Improving Family Communication

Autor: Ericka Hernández, Adriana Gomez, Cathy Strachan Lindenberg, Gladys Bonilla, Vilma R. Medrano, Mariana Harnecker Romanjek, Marcela Ríos Reyes, Jasón Hernández
Rok vydání: 2017
Předmět:
Zdroj: Hispanic Health Care International. 15:35-42
ISSN: 1938-8993
1540-4153
DOI: 10.1177/1540415317696201
Popis: Introduction:TeenSmart International harnesses the power and flexibility of technology to empower youth to take personal responsibility for their health and lifestyle choices. Access to the Internet via mobile phones is often cheaper than paying to connect to a wired broadband service, and in rural areas, mobile networks may be the only means of accessing the Internet. This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of “cues to action” or brief motivating cell phone text messages to improve adolescent family communication and relationships.Method:A quasi-experimental design using a voluntary sample of 100 Nicaraguan youth at high risk for poor family communication participated. Pre- and posttest quantitative measures using Student t statistical analysis, a focus group, and a participant testimony provided the evaluation evidence.Results:Findings suggest that there are economic and motivational barriers to the use of text messages, but when barriers are eliminated, the behavioral results are positive. Youth who received two weekly text messages over a 6-month period demonstrated statistically significant improvements in family communication perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, strengthening their family communications and relationships.Conclusion:Brief and personalized text messaging “cues to action” may be a cost-effective intervention to improve adolescent healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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