Deceptively Simple yet Profoundly Impactful: Text Messaging Interventions to Support Health.

ABSTRACT: This paper examines the use of text message (SMS) interventions for health-related behavioral support. It first outlines the historical progress in SMS intervention research publications and the variety of funds from US government agencies. A narrative review follows, highlighting the effectiveness of SMS interventions in key health areas, such as physical activity, diet and weight loss, mental health, and substance use, based on published meta-analyses. It then outlines advantages of text messaging compared to other digital modalities, including the real-time capability to collect information and deliver microdoses of intervention support. Crucial design elements are proposed to optimize effectiveness and longitudinal engagement across communication strategies, psychological foundations,

SUBMITTER: Suffoletto B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11387917 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature