Browsing by Subject "Text Messaging"

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    Development and Interim Evaluation of WeCare Indiana: a Community-tailored Text Messaging Intervention to Reduce Infant Mortality in East Central Indiana
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2015-04-17) Gelarden, I.A.; Shieh, Carol; Clark, J.L.; Fry, S.J.; Smithson, G.E.; Thomas, R.R.; Umoren, R.A.
    Background: Text messaging is an effective way to distribute health information and reduce risky health behaviors.1,2 In 2014, the East Central Indiana Fetal and Infant Mortality Program of the Delaware County Health Department developed a community-based text messaging intervention program called “WeCare Indiana” as an innovative approach to promote positive pregnancy outcomes. This abstract reports the interim evaluation of health promotional text messages for prenatal clients. Methods: The program was developed using a community-collaborative model. Over 200 prenatal and infant health text messages were reviewed and evaluated by community representatives. Messages included information regarding fetal and infant development, health promotion, and risk prevention strategies with links to local resources. Prenatal messages were then reviewed by prenatal clients for their relevance, clarity, and likelihood to change healthrelated behavior during pregnancy. The program was promoted locally and currently has 98 enrollees. A 4-month interim program evaluation was developed to assess program awareness, reasons for enrolling or not enrolling, and overall satisfaction with text message content. A convenience sample of prenatal clients at a Federally Qualified Health Center participated in the evaluation process. Results: Of the 43 prenatal clients that participated, 10 (23%) clients had heard about the health messaging service. Of those participants, 6 (60%) had chosen to enroll in the program. Enrollees reported hearing about the program through word of mouth, posters, fliers, health care providers, and social media. Reasons given for not enrolling included lack of awareness or interest, technical difficulties, and procrastination. All enrollees reported that the messages were helpful. Conclusions: An effort to reduce fetal and infant mortality in East Central Indiana led to the development and evaluation of community-tailored health messages. The evaluation results will be used to encourage client awareness and enrollment in the program.
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    Gestchat (A Tool to Support Emotional Communication in Text Messaging)
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2015-04-17) Pirzadeh, Afarin; Donnelly, Kaelyn; Elbin, Julie; Lin, Ann Marie May; Yu, Xing
    We introduce a new mobile instant messaging application, which specifically support users’ emotional communication. The invention relates to a novel method in instant messaging to input interactive emoticons through multi-touch gestures. We add additional mode of gesture to instant messaging keyboard and also send text in different colors to present the emotion.