevention Programs: Content Analysis", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Nov", day="10", volume="9", number="11", pages="e27779", keywords="mHealth", keywords="machine learning", keywords="chronic disease", keywords="cardiovascular", keywords="text messaging", keywords="SMS", keywords="digital health", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="engagement", keywords="prevention", abstract="Background: SMS text messages as a form of mobile health are increasingly being used to support individuals with chronic diseases in novel ways that leverage the mobility and capabilities of mobile phones. However, there are knowledge gaps in mobile health, including how to maximize engagement. Objective: This study aims to categorize program SMS text messages and participant replies using machine learning (ML) and to examine whether message characteristics are associated with premature program stopping and engagement. Methods: We assessed communication logs from SMS text message--based chronic disease prevention studies that encouraged 1-way (SupportMe/ITM) and 2-way (TEXTMEDS [Text Messages to Improve Medication Adherence and Secondary Prevention]) communication. Outgoing messages were manually categorized into 5 message intents (informative, instructional, motivational, supportive, and notification) and replies into 7 groups (stop, thanks, questions, reporting healthy, reporting struggle, general comment, and other). Grid search with 10-fold cross-validation was implemented to identify the best-performing ML models and evaluated using nested cross-validation. Regression models with interaction terms were used to compare the association of message intent with premature program stopping and engagement (replied at least 3 times and did not prematurely stop) in SupportMe/ITM and TEXTMEDS. Results: We analyzed 1550 messages and 4071 participant replies. Approximately 5.49\% (145/2642) of participants responded with stop, and 11.7\% (309/2642) of participants were engaged. Our optimal ML model correctly classified program message intent with 76.6\% (95\% CI 63.5\%-89.8\%) and replies with 77.8\% (95\% CI 74.1\%-81.4\%) balanced accuracy (average area under the curve was 0.95 and 0.96, respectively). Overall, supportive (odds ratio [OR] 0.53, 95\% CI 0.35-0.81) messages were associated with reduced chance of stopping, as were informative messages in SupportMe/ITM (OR 0.35, 95\% CI 0.20-0.60) but not in TEXTMEDS (for interaction, P<.001). Notification messages were associated with a higher chance of stopping in SupportMe/ITM (OR 5.76, 95\% CI 3.66-9.06) but not TEXTMEDS (for interaction, P=.01). Overall, informative (OR 1.76, 95\% CI 1.46-2.12) and instructional (OR 1.47, 95\% CI 1.21-1.80) messages were associated with higher engagement but not motivational messages (OR 1.18, 95\% CI 0.82-1.70; P=.37). For supportive messages, the association with engagement was opposite with SupportMe/ITM (OR 1.77, 95\% CI 1.21-2.58) compared with TEXTMEDS (OR 0.77, 95\% CI 0.60-0.98; for interaction, P<.001). Notification messages were associated with reduced engagement in SupportMe/ITM (OR 0.07, 95\% CI 0.05-0.10) and TEXTMEDS (OR 0.28, 95\% CI 0.20-0.39); however, the strength of the association was greater in SupportMe/ITM (for interaction P<.001). Conclusions: ML models enable monitoring and detailed characterization of program messages and participant replies. Outgoing message intent may influence premature program stopping and engagement, although the strength and direction of association appear to vary by program type. Future studies will need to examine whether modifying message characteristics can optimize engagement and whether this leads to behavior change. ", doi="10.2196/27779", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/11/e27779", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34757324" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/28951, author="Pal Bhowmick, Ipsita and Chutia, Dibyajyoti and Chouhan, Avinash and Nishant, Nilay and Raju, N. P. L. and Narain, Kanwar and Kaur, Harpreet and Pebam, Rocky and Debnath, Jayanta and Tripura, Rabindra and Gogoi, Kongkona and Ch Nag, Suman and Nath, Aatreyee and Tripathy, Debabrata and Debbarma, Jotish and Das, Nirapada and Sarkar, Ujjwal and Debbarma, Rislyn and Roy, Rajashree and Debnath, Bishal and Dasgupta, Dipanjan and Debbarma, Suraj and Joy Tripura, Kamal and Reang, Guneram and Sharma, Amit and Rahi, Manju and Chhibber-Goel, Jyoti", title="Validation of a Mobile Health Technology Platform (FeverTracker) for Malaria Surveillance in India: Development and Usability Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Nov", day="10", volume="5", number="11", pages="e28951", keywords="fever", keywords="health system", keywords="mHealth app", keywords="malaria", keywords="surveillance", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: A surveillance system is the foundation for disease prevention and control. Malaria surveillance is crucial for tracking regional and temporal patterns in disease incidence, assisting in recorded details, timely reporting, and frequency of analysis. Objective: In this study, we aim to develop an integrated surveillance graphical app called FeverTracker, which has been designed to assist the community and health care workers in digital surveillance and thereby contribute toward malaria control and elimination. Methods: FeverTracker uses a geographic information system and is linked to a web app with automated data digitization, SMS text messaging, and advisory instructions, thereby allowing immediate notification of individual cases to district and state health authorities in real time. Results: The use of FeverTracker for malaria surveillance is evident, given the archaic paper-based surveillance tools used currently. The use of the app in 19 tribal villages of the Dhalai district in Tripura, India, assisted in the surveillance of 1880 suspected malaria patients and confirmed malaria infection in 93.4\% (114/122; Plasmodium falciparum), 4.9\% (6/122; P vivax), and 1.6\% (2/122; P falciparum/P vivax mixed infection) of cases. Digital tools such as FeverTracker will be critical in integrating disease surveillance, and they offer instant data digitization for downstream processing. Conclusions: The use of this technology in health care and research will strengthen the ongoing efforts to eliminate malaria. Moreover, FeverTracker provides a modifiable template for deployment in other disease systems. ", doi="10.2196/28951", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/11/e28951", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34757321" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/30580, author="Suffoletto, Brian and Goldstein, Tina and Brent, David", title="A Text Message Intervention for Adolescents With Depression and Their Parents or Caregivers to Overcome Cognitive Barriers to Mental Health Treatment Initiation: Focus Groups and Pilot Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Nov", day="9", volume="5", number="11", pages="e30580", keywords="adolescent", keywords="depression", keywords="help seeking", keywords="text message", keywords="intervention", abstract="Background: Many adolescents with depression do not pursue mental health treatment following a health care provider referral. We developed a theory-based automated SMS text message intervention (Text to Connect [T2C]) that attempts to reduce cognitive barriers to the initiation of mental health care. Objective: In this two-phase study, we seek to first understand the potential of T2C and then test its engagement, usability, and potential efficacy among adolescents with depression and their parents or caregivers. Methods: In phase 1, we conducted focus groups with adolescents with depression (n=9) and their parents or caregivers (n=9) separately, and transcripts were examined to determine themes. In phase 2, we conducted an open trial of T2C comprising adolescents with depression referred to mental health care (n=43) and their parents or caregivers (n=28). We assessed usability by examining program engagement, usability ratings, and qualitative feedback at the 4-week follow-up. We also assessed potential effectiveness by examining changes in perceived barriers to treatment and mental health care initiation from baseline to 4 weeks. Results: In phase 1, we found that the themes supported the T2C approach. In phase 2, we observed high engagement with daily negative affect check-ins, high usability ratings, and decreased self-reported barriers to mental health treatment over time among adolescents. Overall, 52\% (22/42) of the adolescents who completed follow-up reported that they had attended an appointment with a mental health care specialist. Of the 20 adolescents who had not attended a mental health care appointment, 5\% (1/20) reported that it was scheduled for a future date, 10\% (2/20) reported that the primary care site did not have the ability to help them schedule a mental health care appointment, and 15\% (3/20) reported that they were no longer interested in receiving mental health care. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that T2C is acceptable to adolescents with depression and most parents or caregivers; it is used at high rates; and it may be helpful to reduce cognitive barriers to mental health care initiation. ", doi="10.2196/30580", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/11/e30580", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34751665" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/29896, author="Joshi, Megha and Shah, Aangi and Trivedi, Bhavi and Trivedi, Jaahnavee and Patel, Viral and Parghi, Devam and Thakkar, Manini and Barot, Kanan and Jadawala, Vivek", title="Psychosocial and Behavioral Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Indian Population: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2021", month="Nov", day="5", volume="10", number="11", pages="e29896", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="mental health", keywords="India", keywords="lockdown", keywords="isolation", keywords="social isolation", keywords="behavior", keywords="psychology", keywords="psychosocial effects", abstract="Background: During the year 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic spread from China to the rest of the world, which prompted the world to implement a widespread mandated quarantine or social isolation. The impending uncertainty of the pandemic must have resulted in a variety of widespread mental health maladies. There has been documentation in the literature about a lot of these in small populations of the world but limited studies have been conducted in India, leading to limited evidence in the literature. Objective: The main objective of our study is to investigate the mental health effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the general population in India both quantitatively and qualitatively. These results will help contribute to reducing the knowledge gap that is recognized in the literature, which is the result of the unprecedented and novel nature of the pandemic. Methods: We designed and validated our own questionnaire and used the method of circulating the questionnaire via WhatsApp (Facebook Inc). WhatsApp is a social media app that is very popularly used in India; hence, it turned out to be an effective medium for gathering pilot data. We analyzed the pilot data and used them to validate the questionnaire. This was done with the expertise of our mentor, Nilima Shah, MD (psychiatry). We gathered pilot data on 545 subjects and used the results to determine the changes that were needed for the questionnaire while simultaneously validating the questionnaire. Results: The study protocol was approved in September 2020 by the institutional review board at Vadilal Sarabhai General Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Conclusions: The following preliminary assumptions can be made about the study based on the pilot data: the majority of the survey respondents were male (289/545, 53\%), most of them were educated and employed as health care workers (199/545, 36.5\%). The majority of the responders were self-employed (185/545, 33.9\%), single (297/545, 54.5\%), and stayed with their families (427/541, 79\%) for the lockdown, which helped them psychologically. Findings that are specific to mental health have been elaborated upon in the manuscript. It is evident from the data collected in previous literature that the pandemic has had significant detrimental effects on the mental health of a vast proportion of the Indian population. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/29896 ", doi="10.2196/29896", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/11/e29896", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34519652" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/25209, author="Romeiser, L. Jamie and Cavalcante, James and Richman, C. Deborah and Singh, M. Sunitha and Liang, Xiaohui and Pei, Allison and Sharma, Samanvaya and Lazarus, Zoe and Gan, J. Tong and Bennett-Guerrero, Elliott", title="Comparing Email, SMS, and Concurrent Mixed Modes Approaches to Capture Quality of Recovery in the Perioperative Period: Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Nov", day="4", volume="5", number="11", pages="e25209", keywords="concurrent mixed modes", keywords="recovery after surgery", keywords="text messages", keywords="SMS", keywords="email", keywords="perioperative recovery", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: As patients are discharged from the hospital more quickly, the ability to monitor patient recovery between hospital discharge and the first follow-up clinic visit is becoming increasingly important. Despite substantial increase in both internet use and smartphone ownership over the past 5 years, clinicians have been slow to embrace the use of these devices to capture patient recovery information in the period between hospital discharge and the first clinical follow-up appointment. Objective: This study aims to investigate the generalizability of using a web-based platform to capture patient recovery in a broad surgical patient population and compare response rates for 3 different web-based strategies for delivering recovery surveys over the perioperative period: email, SMS text messaging, and a concurrent mixed approach of using both email and SMS text messaging. Methods: Patients undergoing surgeries managed with an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway were asked to participate in a web-based quality assurance monitoring program at the time of their preoperative surgery appointment. Different follow-up methods were implemented over 3 sequential phases. Patients received Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act--compliant web-based survey links via email (phase 1), SMS text messaging (phase 2), or concurrently using both email and SMS text messaging (phase 3) using REDCap and Twilio software. Recovery assessments using the established Quality of Recovery-9 instrument were performed 4 days before surgery and at 7 and 30 days postoperatively. Generalizability of the web-based system was examined by comparing characteristics of those who participated versus those who did not. Differences in response rates by the web-based collection method were analyzed using adjusted models. Results: A total of 615 patients were asked to participate, with 526 (85.5\%) opting for the follow-up program. Those who opted in were younger, slightly healthier, and more likely to be in a partnership. The concurrent mixed modes method was the most successful for obtaining responses at each time point compared with text or email alone (pre: 119/160, 74.4\% vs 116/173, 67.1\% vs 56/130, 43.1\%, P<.001; 7 days: 115/172, 66.9\% vs 82/164, 50.0\% vs 59/126, 46.8\%, P=.001; 30 days: 152/234, 65.0\% vs 52/105, 49.5\% vs 53/123, 43.1\%, P=.001, respectively). In the adjusted model, the concurrent mixed modes method significantly predicted response compared with using email alone (odds ratio 3.4; P<.001) and SMS text messaging alone (odds ratio 1.9; P<.001). Additional significant predictors of response were race, partnership, and time. Conclusions: For internet users and smartphone owners, electronic capture of recovery surveys appear to be possible through this mechanism. Discrepancies in both inclusion and response rates still exist among certain subgroups of patients, but the concurrent approach of using both email and text messages was the most effective approach to reach the largest number of patients across all subgroups. ", doi="10.2196/25209", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/11/e25209", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34734827" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/28929, author="Chan, Lilian and El-Haddad, Nouhad and Freeman, Becky and O'Hara, J. Blythe and Woodland, Lisa and Harris-Roxas, Ben", title="A Case Study of an SMS Text Message Community Panel Survey and Its Potential for Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Nov", day="3", volume="5", number="11", pages="e28929", keywords="data collection", keywords="mobile phone", keywords="short message service", keywords="tobacco", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="survey", doi="10.2196/28929", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/11/e28929", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34612824" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/25298, author="Aguilera, Adrian and Hernandez-Ramos, Rosa and Haro-Ramos, Y. Alein and Boone, Elizabeth Claire and Luo, Christina Tiffany and Xu, Jing and Chakraborty, Bibhas and Karr, Chris and Darrow, Sabrina and Figueroa, Astrid Caroline", title="A Text Messaging Intervention (StayWell at Home) to Counteract Depression and Anxiety During COVID-19 Social Distancing: Pre-Post Study", journal="JMIR Ment Health", year="2021", month="Nov", day="1", volume="8", number="11", pages="e25298", keywords="mobile health", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="text messaging", keywords="cognitive behavioral therapy", keywords="anxiety", keywords="depression", keywords="microrandomized trials", keywords="mHealth", keywords="intervention", keywords="mental health", keywords="SMS", abstract="Background: Social distancing and stay-at-home orders are critical interventions to slow down person-to-person transmission of COVID-19. While these societal changes help contain the pandemic, they also have unintended negative consequences, including anxiety and depression. We developed StayWell, a daily skills-based SMS text messaging program, to mitigate COVID-19--related depression and anxiety symptoms among people who speak English and Spanish in the United States. Objective: This paper describes the changes in StayWell participants' anxiety and depression levels after 60 days of exposure to skills-based SMS text messages. Methods: We used self-administered, empirically supported web-based questionnaires to assess the demographic and clinical characteristics of StayWell participants. Anxiety and depression were measured using the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2) scale and the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) scale at baseline and 60-day timepoints. We used 2-tailed paired t tests to detect changes in PHQ-8 and GAD-2 scores from baseline to follow-up measured 60 days later. Results: The analytic sample includes 193 participants who completed both the baseline and 60-day exit questionnaires. At the 60-day time point, there were significant reductions in both PHQ-8 and GAD-2 scores from baseline. We found an average reduction of --1.72 (95\% CI --2.35 to --1.09) in PHQ-8 scores and --0.48 (95\% CI --0.71 to --0.25) in GAD-2 scores. These improvements translated to an 18.5\% and 17.2\% reduction in mean PHQ-8 and GAD-2 scores, respectively. Conclusions: StayWell is an accessible, low-intensity population-level mental health intervention. Participation in StayWell focused on COVID-19 mental health coping skills and was related to improved depression and anxiety symptoms. In addition to improvements in outcomes, we found high levels of engagement during the 60-day intervention period. Text messaging interventions could serve as an important public health tool for disseminating strategies to manage mental health. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04473599; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04473599 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/23592 ", doi="10.2196/25298", url="https://mental.jmir.org/2021/11/e25298", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34543230" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/20970, author="Anderson, Elizabeth and Koss, Mary and Castro Luque, Luc{\'i}a Ana and Garcia, David and Lopez, Elise and Ernst, Kacey", title="WhatsApp-Based Focus Groups Among Mexican-Origin Women in Zika Risk Area: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Data Quality", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Oct", day="28", volume="5", number="10", pages="e20970", keywords="WhatsApp", keywords="synchronous text-based focus groups", keywords="Zika", keywords="Mexican-origin Latinas", keywords="social media", keywords="mHealth", keywords="focus groups", keywords="smartphones", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Despite unprecedented advances in worldwide access to the internet via smartphones, barriers to engaging hard-to-reach populations remain in many methods of health research. A potential avenue for conducting qualitative research is via participatory web-based media, including the free, popular social platform WhatsApp. However, despite the clear advantages of engaging with participants over a well-established web-based platform, logistical challenges remain. Objective: This study aims to report evidence on the feasibility and acceptability of WhatsApp as a method to conduct focus groups. Methods: A pilot focus group was conducted with Spanish-speaking women near the US--Mexico border. The content focus was knowledge and perceived risks for exposure to the Zika virus during pregnancy. Results: Evidence was obtained regarding WhatsApp as a low-cost, logistically feasible methodology that resulted in rich qualitative data from a population that is often reticent to engage in traditional research. A total of 5 participants participated in a focus group, of whom all 5 consistently contributed to the focus group chat in WhatsApp, which was conducted over 3 consecutive days. Conclusions: The findings are noteworthy at a time when face-to-face focus groups, the gold standard, are risky or precluded by safe COVID-19 guidelines. Other implications include more applications and evaluations of WhatsApp for delivering one-on-one or group health education interventions on sensitive topics. This paper outlines the key steps and considerations for the replication or adaptation of methods. ", doi="10.2196/20970", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/10/e20970", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34709185" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/28508, author="Li, Shangcao and Zhang, Jing and Mao, Xiang and Lu, Tianyi and Gao, Yangyang and Zhang, Wenran and Wang, Hongyi and Chu, Zhenxing and Hu, Qinghai and Jiang, Yongjun and Geng, Wenqing and Shang, Hong and Xu, Junjie", title="Feasibility of Indirect Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-test Kits via WeChat Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: National Cross-sectional Study in China", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2021", month="Oct", day="26", volume="23", number="10", pages="e28508", keywords="secondary distribution", keywords="HIV", keywords="men who have sex with men", keywords="WeChat", keywords="HIV self-testing", abstract="Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits are common in key sexually active populations. Direct secondary distribution of HIVST kits (DSDHK) is effective in improving the uptake of HIVST. However, there are concerns about the various limitations of DSDHK, including limited geographic reach, payment problems, and need for face-to-face interactions. Objective: In this study, we aim to evaluate the feasibility and characteristics of indirect secondary distribution of HIVST kits (ISDHK) via WeChat (distributing HIVST application links and follow-up HIVST kits to partners) among men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: From October 2017 to September 2019, an HIVST recruitment advertisement was disseminated on the WeChat social media platform to invite MSM to apply for the HIVST kits (referred to as index participants [IPs]). All MSM participants were encouraged to distribute the HIVST application link to their friends and sexual partners (referred to as alters) through their social networks. All the alters were further encouraged to continue distributing the HIVST application link. All participants paid a deposit (US \$7), which was refundable upon completion of the questionnaire, and uploaded the test results via a web-based survey system. Results: A total of 2263 MSM met the criteria and successfully applied for HIVST. Of these, 1816 participants returned their HIVST results, including 1422 (88.3\%) IPs and 394 (21.7\%) alters. More alters had condomless anal intercourse, a higher proportion of them had never previously tested for HIV, and they showed a greater willingness to distribute HIVST kits to their sexual partners (P=.002) than the IPs. After controlling for age, education, and income, the alters had a greater proportion of MSM who had never tested for HIV before (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.29, 95\% CI 1.00-1.68), were more willing to distribute the HIVST application link (aOR 1.71, 95\% CI 1.21-2.40), had a lower number of sexual partners (aOR 0.71, 95\% CI 0.57-0.90), and were less likely to search for sexual partners on the web (aOR 0.78, 95\% CI 0.60-1.02) than IPs. In comparison, the rates of reactive HIVST results, conducting HIV confirmatory tests, HIV seropositivity, and initiation of HIV antiretroviral therapy were similar for IPs and alters. Conclusions: The ISDHK model of distributing HIVST application links among the MSM population via social media is feasible. The ISDHK model should be used to supplement the DSDHK model to enable a greater proportion of the MSM population to know their HIV infection status. ", doi="10.2196/28508", url="https://www.jmir.org/2021/10/e28508", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34698651" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/27263, author="Middleton, Timothy and Constantino, Maria and McGill, Margaret and D'Souza, Mario and Twigg, M. Stephen and Wu, Ted and Thiagalingam, Aravinda and Chow, Clara and Wong, Jencia", title="An Enhanced SMS Text Message--Based Support and Reminder Program for Young Adults With Type 2 Diabetes (TEXT2U): Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2021", month="Oct", day="21", volume="23", number="10", pages="e27263", keywords="young-onset type 2 diabetes", keywords="SMS", keywords="clinic attendance", keywords="engagement", keywords="diabetes", keywords="digital health", keywords="mobile health", keywords="adolescents", abstract="Background: Clinic attendance, metabolic control, engagement in self-management, and psychological health are suboptimal in young-onset (age of onset <40 years) type 2 diabetes. Objective: We examined the effectiveness of an enhanced SMS text message--based support and reminder program in improving clinic attendance, metabolic control, engagement in self-management, and psychological health in young-onset type 2 diabetes. Methods: A 12-month, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial comparing an enhanced, semipersonalized SMS text message--based intervention (incorporating 1-8 supportive and/or informative text messages per month) against standard care was conducted in a specialized clinic for young adult type 2 diabetes. The primary outcome was maintenance of 100\% attendance at scheduled quarterly clinical appointments. Secondary outcomes included (1) metabolic indices, (2) pathology and self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) data availability, and (3) psychosocial well-being. Results: A total of 40 participants were randomized, and 32 completed their 12-month study visit. The average participant age was 32.7 (SD 5.1) years, 50\% (20/40) were male, and baseline glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 7.3\% (SD 1.9\%) (56 mmol/mol, SD 20). A higher proportion of the intervention group achieved 100\% attendance (12/21, 57\%, vs 5/19, 26\%, for the control group); Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significantly greater cumulative attendance in the intervention group (P=.04). There were no between-group differences in HbA1c, BMI, lipids, or availability of pathology and SMBG data. Odds of recording an improvement in the Diabetes Empowerment Scale--Short Form score were higher in the intervention group at 6 months (odds ratio [OR] 4.3, 95\% CI 1.1-17), with attenuation of this effect at study end (OR 3.1, 95\% CI 0.9-11). Program acceptability was high; >90\% of participants would recommend the program to new patients. Conclusions: An enhanced SMS text message--based support and reminder program doubled scheduled clinic attendance rates for patients with young-onset type 2 diabetes. The program was highly acceptable and provided early support for patient empowerment but had no significant effect on measures of metabolic control or self-management. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618000479202); https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373579 ", doi="10.2196/27263", url="https://www.jmir.org/2021/10/e27263", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34524102" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/29913, author="Bendtsen, Marcus and Bendtsen, Preben and M{\"u}ssener, Ulrika", title="Six-Month Outcomes from the NEXit Junior Trial of a Text Messaging Smoking Cessation Intervention for High School Students: Randomized Controlled Trial With Bayesian Analysis", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Oct", day="21", volume="9", number="10", pages="e29913", keywords="smoking", keywords="cessation", keywords="text messaging", keywords="high school", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="intervention", keywords="student", keywords="young adult", keywords="teenager", keywords="outcome", keywords="Bayesian", keywords="Sweden", keywords="prevalence", keywords="lifestyle", keywords="behavior", abstract="Background: The prevalence of daily or occasional smoking among high school students in Sweden was approximately 20\% in 2019, which is problematic since lifestyle behaviors are established in adolescence and track into adulthood. The Nicotine Exit (NEXit) Junior trial was conducted in response to a lack of evidence for the effects of text message smoking cessation interventions among high school students in Sweden. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the 3- and 6-month effects of a text messaging intervention among high school students in Sweden on smoking cessation outcomes. Methods: A 2-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial was employed to estimate the effects of the intervention on smoking cessation in comparison to treatment as usual. Participants were recruited from high schools in Sweden using advertising and promotion by school staff from January 10, 2018, to January 10, 2019. Weekly or daily smokers who were willing to make a quit attempt were eligible for inclusion. Prolonged abstinence and point prevalence of smoking cessation were measured at 3 and 6 months after randomization. Results: Complete case analysis was possible on 57.9\% (310/535) of the participants at 6 months, with no observed statistically significant effect on 5-month prolonged abstinence (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95\% CI 0.73-2.20; P=.39) or 4-week smoking cessation (OR 1.42; 95\% CI 0.83-2.46; P=.20). Sensitivity analyses using imputation yielded similar findings. Unplanned Bayesian analyses showed that the effects of the intervention were in the anticipated direction. The findings were limited by the risk of bias induced by high attrition (42.1\%). The trial recruited high school students in a pragmatic setting and included both weekly and daily smokers; thus, generalization to the target population is more direct compared with findings obtained under more strict study procedures. Conclusions: Higher than expected attrition rates to follow-up 6 months after randomization led to null hypothesis tests being underpowered; however, unplanned Bayesian analyses found that the effects of the intervention were in the anticipated direction. Future trials of smoking cessation interventions targeting high school students should aim to prepare strategies for increasing retention to mid- and long-term follow-up. Trial Registration: IRCTN Registry ISRCTN15396225; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15396225 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s13063-018-3028-2 ", doi="10.2196/29913", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/10/e29913", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34673532" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/32271, author="Suffoletto, Brian and Goldstein, Tina and Gotkiewicz, Dawn and Gotkiewicz, Emily and George, Brandie and Brent, David", title="Acceptability, Engagement, and Effects of a Mobile Digital Intervention to Support Mental Health for Young Adults Transitioning to College: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Oct", day="14", volume="5", number="10", pages="e32271", keywords="college", keywords="mental health", keywords="self-management", keywords="digital intervention", keywords="mHealth", abstract="Background: The transition from high school to college can exacerbate mental health problems in young adults yet barriers prevent seamless mental health care. Existing digital support tools show promise but are not yet designed to optimize engagement or implementation. Objective: The goal of the research was to test acceptability and effects of an automated digital Mobile Support Tool for Mental Health (MoST-MH) for young adults transitioning to college. Methods: Youths aged 18 years and older with a current mental health diagnosis preparing to transition to college (n=52; 85\% female [45/52], 91\% White [48/52]) were recruited from a primary care (n=31) and a mental health clinic (n=21). Participants were randomized 2:1 to either receive MoST-MH (n=34) or enhanced Usual Care (eUC; n=18). MoST-MH included periodic text message and web-based check-ins of emotional health, stressors, negative impacts, and self-efficacy that informed tailored self-care support messages. Both eUC and MoST-MH participants received links to a library of psychoeducational videos and were asked to complete web-based versions of the Mental Health Self-Efficacy Scale (MHSES), College Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS), and Client Service Receipt Inventory for Mental Health (C-SRI) monthly for 3 months and the Post-Study System Usability Scale (PSSUQ) at 3-months. Results: MoST-MH participants were sent a median of 5 (range 3 to 10) text message check-in prompts over the 3-month study period and 100\% were completed; participants were sent a median of 2 (range 1 to 8) web-based check-in prompts among which 78\% (43/55) were completed. PSSUQ scores indicate high usability (mean score 2.0). Results from the completer analysis demonstrated reductions in mental health symptoms over time and significant between-group effects of MoST-MH compared to eUC on depressive symptom severity (d=0.36, 95\% CI 0.08 to 0.64). No significant differences in mental health self-efficacy or mental health health care use were observed. Conclusions: In this pilot trial, we found preliminary evidence that MoST-MH was engaged with at high rates and found to be highly usable and reduced depression symptoms relative to eUC among youth with mental health disorders transitioning to college. Findings were measured during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the study was not powered to detect differences in outcomes between groups; therefore, further testing is needed. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04560075; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04560075 ", doi="10.2196/32271", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/10/e32271", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34647893" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/29495, author="Adu, Kofi Medard and Shalaby, Reham and Eboreime, Ejemai and Sapara, Adegboyega and Nkire, Nnamdi and Chawla, Rajan and Chima, Chidi and Achor, Michael and Osiogo, Felix and Chue, Pierre and Greenshaw, J. Andrew and Agyapong, Israel Vincent", title="Text Messaging Versus Email Messaging to Support Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: Protocol for a Randomized Hybrid Type II Effectiveness-Implementation Trial", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2021", month="Oct", day="13", volume="10", number="10", pages="e29495", keywords="email messaging", keywords="text messaging", keywords="supportive", keywords="major depressive disorder", keywords="randomized trial", keywords="mental health", keywords="digital health", keywords="mobile health", keywords="mHealth", keywords="patient care", keywords="health policy", keywords="decision-making", keywords="health care resources", abstract="Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) accounts for 40.5\% of disability-adjusted life years?caused by mental and substance use disorders. Barriers such as stigma and financial and physical access to care have been reported, highlighting the need for innovative, accessible, and cost-effective psychological interventions. The effectiveness of supportive SMS text messaging in alleviating depression symptoms has been proven in clinical trials, but this approach can only help those with mobile phones. Objective: This paper presents the protocol for a study that will aim to evaluate the feasibility, comparative effectiveness, and user satisfaction of daily supportive email messaging as an effective strategy compared to daily supportive text messaging as part of the treatment of patients with MDD. Methods: This trial will be carried out using a hybrid type II implementation-effectiveness design. This design evaluates the effectiveness of an implementation strategy or intervention, while also evaluating the implementation context associated with the intervention. Patients with MDD receiving usual care will be randomized to receive either daily supportive email messaging or daily supportive text messaging of the same content for 6 months. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of both strategies. The implementation evaluation will be guided by the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework, as well as the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. All outcome measures will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Data collection for this trial began in April 2021. We expect the study results to be available within 18 months of study commencement. The results will shed light on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of using automated emails as a strategy for delivering supportive messages to patients with MDD in comparison to text messaging. Conclusions: The outcome of this trial will have translational impact on routine patient care and access to mental health, as well as potentially support mental health policy decision-making for health care resource allocation. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04638231; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04638231 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/29495 ", doi="10.2196/29495", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/10/e29495", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34643541" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/27478, author="Jiang, Nan and Nguyen, Nam and Siman, Nina and Cleland, M. Charles and Nguyen, Trang and Doan, Thi Hue and Abroms, C. Lorien and Shelley, R. Donna", title="Adaptation and Assessment of a Text Messaging Smoking Cessation Intervention in Vietnam: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Oct", day="8", volume="9", number="10", pages="e27478", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="text messaging", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mobile health", keywords="low- and middle-income country", keywords="smoking", keywords="developing countries", keywords="SMS", keywords="Vietnam", abstract="Background: Text message (ie, short message service, SMS) smoking cessation interventions have demonstrated efficacy in high-income countries but are less well studied in low- and middle-income countries, including Vietnam. Objective: The goal of the research is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a fully automated bidirectional SMS cessation intervention adapted for Vietnamese smokers. Methods: The study was conducted in 3 phases. In phase 1, we adapted the SMS library from US-based SMS cessation programs (ie, SmokefreeTXT and Text2Quit). The adaptation process consisted of 7 focus groups with 58 smokers to provide data on culturally relevant patterns of tobacco use and assess message preferences. In phase 2, we conducted a single-arm pilot test of the SMS intervention with 40 smokers followed by in-depth interviews with 10 participants to inform additional changes to the SMS library. In phase 3, we conducted a 2-arm pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 100 smokers. Participants received either the SMS program (intervention; n=50) or weekly text assessment on smoking status (control; n=50). The 6-week SMS program consisted of a 2-week prequit period and a 4-week postquit period. Participants received 2 to 4 automated messages per day. The main outcomes were engagement and acceptability which were assessed at 6 weeks (end of intervention). We assessed biochemically confirmed smoking abstinence at 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Postintervention in-depth interviews explored user experiences among a random sample of 16 participants in the intervention arm. Results: Participants in both arms reported high levels of engagement and acceptability. Participants reported using the program for an average of 36.4 (SD 3.4) days for the intervention arm and 36.0 (SD 3.9) days for the control arm. Four of the 50 participants in the intervention arm (8\%) reset the quit date and 19 (38\%) texted the keyword TIPS. The majority of participants in both arms reported that they always or usually read the text messages. Compared to the control arm, a higher proportion of participants in the intervention arm reported being satisfied with the program (98\% [49/50] vs 82\% [41/50]). Biochemically verified abstinence was higher in the intervention arm at 6 weeks (20\% [10/50] vs 2\% [1/50]; P=.01), but the effect was not significant at 12 weeks (12\% [6/50] vs 6\% [3/50]; P=.49). In-depth interviews conducted after the RCT suggested additional modifications to enhance the program including tailoring the timing of messages, adding more opportunities to interact with the program, and placing a greater emphasis on messages that described the harms of smoking. Conclusions: The study supported the feasibility and acceptability of an SMS program adapted for Vietnamese smokers. Future studies need to assess whether, with additional modifications, the program is associated with prolonged abstinence. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03219541; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03219541 ", doi="10.2196/27478", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/10/e27478", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34623318" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/31578, author="Shrestha, Manisha and Bhandari, Gopal and Rathi, Kumar Suresh and Gudlavalleti, Gaurang Anirudh and Pandey, Binod and Ghimire, Ramesh and Ale, Daman and Kayastha, Sajani and Chaudhary, Shankar Daya and Byanju, Raghunandan and ", title="Improving the Follow-up Rate for Pediatric Patients (0-16 years) of an Eye Hospital in Nepal: Protocol for a Public Health Intervention Study", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2021", month="Oct", day="8", volume="10", number="10", pages="e31578", keywords="counseling", keywords="follow-up", keywords="intervention study", keywords="pediatric patients", keywords="ophthalmology", keywords="public health", keywords="Nepal", abstract="Background: The follow-up of pediatric patients ensures regular ocular morbidity monitoring and better treatment outcome. Hiralal Santudevi Pradhan Institute of Ophthalmic Science (Bharatpur Eye Hospital [BEH]) noticed that the follow-up rate was only 22\% among its pediatric patients. Several factors like lack of awareness and forgetfulness among patients may contribute to a lower number of follow-up visits. Therefore, BEH decided to find if counseling and reminders through SMS text messaging and phone calls would improve the follow-up rates. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of interventions like counseling and reminder SMS text messaging and phone calls in improving the follow-up rate of pediatric patients. Methods: This is a public health intervention study being conducted using quantitative analysis. All children (0-16 years) with ocular conditions requiring at least 3 follow-up visits in the study period will be included. In all, 264 participants will be allocated to 3 groups: routine standard care, counseling, and reminders with SMS text messaging and phone calls. In counseling, patients will take part in 20-minute counseling sessions with trained counselors at each visit, and information leaflets will be provided to them. In the reminder SMS text messaging and phone call group, patients will receive an SMS text message 3 days prior and a phone call 1 day prior to their scheduled visits. Patients attending within 2 days of the scheduled date will be considered compliant to follow-up. The proportion of patients completing all the follow-up visits in each group will be assessed. Informed consent will be taken from parents and children. Univariate and multivariate analyses will be conducted. Results: The ethical approval for this study has been obtained from the Ethical Review Board (ERB) of Nepal Health Research Council (ERB protocol registration \#761/2020 P). The data collection was initiated on January, 24, 2021, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as of September 2021, we have only been able to enroll 154 of the planned 264 participants (58.3\% of the sample size). Conclusions: This study will reliably document not only the factors associated with follow-up rate through an intervention package (counseling and reminders through SMS text messaging and phone calls) but also the cost effectiveness of the intervention package, which can be applied in all the departments of the hospital. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04837534; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04837534 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/31578 ", doi="10.2196/31578", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/10/e31578", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34521615" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/30947, author="Larkin, Celine and Wijesundara, Jessica and Nguyen, L. Hoa and Ha, Anh Duc and Vuong, Anh and Nguyen, Kieu Cuong and Amante, Daniel and Ngo, Quy Chau and Phan, Thu Phuong and Pham, Le Quyen Thi and Nguyen, Ngoc Binh and Nguyen, Phuong Anh Thi and Nguyen, Thu Phuong Thi and Person, Sharina and Allison, J. Jeroan and Houston, K. Thomas and Sadasivam, Rajani", title="mHealth Messaging to Motivate Quitline Use and Quitting: Protocol for a Community-Based Randomized Controlled Trial in Rural Vietnam", journal="JMIR Res Protoc", year="2021", month="Oct", day="7", volume="10", number="10", pages="e30947", keywords="tobacco cessation", keywords="smoking cessation", keywords="mHealth", keywords="global health", keywords="Vietnam", keywords="randomized controlled trial", abstract="Background: Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. In Vietnam, 1 in every 2 male adults smokes tobacco. Vietnam has set up telephone Quitline counseling that is available to all smokers, but it is underused. We previously developed an automated and effective motivational text messaging system to support smoking cessation among US smokers. Objective: The aim of this study is to adapt the aforementioned system for rural Vietnamese smokers to promote cessation of tobacco use, both directly and by increasing the use of telephone Quitline counseling services and nicotine replacement therapy. Moreover, we seek to enhance research and health service capacity in Vietnam. Methods: We are testing the effectiveness of our culturally adapted motivational text messaging system by using a community-based randomized controlled trial design (N=600). Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention (regular motivational and assessment text messages) or control condition (assessment text messages only) for a period of 6 months. Trial recruitment took place in four communes in the Hung Yen province in the Red River Delta region of Vietnam. Recruitment events were advertised to the local community, facilitated by community health workers, and occurred in the commune health center. We are assessing the impact of the texting system on 6-month self-reported and biochemically verified smoking cessation, as well as smoking self-efficacy, uptake of the Quitline, and use of nicotine replacement therapy. In addition to conducting the trial, the research team also provided ongoing training and consultation with the Quitline during the study period. Results: Site preparation, staff training, intervention adaptation, participant recruitment, and baseline data collection were completed. The study was funded in August 2017; it was reviewed and approved by the University of Massachusetts Medical School Institutional Review Board in 2017. Recruitment began in November 2018. A total of 750 participants were recruited from four communes, and 700 (93.3\%) participants completed follow-up by March 2021. An analysis of the trial results is in progress; results are expected to be published in late 2022. Conclusions: This study examines the effectiveness of mobile health interventions for smoking in rural areas in low- and middle-income countries, which can be implemented nationwide if proven effective. In addition, it also facilitates significant collaboration and capacity building among a variety of international partners, including researchers, policy makers, Quitline counselors, and community health workers. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03567993; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03567993. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/30947 ", doi="10.2196/30947", url="https://www.researchprotocols.org/2021/10/e30947", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34617915" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/26418, author="Wisk, E. Lauren and Magane, M. Kara and Nelson, B. Eliza and Tsevat, K. Rebecca and Levy, Sharon and Weitzman, R. Elissa", title="Psychoeducational Messaging to Reduce Alcohol Use for College Students With Type 1 Diabetes: Internet-Delivered Pilot Trial", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2021", month="Sep", day="30", volume="23", number="9", pages="e26418", keywords="adolescent", keywords="young adult", keywords="diabetes mellitus", keywords="type 1", keywords="binge drinking", keywords="alcohol drinking", keywords="self care", keywords="risk-taking", keywords="universities", keywords="students", keywords="attitude", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: College environments promote high-volume or binge alcohol consumption among youth, which may be especially harmful to those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Little is known about the acceptability and effectiveness of interventions targeting reduced alcohol use by college students with T1D, and it is unclear whether intervention framing (specifically, the narrator of intervention messages) matters with respect to affecting behavior change. Interventions promoted by peer educators may be highly relatable and socially persuasive, whereas those delivered by clinical providers may be highly credible and motivating. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the acceptability and impacts of an alcohol use psychoeducational intervention delivered asynchronously through web-based channels to college students with T1D. The secondary aim is to compare the impacts of two competing versions of the intervention that differed by narrator (peer vs clinician). Methods: We recruited 138 college students (aged 17-25 years) with T1D through web-based channels and delivered a brief intervention to participants randomly assigned to 1 of 2 versions that differed only with respect to the audiovisually recorded narrator. We assessed the impacts of the exposure to the intervention overall and by group, comparing the levels of alcohol- and diabetes-related knowledge, perceptions, and use among baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 2 weeks after intervention delivery. Results: Of the 138 enrolled participants, 122 (88.4\%) completed all follow-up assessments; the participants were predominantly women (98/122, 80.3\%), were White non-Hispanic (102/122, 83.6\%), and had consumed alcohol in the past year (101/122, 82.8\%). Both arms saw significant postintervention gains in the knowledge of alcohol's impacts on diabetes-related factors, health-protecting attitudes toward drinking, and concerns about drinking. All participants reported significant decreases in binge drinking 2 weeks after the intervention (21.3\%; odds ratio 0.48, 95\% CI 0.31-0.75) compared with the 2 weeks before the intervention (43/122, 35.2\%). Changes in binge drinking after the intervention were affected by changes in concerns about alcohol use and T1D. Those who viewed the provider narrator were significantly more likely to rate their narrator as knowledgeable and trustworthy; there were no other significant differences in intervention effects by the narrator. Conclusions: The intervention model was highly acceptable and effective at reducing self-reported binge drinking at follow-up, offering the potential for broad dissemination and reach given the web-based format and contactless, on-demand content. Both intervention narrators increased knowledge, improved health-protecting attitudes, and increased concerns regarding alcohol use. The participants' perceptions of expertise and credibility differed by narrator. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02883829; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02883829 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1177/1932296819839503 ", doi="10.2196/26418", url="https://www.jmir.org/2021/9/e26418", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34591022" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/29928, author="Bae, Jang-Whan and Woo, Seoung-Il and Lee, Joongyub and Park, Sang-Don and Kwon, Woo Sung and Choi, Huan Seong and Yoon, Gwang-Seok and Kim, Mi-Sook and Hwang, Seung-Sik and Lee, Kyung Won", title="mHealth Interventions for Lifestyle and Risk Factor Modification in Coronary Heart Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Sep", day="24", volume="9", number="9", pages="e29928", keywords="coronary heart disease", keywords="prevention", keywords="lifestyle modification", keywords="mobile health", keywords="text message", keywords="mHealth", abstract="Background: Self-management of lifestyle and cardiovascular disease risk factors is challenging in older patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). SMS text messaging could be a potential support tool for self-management and the most affordable and accessible method through a mobile phone. High-quality evidence had been lacking, and previous studies evaluated the effects of SMS text messaging on the subjective measures of short-term outcomes. Recently, a large-sized randomized controlled trial in Australia reported promising findings on the objective measures upon 6-month follow-up. However, an examination of the effectiveness of such interventions in an Asian population with unique demographic characteristics would be worthwhile. Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of a 1-way SMS text messaging program to modify the lifestyle and cardiovascular disease risk factors of patients who underwent the first percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A parallel, single-blinded, 1:1 random allocation clinical trial was conducted with 879 patients treated through PCI. They were recruited during hospital admission from April 2017 to May 2020 at 2 university hospitals in the Republic of Korea. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received access to a supporting website and 4 SMS text messages per week for 6 months regarding a healthy diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, and cardiovascular health. Random allocation upon study enrollment and SMS text messaging after hospital discharge were performed automatically using a computer program. The coprimary outcomes were low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and BMI. The secondary outcomes were change in lifestyle and adherence to the recommended health behaviors. Results: Of the eligible population, 440 and 439 patients who underwent PCI were assigned to the intervention and control groups, respectively. The 1-way SMS text messaging program significantly enhanced physical activity (P=.02), healthy diet (P<.01), and medication adherence (P<.04) among patients with CHD. Hence, more people were likely to control their cardiovascular disease risk factors per the recommendations. The intervention group was more likely to control all 5 risk factors by 62\% (relative risk 1.62, 95\% CI 1.05-2.50) per the recommendations. On the other hand, physiological measures of the primary outcomes, including LDL-C levels, SBP, and BMI, were not significant. Most participants found the SMS text messaging program useful and helpful in motivating lifestyle changes. Conclusions: Lifestyle-focused SMS text messages were effective in the self-management of a healthy diet, exercise, and medication adherence, but their influence on the physiological measures was not significant. One-way SMS text messages can be used as an affordable adjuvant method for lifestyle modification to help prevent the recurrence of cardiovascular disease. Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS) KCT0005087; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/19282 ", doi="10.2196/29928", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/9/e29928", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34559058" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/25558, author="Holst, Christine and Isabwe, Norbert Ghislain Maurice and Sukums, Felix and Ngowi, Helena and Kajuna, Flora and Radovanovi{\'c}, Danica and Mansour, Wisam and Mwakapeje, Elibariki and Cardellichio, Peter and Ngowi, Bernard and Noll, Josef and Winkler, Sylvia Andrea", title="Development of Digital Health Messages for Rural Populations in Tanzania: Multi- and Interdisciplinary Approach", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Sep", day="22", volume="9", number="9", pages="e25558", keywords="digital health", keywords="eHealth", keywords="mHealth", keywords="Tanzania", keywords="health education", keywords="HIV/AIDS", keywords="tuberculosis", keywords="cysticercosis", keywords="tapeworm", keywords="anthrax", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Health workers have traditionally delivered health promotion and education to rural communities in the Global South in paper leaflet formats or orally. With the rise of digital technologies, health promotion and education can be provided in innovative and more effective formats, which are believed to have a higher impact on disease prevention and treatment. Objective: The aim of this tutorial is to illustrate how a multi- and interdisciplinary approach can be applied in the design process of digital health messages for use in the Global South. Methods: The multi- and interdisciplinary team of the Non-discriminating access for Digital Inclusion (DigI) project digitalized and customized available government-approved paper-based health promotion messages into a screen-suitable format. The team worked closely together and used its diverse expertise to develop digital health messages with disease-specific content in Tanzania's national language (Swahili) as well as English. The development process included the following phases: a local needs assessment; identification of government-approved health promotion materials in a nondigital format; identification of key health messages; creation of a practical and engaging story, easy to understand for the general public; drafting of a storyboard for an animated video with review, feedback, and revisions; forward and backward translation; audio recording of the story in both languages; finalization and presentation of the animations; development of relevant questions related to the health messages in each domain; and development of web and mobile apps to access the digital health messages. Results: Between 2017 and 2019, we developed key health messages, quizzes, and animated health videos to address HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, Taenia solium cysticercosis and taeniasis, and anthrax, all of which are of public health importance in Tanzania. Feedback from local stakeholders and test users was included in various phases of the process. The 4 videos and other content are available in local information spots on a digital health platform (DigI platform), established by the DigI project, in both Tanzanian Swahili and English. Conclusions: Our methodological multi- and interdisciplinary approach ensures that the digital health messages for the public are clear, high quality, and align with the government's objectives for health promotion. It also demonstrates the diversity of scientific disciplines required when collaborating on a digital health project. We recommend this approach to be applied to the development of other digital health messages for a wide range of diseases. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/25128 ", doi="10.2196/25558", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/9/e25558", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34550081" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/24527, author="Tam, Lon Hon and Wong, Ling Eliza Mi and Cheung, Kin and Chung, Fung Siu", title="Effectiveness of Text Messaging Interventions on Blood Pressure Control Among Patients With Hypertension: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Sep", day="22", volume="9", number="9", pages="e24527", keywords="text messaging", keywords="hypertension", keywords="blood pressure", keywords="mHealth", keywords="meta-analysis", abstract="Background: Controlling blood pressure (BP) is an international health concern, and high BP is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease mortality. Evidence has shown that educational interventions directed at patients potentially improve BP control and adherence to medications and lifestyle modifications. In addition, a text messaging intervention has a potential effect on BP control; however, the dosage of a text messaging intervention has not been determined in previous reviews, resulting in difficult application in practice. Objective: This review aimed to identify the effectiveness of a text messaging intervention on hypertension management with a specific focus on the dosage of text messaging and the type of additional interventions with text messaging. Methods: A systematic review was conducted and reported on in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Participants were aged 18 years and older and diagnosed with primary hypertension. The included studies used text messaging as a component of the intervention. We searched for randomized controlled trials published until June 30, 2020, from the following health-related electronic databases: Embase, Medline, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Data were extracted for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of each study, and the quality of the included studies was assessed independently by two authors. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall methodological quality was fair (mean score 5.75). The frequency of text message delivery varied from daily to biweekly. Health education was identified in 4 studies as an additional intervention with text messaging. The overall results showed that the text messaging intervention significantly reduced systolic BP (SBP) but not diastolic BP (DBP). There was no significant difference in BP reduction between studies that lasted 6 months or less and those that lasted more than 7 months. Seven studies that lasted 6 months or less involving 1428 patients with hypertension were pooled for further meta-analysis. Text messages delivered at a lower frequency (once per week or less) had a small effect on SBP reduction (effect size 0.35, P<.01) and DBP reduction (effect size 0.28, P=.01). In addition, the use of a text messaging intervention halved the odds of uncontrolled BP among patients with hypertension in 6 months (odds ratio 0.46, P=.02). Conclusions: This review found that a text messaging intervention was effective in BP control. One-way text messaging delivered in a weekly manner was suggested to be effective and required fewer resources. Future studies should use different forms of text message and be integrated into other interventions to improve adherence behaviors and BP control among patients with hypertension. ", doi="10.2196/24527", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/9/e24527", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34550078" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/26224, author="Choi, Michael and Raeside, Rebecca and Hyun, Karice and Partridge, R. Stephanie and Thiagalingam, Aravinda and Redfern, Julie", title="Understanding Preferences for Lifestyle-Focused Visual Text Messages in Patients With Cardiovascular and Chronic Respiratory Disease: Discrete Choice Experiment", journal="J Med Internet Res", year="2021", month="Sep", day="20", volume="23", number="9", pages="e26224", keywords="mHealth", keywords="cardiovascular disease", keywords="respiratory disease", keywords="visual communication", keywords="lifestyle change", keywords="consumer preferences", keywords="secondary prevention", keywords="rehabilitation", keywords="persuasive health technology", abstract="Background: Supporting healthy lifestyle changes is a key aim of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. SMS text messaging programs have demonstrated effectiveness in cardiovascular disease risk reduction, weight loss, increasing physical activity, and smoking cessation. The optimization of SMS text messaging programs may deliver greater population benefits as mobile phone use becomes ubiquitous. Visual messaging (ie, image-based messages) has the potential to communicate health messages via digital technology and result in enhanced engagement. Objective: This study aims to determine and understand patient preferences for lifestyle-focused visual text messages that support cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation. Methods: A discrete choice experiment was conducted in a 4-stage iterative process to elicit patient preferences for visual message features. Attribute and level development yielded 3 attributes (purpose, image type, and web address), and 16 choice sets were subsequently constructed according to a full factorial design. Patients participating in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation were surveyed (on the web) for their preferences regarding the visual message choice sets. Respondents were asked to choose among 16 pairs of visual messages regarding key lifestyle behaviors, namely, physical activity and nutrition. The data were analyzed using a conditional logit model. Results: There was a total of 1728 observations from 54 unique respondents. Two factors that were associated with patient preference were gain-framed purpose compared with no purpose (odds ratio [OR] 1.93, 95\% CI 1.40-2.65) and real images compared with cartoon images (OR 1.26, 95\% CI 1.04-1.54). A loss-framed purpose was less preferred than no purpose (OR 0.55, 95\% CI 0.42-0.74). Overall, patients preferred positive images that were colorful and engaged with text that supported the image and had a preference for images of real people rather than cartoons. Conclusions: A discrete choice experiment is a scientific method for eliciting patient preferences for a visual messaging intervention that is designed to support changes in lifestyle behaviors. SMS text messaging programs that use visual aids may result in greater patient satisfaction by using a gain frame, using real images, and avoiding a loss frame. Further research is needed to explore the feasibility of implementation and the health and behavioral outcomes associated with such visual messaging programs. ", doi="10.2196/26224", url="https://www.jmir.org/2021/9/e26224", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34542413" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/26158, author="Craig Rushing, Stephanie and Kelley, Allyson and Bull, Sheana and Stephens, David and Wrobel, Julia and Silvasstar, Joshva and Peterson, Roger and Begay, Corey and Ghost Dog, Thomas and McCray, Celena and Love Brown, Danica and Thomas, Morgan and Caughlan, Colbie and Singer, Michelle and Smith, Paige and Sumbundu, Kanku", title="Efficacy of an mHealth Intervention (BRAVE) to Promote Mental Wellness for American Indian and Alaska Native Teenagers and Young Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Ment Health", year="2021", month="Sep", day="15", volume="8", number="9", pages="e26158", keywords="American Indian", keywords="Alaska Native", keywords="adolescent", keywords="mental health", keywords="help-seeking skills, text messaging", keywords="mHealth, behavioral intervention", keywords="Indian health", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Culturally relevant interventions are needed to help American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) teenagers and young adults navigate common risky situations involving family and friends, including drug and alcohol misuse, dating violence, and suicidality. Leveraging We R Native, a multimedia health resource for Native teenagers and young adults, staff of the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board designed the BRAVE intervention for Native youth. The program is delivered via SMS text messaging and includes role model videos, mental wellness strategies, links to culturally relevant resources, and social support from family and friends. Objective: We aim to conduct a randomized controlled trial of the BRAVE intervention among AI/AN teenagers and young adults (aged 15-24 years) to assess its impact on their physical, mental, and spiritual health; their resilience and self-esteem; and their coping and help-seeking skills. Methods: From October to December 2019, we recruited 2334 AI/AN teenagers and young adults nationwide via social media channels and SMS text messages and enrolled 1044 participants. AI/AN teenagers and young adults enrolled in the study received either BRAVE SMS text messages, designed to improve mental health, help-seeking skills, and cultural resilience, or 8 weeks of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) SMS text messages, designed to elevate and reaffirm Native voices in STEM and medicine and then received the BRAVE SMS text messages. The impacts of the BRAVE intervention were tested using linear mixed-effect models and linear regressions. Results: A total of 833 AI/AN teenagers and young adults were included in the analysis. Individuals in the BRAVE and STEM arms showed significant positive trends over the course of the study for all outcomes, except cultural identity and help-seeking behavior. Mean scores were significantly different for health (P<.001), resilience (P<.001), negative coping (P=.03), positive coping (P<.001), self-efficacy (P=.02), and self-esteem (P<.001). Changes in help-seeking self-efficacy were significant in those exhibiting risky behaviors at baseline to exit (P=.01). Those who reported positive coping scores at baseline also reported better health on average; however, no difference was found in risky drug and alcohol use (P<.001). The number of participants who used SMS text messages to help themselves increased from 69.1\% (427/618) at 3 months to 76\% (381/501; P<.001) at 8 months. Similarly, the number of participants who used SMS text messages to help friends or family members increased from 22.4\% (138/616) at 3 months to 54.6\% (272/498) at 8 months. Conclusions: This is the first national randomized controlled trial of a mobile health intervention among AI/AN teenagers and young adults to test the efficacy of a mental wellness intervention in relation to STEM career messages. This study provides new insights for supporting the next generation of AI/AN changemakers. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04979481; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04979481 ", doi="10.2196/26158", url="https://mental.jmir.org/2021/9/e26158", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34524092" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/27137, author="Shalaby, Reham and Hrabok, Marianne and Spurvey, Pamela and Abou El-Magd, M. Rabab and Knox, Michelle and Rude, Rebecca and Vuong, Wesley and Surood, Shireen and Urichuk, Liana and Snaterse, Mark and Greenshaw, J. Andrew and Li, Xin-Min and Agyapong, Opoku Vincent Israel", title="Recovery Following Peer and Text Messaging Support After Discharge From Acute Psychiatric Care in Edmonton, Alberta: Controlled Observational Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Sep", day="3", volume="5", number="9", pages="e27137", keywords="peer support", keywords="recovery", keywords="controlled observational study", keywords="inpatients", keywords="mental health", keywords="supportive text messages", abstract="Background: Peer support is an emotional, social, and practical help provided by nonprofessionals to assist others in sustaining health behaviors. Peer support is valued in recovery-oriented models of mental health and is becoming increasingly implemented at the organizational level. Text messaging is a relatively low-cost, high-impact, and easily scalable program that uses existing technology, is devoid of geographic barriers, and is easily accessible to end users. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative peer support system plus a supportive text messaging program on the recovery of discharged patients from acute psychiatric care. Methods: This prospective, rater blinded, controlled observational study included 181 patients who were discharged from acute psychiatric care. Patients were randomized to one of four conditions: treatment as usual (follow-up care), daily supportive text messages only, peer support only, or peer support plus daily supportive text messages. A standardized self-report measure of recovery (Recovery Assessment Scale [RAS]) was completed at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Descriptive analysis, one-way analysis of variance, and repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance were used to examine the changes in the RAS among the study groups and over the follow-up time points. Results: A total of 65 patients completed the assessments at each time point. For the overall sample, higher scores were found for the peer support plus text message condition compared with the text message only and treatment as usual condition on several scales (ie, willingness to ask for help and personal confidence and hope) and total score on the RAS, after 6 months of intervention. Conclusions: Peer support plus supportive text messaging seems to result in improved recovery compared with other interventions. It may be advisable to incorporate the two interventions as part of routine practice for patients with psychiatric disorders upon hospital discharge. ", doi="10.2196/27137", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/9/e27137", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34477565" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/28163, author="MacPherson, Megan and Cranston, Kaela and Johnston, Cara and Locke, Sean and Jung, E. Mary", title="Evaluation and Refinement of a Bank of SMS Text Messages to Promote Behavior Change Adherence Following a Diabetes Prevention Program: Survey Study", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Aug", day="27", volume="5", number="8", pages="e28163", keywords="text messaging", keywords="prediabetic state", keywords="telemedicine", keywords="telecommunications", keywords="exercise", keywords="diet", keywords="preventive medicine", keywords="mHealth", keywords="intervention development", keywords="behavior change", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: SMS text messaging is a low-cost and far-reaching modality that can be used to augment existing diabetes prevention programs and improve long-term diet and exercise behavior change adherence. To date, little research has been published regarding the process of SMS text message content development. Understanding how interventions are developed is necessary to evaluate their evidence base and to guide the implementation of effective and scalable mobile health interventions in public health initiatives and in future research. Objective: This study aims to describe the development and refinement of a bank of SMS text messages targeting diet and exercise behavior change to be implemented following a diabetes prevention program. Methods: A bank of 124 theory-based SMS text messages was developed using the Behaviour Change Wheel and linked to active intervention components (behavior change techniques [BCTs]). The Behaviour Change Wheel is a theory-based framework that provides structure to intervention development and can guide the use of evidence-based practices in behavior change interventions. Once the messages were written, 18 individuals who either participated in a diabetes prevention program or were a diabetes prevention coach evaluated the messages on their clarity, utility, and relevance via survey using a 5-point Likert scale. Messages were refined according to participant feedback and recoded to obtain an accurate representation of BCTs in the final bank. Results: 76/124 (61.3\%) messages were edited, 4/124 (3.2\%) were added, and 8/124 (6.5\%) were removed based on participant scores and feedback. Of the edited messages, 43/76 (57\%) received minor word choice and grammar alterations while retaining their original BCT code; the remaining 43\% (33/76, plus the 4 newly written messages) were recoded by a reviewer trained in BCT identification. Conclusions: This study outlines the process used to develop and refine a bank of SMS text messages to be implemented following a diabetes prevention program. This resulted in a bank of 120 theory-based, user-informed SMS text messages that were overall deemed clear, useful, and relevant by both individuals who will be receiving and delivering them. This formative development process can be used as a blueprint in future SMS text messaging development to ensure that message content is representative of the evidence base and is also grounded in theory and evaluated by key knowledge users. ", doi="10.2196/28163", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/8/e28163", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34448713" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/25900, author="Ranney, L. Megan and Pittman, K. Sarah and Moseley, Isabelle and Morgan, E. Kristen and Riese, Alison and Ybarra, Michele and Cunningham, Rebecca and Rosen, Rochelle", title="Cyberbullying Prevention for Adolescents: Iterative Qualitative Methods for Mobile Intervention Design", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Aug", day="27", volume="5", number="8", pages="e25900", keywords="adolescent", keywords="mobile health", keywords="digital health", keywords="cyberbullying", keywords="user-centered design", keywords="qualitative", keywords="mobile phone", abstract="Background: Cybervictimization among adolescents is associated with multiple negative mental health consequences. Although pediatricians often screen for cyberbullying, validated and acceptable programs to reduce the frequency and impact of adolescent cybervictimization are lacking. Objective: This study uses agile qualitative methods to refine and evaluate the acceptability of a mixed-modality intervention, initiated within the context of usual pediatric care, for adolescents with a history of cyberharassment and cyberbullying victimization. Methods: Three groups of adolescents were successively recruited from an urban primary care clinic to participate in three consecutive iterations (1, 2, and 3) of the program, which consisted of a brief in-clinic intervention followed by 8 weeks of daily, automated SMS text messaging. After 2 weeks of messaging, iteration 1 (I1) participants completed semistructured interviews regarding intervention experiences. Participant feedback was evaluated via framework matrix analysis to guide changes to the program for iteration 2 (I2). Feedback from 2-week interviews of I2 participants was similarly used to improve the program before initiating iteration 3 (I3). Participants in all 3 iterations completed the interviews after completing the program (8 weeks). Daily response rates assessed participant engagement, and satisfaction questionnaires assessed acceptability. Results: A total of 19 adolescents (aged 13-17 years) reporting past-year cybervictimization were enrolled: 7 in I1, 4 in I2, and 8 in I3. Demographic variables included the following: a mean age of 15 (SD 1.5) years; 58\% (11/19) female, 42\% (8/19) male, 63\% (12/19) Hispanic, 37\% (7/19) non-Hispanic, 79\% (15/19) people of color, and 21\% (4/19) White. A total of 73\% (14/19) self-identified as having a low socioeconomic status, and 37\% (7/19) self-identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. The average past 12-month cybervictimization score at baseline was 8.2 (SD 6.58; range 2-26). Participant feedback was used to iteratively refine intervention content and design. For example, participants in I1 recommended that the scope of the intervention be expanded to include web-based conflicts and drama, rather than narrowly focusing on cyberbullying prevention. On the basis of this feedback, the I2 content was shifted toward more general de-escalation skills and bystander empowerment. Overall, 88.34\% (940/1064) of the daily queries sent to participants across all 3 iterations received a reply. Participant satisfaction improved considerably with each iteration; 0\% (0/7) of I1 participants rated the overall quality of Intervention to Prevent Adolescent Cybervictimization with Text message as excellent, compared to 50\% (2/4) of I2 participants and 86\% (6/7) of I3 participants. Engagement also improved between the first and third iterations, with participants replying to 59.9\% (235/392) of messages in I1, compared to 79.9\% (358/488) of messages in I3. Conclusions: This study shows the value of structured participant feedback gathered in an agile intervention refinement methodology for the development of a technology-based intervention targeting adolescents. ", doi="10.2196/25900", url="https://formative.jmir.org/2021/8/e25900", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34448702" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/24555, author="Zhang, Lu and McLeod, L. Howard and Liu, Ke-Ke and Liu, Wen-Hui and Huang, Hang-Xing and Huang, Ya-Min and Sun, Shu-Sen and Chen, Xiao-Ping and Chen, Yao and Liu, Fang-Zhou and Xiao, Jian", title="Effect of Physician-Pharmacist Participation in the Management of Ambulatory Cancer Pain Through a Digital Health Platform: Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Aug", day="16", volume="9", number="8", pages="e24555", keywords="cancer pain", keywords="self-management", keywords="ambulatory setting", keywords="digital health", keywords="physician-pharmacist", abstract="Background: Self-management of ambulatory cancer pain is full of challenges. Motivated by the need for better pain management, we developed a WeChat-supported platform, Medication Housekeeper (MediHK), to enhance communication, optimize outcomes, and promote self-management in the home setting. Objective: We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess whether the joint physician-pharmacist team through MediHK would provide better self-management of ambulatory patients with cancer pain. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or control group. During the 4-week study period, the pharmacist would send 24-hour pain diaries daily, adverse drug reaction (ADR) forms every 3 days, and the Brief Pain Inventory form every 15 days to patients in the intervention group via MediHK. If a patient needed a change in drug/dosage or treatment of an ADR after the comprehensive review, the pharmacist would propose pharmacological interventions to the attending physician, who was then responsible for prescribing or adjusting pain medications. If no adjustments were needed, the pharmacist provided appropriate targeted education based on knowledge deficits. Patients in the control group received conventional care and did not receive reminders to fill out the forms. However, if the control group patients filled out a form via MediHK, the pain management team would review and respond in the same way as for the intervention group. The primary outcomes included pain intensity and pain interference in daily life. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcome measures, medication adherence, ADRs, and rehospitalization rates. Results: A total of 100 patients were included, with 51 (51\%) in the intervention group and 49 (49\%) in the control group. The worst pain scores, least pain scores, and average pain scores in the intervention group and the control group were statistically different, with median values of 4 (IQR 3-7) vs 7 (IQR 6-8; P=.001), 1 (IQR 0-2) vs 2 (IQR 1-3; P=.02), and 2 (IQR 2-4) vs 4 (IQR 3-5; P=.001), respectively, at the end of the study. The pain interference on patients' general activity, mood, relationships with others, and interests was reduced, but the difference was not statistically significant compared with the control group (Ps=.10-.76). The medication adherence rate increased from 43\% to 63\% in the intervention group, compared with an increase of 33\% to 51\% in the control group (P<.001). The overall number of ADRs increased at 4 weeks, and more ADRs were monitored in the intervention group (P=.003). Rehospitalization rates were similar between the 2 groups. Conclusions: The joint physician-pharmacist team operating through MediHK improved pain management. This study supports the feasibility of integrating the internet into the self-management of cancer pain. Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900023075; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=36901 ", doi="10.2196/24555", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/8/e24555", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34398796" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/25548, author="Bermon, Anderson and Uribe, Fernanda Ana and P{\'e}rez-Rivero, Fernanda Paula and Prieto-Merino, David and Saaibi, Federico Jose and Silva, Arturo Federico and Canon, Ivonne Diana and Castillo-Gonzalez, Melissa Karol and C{\'a}ceres-Rivera, Isabel Diana and Guio, Elizabeth and Meneses-Castillo, Janneth Karen and Castillo-Meza, Alberto and Atkins, Louise and Horne, Robert and Murray, Elizabeth and Serrano, Cecilia Norma and Free, Caroline and Casas, Pablo Juan and Perel, Pablo", title="Efficacy and Safety of Text Messages Targeting Adherence to Cardiovascular Medications in Secondary Prevention: TXT2HEART Colombia Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Mhealth Uhealth", year="2021", month="Jul", day="28", volume="9", number="7", pages="e25548", keywords="randomized controlled trial", keywords="Colombia", keywords="text messaging", keywords="cardiovascular disease", keywords="secondary prevention", abstract="Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with a prevalence of approximately 100 million patients. There is evidence that antiplatelet agents and antihypertensive medications could reduce the risk of new vascular events in this population; however, treatment adherence is very low. An SMS text messaging intervention was recently developed based on behavior change techniques to increase adherence to pharmacological treatment among patients with a history of ASCVD. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an SMS text messaging intervention to improve adherence to cardiovascular medications in patients with ASCVD. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial for patients with a prior diagnosis of cardiovascular events, such as acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral artery disease, in one center in Colombia was conducted. Patients randomized to the intervention arm were assigned to receive SMS text messages daily for the first 4 weeks, 5 SMS text messages on week 5, 3 SMS text messages each in weeks 6 and 7, and 1 SMS text message weekly from week 8 until week 52. In contrast, patients in the control arm received a monthly SMS text message reminding them of the next study appointment and the importance of the study, requesting information about changes in their phone number, and thanking them for participating in the study. The primary endpoint was the change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, whereas the secondary endpoints were the changes in thromboxane B2 levels, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, medication adherence, cardiac and noncardiac mortality, and hospitalization. Linear regression analyses and bivariate tests were performed. Results: Of the 930 randomized patients, 805 (86.5\%) completed follow-up and were analyzed for the primary endpoint. There was no evidence that the intervention changed the primary outcome (LDL-C levels; P=.41) or any of the secondary outcomes evaluated (all P>.05). There was also no evidence that the intervention was associated with adverse events. Conclusions: In this study, there was no evidence that a behavior modification intervention delivered by SMS text messaging improved LDL-C levels, blood pressure levels, or adherence at 12 months. More research is needed to evaluate whether different SMS text messaging strategies, including personalized messages and different timings, are effective; future studies should include mixed methods to better understand why, for whom, and in which context (eg, health system or social environment) SMS text messaging interventions work (or not) to improve adherence in patients with ASCVD. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03098186; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03098186 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028017 ", doi="10.2196/25548", url="https://mhealth.jmir.org/2021/7/e25548", url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34319247" } @Article{info:doi/10.2196/25926, author="Mhende, Josephine and Bell, A. Sharrill and Cottrell-Daniels, Cherell and Luong, Jackie and Streiff, Micah and Dannenfelser, Mark and Hayat, J. Matthew and Spears, Adams Claire", title="Mobile Delivery of Mindfulness-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment Among Low-Income Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial", journal="JMIR Form Res", year="2021", month="Jul", day="23", volume="5", number="7", pages="e25926", keywords="acceptability", keywords="addiction", keywords="African American", keywords="cessation", keywords="COVID-19", keywords="feasibility", keywords="income", keywords="low socioeconomic status", keywords="mHealth", keywords="mindfulness", keywords="minority", keywords="smoking", keywords="SMS", keywords="text messaging", keywords="treatment", abstract="Background: Smoking is the leading cause of premature death, and low-income adults experience disproportionate burden from tobacco. Mindfulness interventions show promise for improving smoking cessation. A text messaging program ``iQuit Mindfully'' was developed to deliver just-in-time support for quitting smoking among low-income adults. A pilot study of iQuit Mindfully was conducted in spring 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, among low-income and predominantly African American smokers. Objective: This pilot study examined the acceptability and feasibility of delivering Mindfulness-Based Addiction Treatment via mHealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants were adult cigarette smokers (n=23), of whom 8 (34.8\%) were female, 19 (82.6\%) were African American, and 18 (78.3\%) had an annual income of